Uk Solar Feed-In Tariffs (Fits) Information for Homeowners
2 Mar
The UK Government has set new tariff levels for solar PV installations from 3 March 2012, we make clear current legislation and what the future may hold for the British homeowner interested in Solar PV installation.
Will the tariffs be inflation linked in April 2012?
- Tariffs for existing feed in tariff eligible installations with certified eligibility dates before 3 March 2012 will increase with inflation in April 2012. New tariffs for installations from 3rd March have already incorporated this increase and will not increase.
If i install Solar Panels in my home now what tariff will I get?
- All PV installations with eligibility dates on or after 3 March 2012 will get the current tariffs for electricity generated up to 31 March 2012, and lower tariffs (21p/kWh for up to 4kW installations) for electricity generated after this date. The tariff for PV installations with eligibility dates between 12 December 2011 and 3 March 2012 depends on the outcome of the Government’s appeal to the Supreme Court. If the Government wins the final appeal, it reserves the right to pass legislation at some point in the future reducing the tariff for all electricity generated after that date. These installations will continue to receive current tariffs (43.3p/kWh for up to 4kW installations) until any such legislation comes into effect.
Am I likely to get more for my money by waiting to install?
- NO Evidence shows that the costs of installing solar PV are continuing to fall. The Government is therefore proposing to reduce tariffs for new PV installations from 1 July 2012 onwards, as well as introducing a sliding scale which will reduce the tariffs for new installations on a regular basis in future. So it is best to act now.
How much money do I stand to make if I install Solar now?
- That depends on a range of factors such as the direction of your roof and the size of your panels. The Energy Saving Trust website has a calculator which can be used to predict potential income. Remember In the UK the best arrangement is south facing panels inclined at an angle of 35° and shadow free.
Worth bearing in mind!
- People may think that the Governments reduction of the Feed in tariff is going to sound the death knell for the UK solar industry but people must remember that at its current level it still pays back more than double what UK homes currently pay for their electricity and this tariff is linked to inflation and tax free for 25 years.
