Comments by Sean Collier:

Following our recent news posting about the ‘We Support Solar’ campaign we are backing, we thought it would only be right to discuss the situation at present regarding selling surplus energy back to the energy companies and how the industry is uniting to promote the cause.

The drive was kicked off by the start of the campaign which saw 500 hand-delivered letters to MP’s in Parliament. The letters urged them to support Solar technology ahead of the implementation of the feed-in tariffs, currently expected to begin in April 2010.

At present, there are several power companies offering rewards to owners of microgeneration systems which include solar PV and wind turbines. This usually involves a payment in return for sending excess energy back to the National Grid, and in most cases the energy is metered. It’s certainly a step in the right direction for the energy companies to offer such rewards, however they are often critisised for complicating the process and not offering as much as they should for exported energy. Hence the need for the Government to step-in and agree a suitable way forward for all parties.

In other countries around the world, the rate in which energy is sold back to the power company is significantly higher than any scheme currently in operation in the UK – and so it’s often argued that the UK is not doing enough to meet it’s European Carbon Reduction Targets.

Last year, the Goverment gained the powers to set feed-in tariffs for renewable energy projects below 5MW, through the Energy Act. So it too is making a step in the right direction, but consultations are ongoing with regards to the specifics of the scheme.

But what does this mean if you are about to implement a renewable energy project?
Well, firstly you can benefit from funding available for homeowners, public-sector organisations (such as schools, leisure centres and housing associations) and charities right now. The funding for the latter two is running out fast as the scheme will shortly be coming to a close. The likelyhood is, and this has not been announced yet, is that the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) will replace any such scheme.

Secondly, you can benefit from renewable energy right now, knowing that over the coming years the value of energy exported should increase somewhat. Current Examples of schemes available include Scottish and Southern Energy reportedly offering customers 20p per kWh exported.  Good Energy are now paying 15p for each kWh unit generated, regardless of whether you use it or export it (ideal for homeowners) and are now even trialling a scheme for those with Solar Thermal systems and Heat Pumps! These tariffs are available now, and will most likely be increased in April 2010.

So our advice regarding Feed-in tariffs is: Benefit from grant schemes while you can. This could potentially combine with Feed-in tariffs in the future which will make it a very attractive proposition indeed. Feel free to get in touch with us (by using this handy form) to discuss how to maximise the benefits of installing a renewable energy system from us. We are always happy to discuss the best solutions with you, through open and honest advice and customer care.