Solar panels and energy crunch forum

Suppose it is down to individual taste and which the solar system you go for.

We sell a lot of solar systems because people want to show off and get one over the proverbial jones next door. You also have to factor in the cost. We sell PV solar tiles, but they are 30% dearer to manufacture and install than standard panels so making them even less cost effective than standard panels.

As long as you go for the flat panel systems then yes it is a excellent time to buy.

Mr S Blackburn

If you put pv solar panels on your roof, the government will pay you a feed in the tariff of 21p per unit produced through the Clean Energy Cashback Scheme starting in April 2010.

From what I hear too, the 21p will go down over time so to get the full benefit, it is best to install sooner than later.

The golden age of cheap energy is finished. The UK will soon import 70% of our energy. Anyone who can afford it should be taking advantage of the new feed-in tariffs. The scheme decreases its rewards the longer you leave it. Get it within the next 3 years and you will be entitled to the highest rate, giving a shorter payback period on your solar system.

I would say solar water heating systems are not necessarily a joke, depending on your circumstances and the company you use to do the work it can be a sensible thing to do (it certainly was in my case). Maybe you have the time, skills and confidence to do yourself, time was the issue for me, payback will be quicker, even though you will not get the grant by DIY it. Use an accredited supplier and you should be ok.

Speaking as someone who has had solar installed for a while now, I still get a real buzz when I look at my pv solar meter and see the number of units going up on a daily basis, knowing my fuel bills are going down.

Domestic photovoltaic or pv solar panels for your domestic consumption with your surplus energy sold to the National Grid network with a feed-in tariff. The tariffs are OK right now, but will deteriorate over time, so act quickly to get the best rates.

Payback under the new feed-in tariff scheme is in the region of 7-9 years depending on project size.

Modern pv solar panels have warranties and a lifespan of 20 years (rated optimum performance is usually 90% peak value at 12 years and 80% at 25 years)

Actual lifespan of a system is 50 years +, and yes there are solar panels that are nearly this old in existence. They went out on the first satellites and space missions and are still producing electricity today!

Because of governmental incentives, current yearly returns can be over 10% of your initial investment cost. This means you will have paid for your system within 8-10 years, and can enjoy another 15 years of government incentives and 20-25 years of free energy contributing to your household energy needs.

Many people decide to go solar panels for financial reasons as energy costs rise, and it currently returns more than Isa's and bonds in percentage terms. Solar installations are considered a safe investment because their returns are inflation adjusted and tax-free.

I had mine installed last Wednesday. Whoopee!

Sorry I did not make it clear how.

If we use a typical 2.2kW pv solar system as an example, this will generate 1,870 kW units annually.

Under the feed-in tariff 21 pence per unit, this will pay you £472 every year for the next 25 years (guaranteed)

You will save on your electricity bill approx £152 per year

This means you will earn/save £624 per year.

This payment is tax free and index linked, paying more for you than keeping it in the bank or under your pillow.

NB. The 21 pence will be reduced to later adopters of solar, so be quick.

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Updated feed-in tariff news at:

http://www.solar-panels.biz/uk-solar-panels-grants-tariffs.php