Solar Blog

As the news sinks in that their gas and electricity bills are to rise, many of the nine million British Gas (BG) customers could well start to embrace solar power.

The supplier will apply the increases in August 2011. Claiming the rises come as a result of rising wholesale prices and following several months that the company has effectively been operating at a loss for its consumer supply, this move follows similar increases from Scottish Power.

However, many are saying the BG rises, which will equate to an additional average annual expense of £190, are simply unfair at a time when households are feeling the pinch from every direction.

The instant reaction to the news is leading most households to comparison websites to seek out better fixed price deals. However, there is also a move seeing greater consideration for the benefits of a solar power installation in the home.

The cost of installation in itself is coming down all the time, whilst with improved technology it is becoming ever more viable throughout the UK.

Most beneficial of all though is the long term financial aspect, through lower bills and the money it will generate through the government’s feed in tariff scheme, which sees those producing renewable energy entitled to payment from suppliers.

Even without suppliers upping their bills, fossil fuel bills are on course for constant rises, as supplies are depleted and carbon emission taxes imposed. Alongside attitudes to living a greener lifestyle increasing too, solar panel installations in homes throughout the country could well become a standard sight.