Solar panels and energy crunch forum

Living what you may say as being out in the sticks, would it be best to install a photovoltaic system which is grid tied or battery stored?

Hello Jack

The answer to this question is; do you want to claim the feed-in tariff incentive scheme.

Installing pv solar to a off grid (battery system) will mean you cannot claim the tariff.

Also, a battery feed system is more expensive to install.

Personally, I would install a national grid connected' system simply to get the feed-in tariff.

When your your photovoltaic, solar panels are producing more power than required, the surplus energy is then exported to the National Grid and sold back to your utility company. The energy companies have different rates and terms for buying your electricity, but I would recommend Good Energy for their more ethical approach to energy than the usual big six energy companies.

The coalition government is giving the scheme cash with the feed-in tariffs schemes, which gives home home owners an dividend every year for a typical solar panels installation. The solar panels also feeds surplus electric into the National Grid.

On April 1st 2010, the feed-in tariff came into effect, making a solar panel installation a very attractive investment indeed. If you opt for an off grid system, then you will not benefit from this scheme.

The feed-in tariff applies across England, Scotland and Wales which are designed to incentivise solar panels, by offering “Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme” which is the rewards proper name. Homes and businesses implementing micro generation systems including solar PV panels, will be paid for the power generated. This still applies if you use all of the electricity yourself! The rates will be paid well above the rate at which energy companies normally sell electricity.

The price paid per unit for power you generate and then use yourself will be 21p. For power, you generate and export back to the grid (surplus to requirement) you will receive 44.3 pence per unit (3 pence per unit extra).

If you are lucky enough to opt for an on-grid system, then it is worth your while.

How much will the benefits of selling energy back to the national grid predicted to depreciate every 3 years, and how much has it depreciated since the 2000?

The feed-in tariff scheme depreciates every 3 years. The scheme started in April 2010 so to gain the maximum rate, you must install before 2013. However, it is understood that if the scheme becomes over successful which seems to be the case, then the depreciating feed-in tariff may start earlier.

This means if you install today and get the max rate of 21 p Kw h then you will be guaranteed the rate for 25 years it only depreciate to newer adopters who will get a lesser rate than you the pioneer.