Are you someone who likes the idea of generating your electricity, but just not ready to take the plunge?

Well, you're not alone. But if you've been thinking about solar for a while, now might be the time to look a bit further..Did you know that from now until April of 2010, homeowners can take advantage of two overlapping Government incentives encouraging people to generate their own electricity?  Households that install a solar PV system in this time will be able to get their hands on a grant of up to £2,500 and also benefit from £1,000 a year when the “clean energy cash back” scheme, announced in the recent Government consultation paper, is launched. 

Still don't know too much about solar electricity? A typical solar photovoltaic (PV) system for a household costs around £10,000 to install with a grant and the £1,000 a year generated in income and savings earns you the equivalent of 10%p.a. Unlike other long-term savings and pensions investments found on the high street, the income from PV is not subject to recessionary fluctuations, is guaranteed for up to 25 years and tax-free.

It's explained here in The Financial Times  & The Daily Telegraph.

Mike Green, a solar home owner from Peterborough recently said: “Initially we made the move to solar because it was the right thing environmentally, but it now makes great financial sense. My family will receive a guaranteed income from our roof for 25 years through the clean energy cash back scheme - not something every household can say! I can now just sit back, watch everyone else worry about their energy bills and look forward to having my house valued.”

An average-sized solar PV system typically generates around half of an average home’s electricity consumption, cutting energy costs significantly and making properties cost less to live in. Installing a solar system helps ‘future proof’ a home against rising fuel prices. As fuel prices continue to rise, energy efficient and renewably powered homes are expected to sell at a premium. Reports from The Energy Saving Trust show that homebuyers are willing to pay up to £10,000 more for a sustainable home and a recent MORI survey showed that three quarters of home buyers say energy efficient features would be important in choosing their next home. A Nationwide survey shows the environmental feature that 82% of buyers most want to see is solar panels.

It’s a win-win situation with sellers getting more money for their properties and buyers getting a house that generates an income. The question just remains, just how good will the Government make the 'Clean Energy Cash back scheme?'

Charlotte Webster
Solarcentury

For more information see www.wesupportsolar.net