This is the start of the review of the entire Feed-In Tariffs mechanism to take effect from 12th December 2011 / 1st April 2012.
The situation is in disarray because of legal challenges to the government’s approach, so the eventual outcome to these proposals is very uncertain
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Carpe diem!
Right now is the best time to invest in solar panels. Even with the changes made by the government you would be mad not to because with the current rate of 43.3p p/kWh you will see a return on your investment in around 10 years and will be making money from the Feed-in-Tariff scheme for the next 25 years!
So if you have been thinking about it for a while or have just stumbled across this opportunity, then contact us today with a FREE no obligation quote.
You need to ensure that it is in working order by December 12th 2011 and also having its request for accreditation received by a FIT licensee (schemes up to 50kW or Ofgem for more than 50kW. Note: Everything must be in order, you cannot say the paperwork is in the post to be eligible, if this is the case then you will not receive the higher payment but automatically go to the lower one.
As from the 12th December 2011 all Solar Panel Installations carried out will be subject to the new ‘Feed-in’Tariff’ rates below, which were proposed by the government on the 1st November 2011.
If you would like to benefit from the ‘current‘ rates then your solar system has to be installed and commissioned by midnight on December 11th 2011. You need to ensure that it is in working order and also having its request for accreditation received by a FIT licensee (schemes up to 50kW or Ofgem for more than 50kW. Note: Everything must be in order, you cannot say the paperwork is in the post to be eligible, if this is the case then you will not receive the higher payment but automatically go to the lower one.
|
Band (kW) |
Current generation tariff (p/kWh) |
Proposed generation tariff (p/kWh) |
| ≤4kW (new build) |
37.8 |
21.0 |
| ≤4kW (retrofit) |
43.3 |
21.0 |
| >4-10kW |
37.8 |
16.8 |
| >10-50kW |
32.9 |
15.2 |
| >50-100kW |
19 |
12.9 |
| >100-150kW |
19 |
12.9 |
| >150-250kW |
15 |
12.9 |
| >250kW-5MW |
8.5 |
8.5* |
| Stand alone |
8.5 |
8.5* |
The government brought forward its review of the Feed-in-Tariff scheme which caused quite a bit of disruption throughout the industry for installers, suppliers and also customers. Now that the dust has settled and I have had time to reflect on the changes, it is not all doom and gloom as some might have suggested (including myself at one point).
When Solar PV’s were first introduced into this country the government wanted to kick start the industry so they introduced the ‘Feed-in-Tariff’ scheme which offered very generous returns for customers who decided to have solar systems installed. In the last two years over 80,000 solar PV installations have been carried out and has outperformed all expectations so the government decided to review the ‘Feed-in-Tariff being offered.
At first when we all heard the rumours of the payments being reduced to 21p for systems up to 4kW (these rumours are true) from the current 43.3p and was wondering how on earth customers and installers were going to see a ‘return on investment‘.
Now here is the good news; because there is big demand for Solar PV systems we will see the cost of equipment falling down in price from suppliers so therefore the customer and installer will both benefit and the scheme will still continue to guarantee index linked, tax free payments for 25 years. In simple terms this means householders should still be able to expect a payback period of approximately 11 years.
What does all this mean for existing customers who already have Solar PV systems installed?
Well if you have a system that is already installed and earning FIT payments, then you will continue to receive the existing payment of 43.3p p/kWh, so there is no need for you to ‘PANIC‘
I am currently in talks to have a Solar PV system installed, will I be able to earn the higher rate?
The answer to this is ‘YES’… but you will only be eligible if your system has been installed and commissioned by midnight on December 11th 2011 and is in working order and also having its request for accreditation received by a FIT licensee (schemes up to 50kW or Ofgem for more than 50kW. Note: Everything must be in order, you cannot say the paperwork is in the post to be eligible, if this is the case then you will not receive the higher payment but automatically go to the lower one.
Do I have enough time to benefit from the higher rate?
The good news again is ‘YES‘ but we need to get the ball rolling now and ensure everything is carried out in a timely fashion. For more information please complete our ‘Request A Call Back‘ form and one of our friendly staff will call you back to explain more.
Today at 3:30pm the House of Commons will be reviewing the FiT statement. So far over 72% of the public have said that they think 21p is too low and will kill off the industry.
Why is it when we try and make the planet a better place that the government always has to step in and make it more difficult for us to ‘Reduce our Carbon Footprint‘ to help the environment.
Please click on the following link below which has been provided by the BBC and to the right you will see the Latest Poll where you can cast your vote.
