Access Renewables are pleased to receive the long-awaited results of the Feed-in tariff consultation held by the DECC which will become effective from the 1st April 2010 for Solar Photovoltaic installations.

The DECC has today confirmed that, under it’s Clean Energy Cashback Scheme, anyone who installs a solar PV system in the UK will be eligible to receive a set rate for each unit of energy that the system produces (kWh) plus an additional reward for any energy exported back to the National Grid.

All systems installed after 1st July 2009 will be eligible for the following rates:

• Solar PV – Under 4kw (retrofit) – 41.3p
• Solar PV – Under 4kw (new-build) – 36.1p
• Solar PV – 4-10kw  – 36.1p
• Solar PV – 10kw – 100kw  – 31.4p
• Solar PV – 100kw – 5mw – 29.3p

This means that for an average home installing 2kw of Solar PV onto their roof (at an assumed cost of £12,500) using a Microgeneration Certification Scheme-approved contractor would receive around £850 per year, plus reduce their energy bills by around £150.

The new scheme will be managed by OFGEM and will be administered through the customers current electricity provider. The rates are expected to be tax-free, and index-linked.

We are expecting this recent announcement to increase the demand for Solar PV systems in the UK, and so we are encouraging customers to contact us as soon as possible. On the 31st March 2010, the Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant scheme for homeowners will close, as the Clean Energy Cashback Scheme is to replace this. However, you can apply for the grant now (and have 3 months to install) and also benefit from the new scheme. Most homeowners will be eligible for a grant of £2000-£2500.

However, there is currently a shortage of Solar inverters and some solar modules across Europe, and the new scheme is likely to make the things worsen. So in order to meet the deadline for the grant, and to ensure you can have a system installed in time we really stress that you should contact us without delay.

As an expanding business involved in the supply and installation of Solar PV systems, Access Renewables are delighted to receive confirmation of the new rates and the commitment to the industry shown by DECC and the Government. This new package will provide the basis on which we can expand as a business - as levels of trade increase, so too will our company in terms of employees, abilities and strength. Sean Collier of Access Renewables comments: “The new figures seem fair and in-line with other EU countries. This should provide a real incentive to homeowners, businesses and other organisations to install systems for which they will be rewarded for financially, and not forgetting the non-financial rewards of creating green energy of their own. The expected increase in installations will enevitably result in more jobs in our business and the industry in general.”

Link to the DECC’s press release: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_010/pn10_010.aspx