Photovoltaic (PV systems) is the fastest growing energy industry in the world, generating electricity which can be consumed and fed back into the grid.

There are attractive financial savings that can be made as well as significant environmental considerations.  We outline here three of the most important benefits:

Save Money!

• A limitless supply of FREE energy After the initial investment, Solar energy is virtually free. It relies on daylight and not just sunshine so you can still generate electricity even when it is cloudy.

• Attractive Government financial incentives Financial incentives are available from governments to reduce your cost. The UK government has recently set up a new “feed in “tariff scheme which pays out an estimated £800/year. This has been promised* to run for 25 years. With a typical installation priced at £12,000 that’s a staggering £11,000 profit. Suppliers have been quick to pick up on this deal and many are now offering free solar panels but in return they keep this tariff. Some useful links:
  
  http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Grants-offers-UK for details of grants in UK 
  http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Grants-offers-Scotland for details fo grants in Scotland and
  www.dsireusa.org  (USA

• Sell electricity back to the grid. What you don’t use automatically is fed back into the grid and the good news is power suppliers are legally obliged to pay you for this excess. See:
  
  http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/resources/maps/netmetering_map.shtml for details of netmetering in the US and 
  
  http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Sell-your-own-energy/Feed-in-Tariff-scheme for details of UK feed in tariffs.
  
  the energy savings trust in the UK has an excellent cash back calculator to help you calculate what you can save. see
  http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Cashback-Calculator

• Save money on your electricity bill.. Typical panels can save around 40% on an electric bill approximately £120 a year for an average family and more as energy prices rise.

• Cash Independent of power providers As PV systems are independent, they are unaffected by the price fluctuations imposed by energy suppliers and the ever increasing price of gas.

• Savings start immediately! While the overall payback period is typically around 9-10 years depending on how much electricity your household uses, savings start immediately.

• Add value to your property and make your house attractive to buyers who can reap the savings.

·    

Environmentally friendly

• Solar electricity is a clean, renewable energy (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable…it doesn’t harm our planet or contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
  
  
• Reduce your carbon footprint: Solar energy does not release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO₂) or other pollutants as traditional electricity generators do. A typical home Photovoltaic system could save around one tonne of CO₂ per year - that's around 25 tonnes over its lifetime.

• No toxic waste: Unlike other traditional energy sources such as gas, coal and nuclear, there is no need to transport solar or bury radioactive waste. 
  
  
• No threat of a Disasters! There is no potential threat of a widespread Environmental disaster caused by acts of terrorism or explosions as with for example nuclear or gas. This means there is no impact to our sea,  land or wildlife.
  
  
• The only sound is silence!  Solar systems operate silently and do not contribute to noise pollution 

Low/ no maintenance

Virtually maintenance free. Most systems are guaranteed for their life time of 25 years and will often last decades. The systems operate without the need for moving parts which makes them highly durable and worry free.

• No messy fuel needed! the only fuel is the sun
  
  
• Easily expandable if your family grows - just add more panels!
  
  
• SOS Emergency! Can be used for emergency solutions, in remote areas without the need for servicing
  
  
• Independent of grid Can be run entirely independently for isolated homes, mountain chalets or boats making it a very affordable and  practical solution
  
  
• No Politics! Reduced dependence on foreign sources of energy –which could be withdrawn for political or monetary reasons The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.

And what to be aware of:

Initial cost has in the past been the biggest disadvantage however prices are still falling and will continue to do so as market forces apply, and in the UK some suppliers are now offering solar panels for free. 

• You need a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficieny
  
  
• If you are obscured by mountains or other buildings solar may not work for you.
  
  
• Solar energy is influenced by clouds or pollutants however while there will be a reduction it can still be produced on cloudy days.
  
  
• You cannot produce solar at night, however this does not really matter  as you will simply continue to use electricty from your main power supplier. If you have a standalone system excess energy can be stored in batteries during the day for use at night, or periods of low sunlight.

Thinking of installing a solar system?

Get a FREE quote from a vetted licenced contractor in your local area.

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