SOLAR BLOG
The rewards of solar power
According to the Evening Telepgraph, more people in Peterborough are turning to renewable energy to complement their lifestyle. Across the city, many households are finding that photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installations now represent a cost effective way to slash energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint and generate extra income.
PV panels can be fitted to any suitable roof, which bona fide solar panel suppliers will be able to advise on. Whilst a house roof is naturally the most popular choice, garages, larger sheds and other out buildings are also adequate.
Made from semi-conducting materials, sunlight strikes the PV panels, producing a direct electric current (DC). Through an inverter, this is converted into AC electricity, and so can be used through the mains of a house.
Dragons fire up interest in solar panels
Viewers of BBC2?s new series of Dragon’s Den were encouraged to seriously consider investing in solar panel installations for their home, ahead of most other investments being considered such as ISAs.
The loudest roar was given off by experienced dragon Deborah Meadon, already an investor herself in the technology, who recognised that investments could see an immediate return of 10% or more on an initial investment of between £10,000 and £15,000.
Though it represents a very real prospect for families to reduce their energy bills, generate an additional income and significantly lower their impact on the environment, the UK still remains far behind other countries.
Solar panels becoming increasingly affordable
Recent analysis from Ernst & Young has suggested that there has been a considerable fall in the cost of solar panels over recent years. This, coupled with rising fossil fuel prices could represent significantly greater affordability for homeowners across the UK.
Today, the cost of a solar panel installation has dropped from around £1.20 per viable unit, to about 90 pence. Improvements in the technology available, and the falling prices in raw silicon are largely behind this.
This is said to be excellent news for organisations considering large scale installations, but the attractions for households go a good deal further than this.
