Four solar industry bodies have spoken out about changes to the government feed-in tariff due to be introduced at the end of June 2012.

The British Photovoltaic Association, Micropower Council, Renewable Energy Association and the Solar Trade Association is worried that consumers are confused about the forthcoming changes to the tariff, which is paid out to homeowners and businesses who generate their own energy through solar panels.

The FIT was launched in 2010 to give consumers an attractive financial incentive to opt for solar panels to power their home or business. Two years later, and more than 250,000 homes have gone solar, with people across the UK benefitting from tax-free, index linked cash back payments through the tariff.

Recent months have seen a drop in installations, however, despite the fact the FIT still offers a handsome return on investment and lower energy bills – a decline that the industry believes is down to consumer confusion.

Paul Barwell, Chief Executive of the Solar Trade Association, comments:

“There is no financial explanation for the low installation levels we’re currently seeing. The main reason seems to be a lack of clear information for the public – an informational deficit which industry is today seeking to redress.”

The four industry bodies have issued a consumer factfile on solar power, summarised below:

• Solar costs have fallen more quickly in the last year than any other any other energy technology.
• Analysts expect solar power to be cheaper than buying electricity off the grid before the end of the decade, saving all consumers money in future.
• Solar panels are getting cheaper – a 4kWp system (the largest size for which the highest tariff is available), can be purchased for less than £9,000 – only one year ago it would have cost more than of £15,000 (an average domestic system is around 2.5kWp)
• Tariffs will reduce over time in line with significant cost reductions, so rates of return will still be strong – indeed, better than most other investment options.
• 50% of UK housing stock already meets energy efficiency requirement for the higher tariff, so if your home has decent insulation, it’s highly likely to be eligible today.
• The Government Carbon Emissions Reduction Target scheme makes it obligatory for energy providers to subsidise energy efficiency measures for homes that don’t meet requirements – to the value of 100% in the case of low income households

The partnership was confirmed last week when Sunpower’s national sales director, Jon Juxon, visited Solarlec’s Burnley head office to deliver a training session to the company’s team of national energy advisors.

Sunpower’s high quality solar panels have been praised throughout the industry for their performance, quality and output – proven to deliver more power in both the ‘real-world’ and under stringent test conditions – and have been chosen to fuel a ground-breaking solar powered aircraft.

Ged Rowbottom, director at Solarlec, said: “We’re in the privileged position of becoming one of the select few UK companies working with Sunpower.

“Sunpower’s products have been proven to be the most efficient solar modules on the market by Guinness World Records and have a unique and highly attractive look largely thanks to their patented ‘Maxeon™ Technology.

“We look forward to building a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with the company – any product that can deliver at 8,500 metres in the air is definitely reliable enough for our customers.”

TV presenter Kate Humble has chosen Burnley solar panel company Solarlec to install solar PV panels on the roof of her Monmouthshire farm.

Springwatch presenter Kate is now producing renewable energy on the farm, which is set to be used as a training centre to teach rural skills and animal husbandry.

She will also see reduced energy bills and regular cash back payments thanks to government subsidies paid out to homeowners and businesses generating their own green energy through solar panels.

Solarlec’s installation team, which covers the whole of the UK, fitted the panels onto Kate’s farm this week.

Kate said: “I am a firm believer in the need for all of us to adopt sustainable sources of energy wherever possible so the barn roofs at the farm gave me the perfect opportunity to look at PV panels.

“Thanks to the advice and expertise of Solarlec, the farm is now producing its own renewable energy and I can practise what I preach!”

Solarlec director Ged Rowbottom said: “Kate’s installation was completed in a day and the panels are already performing to a high level – we’re thrilled to have been able to help Kate achieve a sustainable energy source for the farm.”

Solar panel customers have given Solarlec top marks for service in an independent review.

Solarlec, which has its head office in Burnley, has been awarded a 98% customer satisfaction rating for 2011 by the Independent Warranty Association, which provides solar panel customers with deposit protection and insurance schemes.

The rating demonstrates the high quality of service provided by Solarlec, which was set up in 2009. The company, which supplies solar PV systems to homes and businesses across the UK, received a 99% rating for 2010.

Solarlec director Ged Rowbottom said: “‘We’re delighted to have received a fantastic customer satisfaction rating two years running – the latest award is a remarkable achievement in light of the fact we had our busiest year ever installing  14,881 solar panels, on top of immense pressure to meet Government imposed deadlines.

“This is a testament to the commitment, enthusiasm and hard work of all the staff here at Solarlec.”

Miss Headley, a Solarlec customer from Great Harwood, Lancashire, said: “Solarlec offer great service from start to finish with a friendly sales team who don’t pressurise you into buying.

“The surveyor spoke in plain English and the installation team was prompt, friendly, efficient and cleaned up after themselves. The scaffolding team was on time and efficient too – all in all, a very pleasant experience indeed.”

Celebrity Big Brother winner and Loose Woman Denise Welch has gone green by installing solar panels on the roof of her Cheshire home.

Denise, who has hit the headlines after being crowned winner of this year’s Celebrity Big Brother, has had 16 solar photovoltaic panels fitted onto her roof by Burnley company Solarlec.

Denise and husband Tim Healy said it was their son who persuaded them to take the plunge and start generating their own green energy.

Denise said: “Our son has been nagging us to get solar panels installed for ages so we finally decided to go for it – we’re really delighted with the panels, we’re saving on our bills and earning through the feed-in tariff as well.

“I never thought I’d be the first Loose Woman to go green!”

Solarlec, based at Billington Road Industrial Estate, was named Small Business of the Year for 2011.

Director Simon Bland said: “Denise and Tim are just another example of our many happy solar panel customers – their panels are generating energy throughout the year and they’re receiving regular cash payments from their energy company through the government’s feed-in tariff scheme.”

Burnley solar panel company Solarlec has expanded its installation capacity after announcing a £12m turnover for last year.

Solarlec, who predicted a turnover of £7m earlier in the year, has recruited further staff to its installation teams after experiencing a sharp rise in demand for solar installations towards the end of 2011 following the failure of government plans to reduce the subsidies paid to homeowners who generate their own energy through solar panels.

The company, which sold more than 1,000 solar systems last year, has fitting teams working across the UK to complete the majority of solar panel installations within a day. The extra staff will enable Solarlec to take on a higher volume of projects, including large scale commercial installations.

The surge in demand for solar panels came last November after the government announced plans to halve payments made to households and businesses who generate their own renewable energy through solar panels.

Last month, the Court of Appeal ruled that the government acted unlawfully by introducing the lower rate before the end of the consultation period, so the high rate is potentially still available for systems registered by 3 March 2012, subject to a further government appeal.

Solarlec director Ged Rowbottom said: “Creating local jobs and making a positive impact on Burnley’s economic outlook is a fundamental part of our business. Despite a difficult financial climate and challenging circumstances throughout 2011 we were able to build a strong and constantly evolving business – we look forward to a successful 2012.”

Burnley solar panel company Solarlec is experiencing a gold rush after the government lost its second appeal to reduce subsidies paid to consumers.

Last week the Court of Appeal ruled that the government acted unlawfully by attempting to reduce the feed-in tariff ahead of the original April deadline.

This has left consumers with a possible window of opportunity to take advantage of cheaper panel prices, as the feed-in tariff may remain at its highest ever rate, before it is halved on 3 March. Consumers who buy now will potentially secure the high rate for 25 years.

The government will launch a third appeal with the Supreme Court, but insiders predict it will be unsuccessful.

Ged Rowbottom, director at Solarlec, said: “Right now there is an unbelievable opportunity to take advantage of the fantastic deals on panels and have the potential of receiving the higher subsidiary.”

Insiders predict the tariff rate will drop further on 31 March.

Solarlec has announced capacity to complete 150 installations between now and the 3 March deadline.

Ged added: “Orders are coming in thick and fast following the failure of the government appeal last week – we advise homeowners and businesses to buy now to avoid disappointment.”

Burnley firm Solarlec has launched a January sale to make it easier for the region’s homeowners to switch to green energy – and the sale is being driven forward by a local bus ad campaign.

The award-winning solar firm says now is the best time to go green thanks to its decision to drop the price of all of its solar panels by 25% this month.

The company has stepped up its marketing investment across a range of media, including an advert placed with local bus company Pilkington’s and increased online spend.

Solarlec director Ged Rowbottom said: “Everyone is feeling the pinch this month as it’s a notoriously tight time for families, but it’s worth considering solar panels for the incredible financial savings and income they will generate.

“Burnley homeowners who have them installed now will be in a much more attractive position this time next year thanks to lower bills and feed-in tariff payments.”

He added: “Pilkington’s have given us the ideal platform to promote the economic and environmental benefits of solar panels throughout the region – they’re a local company so we’re thrilled to be working with them on this campaign.”

Solarlec was named Small Business of the Year 2011 by Burnley Council.

For more information, visit www.solarlec.com

Going green has paid off for a Garstang family after they had solar panels installed on their roof last month.

Jonathan and Annette Cuff, of Green Acres Drive, had 18 panels installed on the roof of their home by Burnley-based company Solarlec, who design and fit solar PV systems for domestic and commercial properties across the country.

The family has already seen a drop in electricity bills and is receiving regular payments from their energy supplier via the government feed-in tariff scheme.

Jonathan said: “The feed-in tariff was a major issue for us when considering solar panels. I’m an electrician by trade so rising electricity prices were a huge concern for the future. We have already generated 362 units in the first month – earning us £155.”

Ged Rowbottom, director at Solarlec, says now is the time to make the most of the feed-in tariff to guarantee payments stay at the current high rate for 25 years.

He said: “Solar panels make perfect sense for homeowners and now is the perfect time to take the plunge – anyone who signs up after April 2012 will receive the lower tariff rate for the next 25 years instead of the current high rate. You’ll also be doing your bit towards a greener Great Britain.”

Burnley firm Solarlec has launched a mobile phone app to help homeowners find out if their roof is suitable for solar panels.

The app, launched this month, features a compass enabling consumers to measure whether the roof of their home is south-facing, and therefore ideal for solar panels.

It also includes an “amber zone” reading, indicating that a roof could support solar panels under certain conditions.

The app aims to take the mystery out of solar panel research for consumers.

Solarlec director Ged Rowbottom said: “Generally there seems to be a lack of awareness when it comes to how to assess your roof’s suitability for panels, when the reality is it’s quite simple.

“Once consumers have taken advantage of our app, they can request a callback from us to set up a free, no obligation survey to find out how they could benefit financially from installing solar panels.”

Consumers are increasingly switching to green energy like solar panels to reduce energy bills and earn a tax-free income through the feed-in tariff, the government’s renewable energy subsidy paid directly to homeowners who generate their own “clean energy”.

To download the Solarlec app, visit the App Store.

For more information about Solarlec, visit www.solarlec.com