Tuesday 28 June 2011

Group offer makes cheap solar

A scheme has been launched which aims to help homeowners install solar panels at massively reduced prices. By taking large orders through group-purchasing with other local residents, Sunny Britain are able to negotiate discounts on the upfront cost of buying solar panels for property owners.

The company estimate that local residents could see a full return on their investment in solar panels within five to seven years, compared to the current average of over ten years.

Research has shown that the start-up costs are a major barrier for people entering microgeneration schemes across the UK. By signing up customers are offered a saving on installation through a guaranteed mass order for suppliers.

The scheme has launched in St Albans and Hemel Hempstead where Sunny Britain have identified a possible 31,000 households that could take advantage of a 43% discount. This means that the purchase cost of a medium sized system of 2.4 kWp would be just £6,200 for local residents rather than the normal retail price of £10,877.

With the government's Feed-in Tariff, customers can earn money on energy generated as well as receive discounts on energy they use.

Sunny Britain guarantee their solar panels for 25 years, which they claim can help earn a household nearly £30,000 over their lifetime.