Solar panel systems are the perfect way to generate green electricity while saving money on your electricity bills. Solar panel systems use photovoltaic cells to generate energy from light and the energy produced can typically amount to 40% of the electricity used by a
Solar panel systems are the perfect way to generate green electricity while saving money on your electricity bills. Solar panel systems use photovoltaic cells to generate energy from light and the energy produced can typically amount to 40% of the electricity used by a household in a year. In addition, the UK government will pay you 41p per Kwh generated through your solar panel systems as of 1st April 2010. So don't wait to get your solar panel systems installed!
Installing solar panels to generate electricity may or may not make you a better citizen. But let’s face it: most households and businesses will not go solar unless it is cheaper than other alternatives. The government knows this, which is why they created the Feed-In Tariff and other tax incentives to encourage you to adopt and stick with solar power.
There are certain requirements you’ll need to fulfill – such as planning permission, depending on your location, and a mostly south-facing installation site, for starters. Nonetheless, the UK landscape is increasingly dotted with solar panel installations, and for good reasons. Let’s examine them.
Strong fiscal incentives
Starting this year the amount UK businesses can write off as tax-deductible capital expenditure jumped from £25,000 to £250,000 for investments made in 2013-14. Solar PV systems qualify for the allowance, meaning in many cases the full cost of an installation could be written off.
The UK government Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme, begun in 2010, has spurred a growing army of solar panel providers offering increasingly efficient, affordable systems. Your electricity provider will pay you a set rate for each kilowatt of power you generate with your solar panels, and additional money for any excess power generated and returned to the national grid. The scheme guarantees payments for 20 years, providing a powerful incentive to stick with your solar panels.
A cost-effective long-term energy source
Since you’re 