Saffron Walden couple explores a new solar system
AN ECO-CONSCIOUS family in Saffron Walden, who have started generating solar energy from their home, could slash their annual electricity bill – and get paid more than �400 a year for doing it.
AN ECO-CONSCIOUS family in Saffron Walden, who have started generating solar energy from their home, could slash their annual electricity bill - and get paid more than �400 a year for doing it.
After installing six solar panels on the south-facing roof of their home in Little Walden Road, Jon Stebbings and Louise Denning will be among the first people in the country to take advantage of a Government incentive launched today (Thursday April 1).
It is hoped that the new Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) will encourage more people to create their own green power.
Ms Denning said: "We have always liked the idea of using solar panels to help the environment and cut our energy bills, but until now it just hasn't been financially possible.
"With this new tariff we will be paid for all the electricity that we produce, whether we use it ourselves or put it back into the grid.
"I think this is a great way of cutting the amount of harmful emissions that are released into the atmosphere and it makes economic sense as well. The new scheme has made renewable energy accessible to everybody."
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The solar, or photovoltaic (PV), panels, which cost about �8000 to install, will provide about one third of the couple's annual electricity requirement as well as providing regular cash payments.
The amount of energy created per day varies depending on how much sunshine is available, but averaged out over the year the panels on their property will produce about 1100 kilowatts.
Installed by Saffron Walden-based installers SolarBarn Ltd, project manager Robert Flynn said: "The incentive scheme is intended to encourage clean electricity generation to combat climate change.
"Jon and Louise can expect to get over �400 a year from the Feed-In Tariff and additionally see a substantial reduction in their electricity bill, even though their Solar PV system is relatively small. Their FIT income will be guaranteed for 25 years, and will be index-linked and tax-free."
For more information about the Government incentive visit fitarrifs.co.uk
