Yesterday the High Court ruled that the government had acted “illegally” by rushing through changes to the feed-in tariff subsidies paid to homeowners who generate their own electricity through solar panels.
While the actual cuts to the feed-in tariff were not deemed illegal, the fact that the government introduced the lower rate of 21p on 12 December, prior to the end of the consultation period, was declared unlawful.
The directors at Solarlec would like to take this opportunity to confirm their commitment to the continued installation of cost-effective solar panels.
The government has until 4 January 2012 to appeal yesterday’s ruling, but if the court action against the government goes ahead then the tariff will return to 43.3p.
This means there has never been a better time to buy – for more information about making and saving money through solar panels speak to a member of the Solarlec team on 0800 022 4083.
High Court rules government acted “illegally” as Solarlec pledges commitment to customers
Care home couple count on solar income
Solar panels are paying off for the owners of a Burnley care home 12 months after their installation.
Keith and Linda Harris had 20 panels fitted onto the roof of Abbey Grange Care Home, on Glenview Road, by Burnley company Solarlec to benefit from the government feed-in tariff scheme and save money on their heating bills.
Keith said: “We have 25 permanent residents so we use a lot of electricity and our bills were just getting higher and higher. When we discovered how much money we could save and earn with solar panels it was just common sense – they more than pay for themselves and we’re extremely happy with them.”
Keith and Linda’s solar panels have generated 3398 units of electricity so far, saving them over £300 on their electricity bills in addition to feed-in tariff payments of £1496 – a total net benefit of around £1796.
Ged Rowbottom, director at Solarlec, said: “Solar photovoltaic panels like the ones installed at Abbey Grange are ideal for care homes, hotels, schools and other large premises coping with substantial energy bills, as well as domestic properties.
“Mr and Mrs Harris have 24 more years of savings and earnings to enjoy thanks to their smart investment.”
Solarlec, winner of Burnley Small Business of the Year 2011, installs more than 1,000 panels every month in domestic and commercial properties across the UK. For more information, visit www.solarlec.com
Solarlec launches legal action against government feed-in tariff cuts
Burnley firm Solarlec has launched a legal challenge against the government after it announced urgent plans to slash subsidies paid to consumers who generate their own renewable energy.
Last month the government revealed plans to halve cash paid to consumers through the feed-in tariff scheme from 12 December – leaving companies like Solarlec less than six weeks to install panels on hundreds of homes.
Director Nick Keighley said: “We’ve been put in an almost impossible position with 330 installations to complete in five-and-a-half weeks, around 20 of which are still awaiting planning permission.
“We understand there is a case for the FIT rate to be changed but we feel so angry about the way the government has gone about it – they are potentially putting up to 39,000 jobs in the solar industry at risk just before Christmas.
“It is making it very difficult for us to fulfil all our contracts with our customers which were made in good faith.”
Solarlec claims the government has exceeded its powers under the Energy Act 2008 because the consultation period doesn’t end until the 23rd of December, thus making the 12th December deadline retrospective.
Solarlec has also contacted Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, who has raised their concerns with the Chancellor George Osborne and energy secretary Chris Huhne.
For full details of the legal proceedings, visit www.solarlec.com
Solarlec launches two new super efficient panels
Lancashire solar energy company Solarlec has launched two new panels to customers to offer higher efficiency and increased financial returns.
Solarlec, which installs more than 1,000 panels on commercial and domestic properties every month across the UK, is now fitting LG black panels and HEC high efficiency cell panels, which both offer extra durability, increased efficiency and higher financial return to homeowners through the feed-in tariff.
Continue reading
Charity golf day to raise funds for Ellie
A charity golf day sponsored by Burnley firm Solarlec will raise money to send a five-year-old girl to America for surgery to help her walk unaided.
Ellie Leathert, from Rishton, was born prematurely with cerebral palsy and suffers from involuntary spasms that prevent her from walking without assistance.
Solarlec decided to get involved in efforts to raise enough money to send Ellie to St Louis Children’s Hospital for corrective surgery. Continue reading
Broadsheet backs solar investment
The Guardian newspaper has urged homeowners to take advantage of the lucrative investment opportunity presented by solar panels.
Writing in the broadsheet, consumer journalist Miles Brignall reminds readers that now is the optimum time to have solar PV panels fitted to make the most of lower installation costs and what is likely to be the highest ever rate for the government feed-in tariff.
The government will review the tariff in April 2012, with experts predicting that the current high rate will be lowered.
Homeowners who opt to have solar panel systems fitted prior to April 2012 will have the high rate guaranteed and index-linked for 25 years.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jul/22/solar-power-installation-homeowners
Industry seal of approval for Solarlec
Burnley solar panel company Solarlec got the thumbs up from an official industry body in an annual review this week.
Representatives from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme conducted a full assessment at the company’s Billington Road premises this week and confirmed Solarlec’s status as an official provider of solar PV panel systems for another 12 months.
Customers must make sure solar panel companies have official MCS certification to qualify for feed-in tariff payments from their energy supplier through the government’s clean energy cashback scheme.
Director Ged Rowbottom said: “Being MCS-approved is crucial for any legitimate solar panel company and we’re delighted to have passed with flying colours for another year. Our entire team has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months and this review is proof of our dedication and commitment. We look forward to another fantastic year of providing excellent service to many more satisfied customers across the country.”
A spokesman for MCS said: “A good standard of work was seen at the Solarlec office and an equally high standard at a ‘difficult’ installation. Solarlec has embraced the MCS methodology and high standards of professionalism.”
Solarlec, winner of Burnley Small Business of the Year 2011, installs more than 1,000 panels every month across the UK. For more information, visit www.solarlec.com
Business Award Success for Solarlec
Burnley solar photovoltaic company Solarlec is celebrating after scooping a prestigious business award.
The solar PV installer company was named small business of the year at last night
Solar panels spell bright future for Westholme
Blackburn school, Westholme is leading the way for sustainable schools by generating its own electricity through solar panels.
Burnley company Solarlec will fit 52 solar photovoltaic panels on the roof at Westholme, enabling the school to benefit from the government clean energy scheme, which pays businesses and homeowners to generating renewable energy.
The solar PV installers estimate the school may see up to
Further Reading
There are vast volumes of valuable resources online if you’re looking to find out more about solar PV, renewable energy or green issues in general. Amongst our favourites here at Solarlec are:
Home Power Magazine – Since 1987, Home Power magazine has been the leading renewable energy information source for end-users and professional alike. Topics include solar, wind, and hydro-electricity, solar hot water, energy efficient building, clean transportation technologies, and much more.
BB11 5UB.