2006RUS

An alternative to using fossil fuels to source electricity is to use Solar Panels. The appeal of Solar Panels is that they depend only on a small amount of sunshine to run and do not depend on an energy company, making them a handy energy supply in the United Kingdom.

The versatility of solar panels means that they are suitable for small family homes through to large corporate buildings. Power cuts can cause all sorts of problems in households across the country, and the use of solar panels dramatically reduces the risk of a power cut as you are not dependent on a company to supply your energy.

Solar panels are also a popular choice for powering homes and buildings due to being cost-effective. The initial installation of solar panels can be costly, however, the buyer does have the option of installing the panels themselves which would cut down on costs. But they are seen as being cost-effective thanks to the free source they rely on to run effectively; sunshine! The price of fossil fuel, on the other hand, has risen dramatically over recent years and will continue to rise.

Solar panels are not only cost-effective; they are also environmentally-friendly and work towards saving our planet. Solar panels produce natural energy, which makes them the safest method for producing electricity for properties to run on. The environment continues to be a hot topic in the news, and it is apparent that everyone is being encouraged to make the world a greener place, making the use of solar panels popular.

Despite the lack of sunshine in the United Kingdom, Solar Panels can work effectively as they only require a small amount of sunshine to run. Along with the environmental benefits, Solar Panels are a great way to save money on energy bills.

Find out more about home solar panels or how you can invest in solar

Energy prices have risen drastically over the last few years, and are predicted to rise even higher over the next decade. Alongside this people are increasingly searching for an alternative to nuclear power, so they can power their homes in a more environmentally friendly way.

If you want to reduce your CO2 emissions, then solar PV panels can offer a realistic alternative to nuclear power to power your home or office. Due to the huge reduction in energy bills, having solar power already installed in your home can add 1% to the selling price of your home.

So what are the financial benefits of using solar power? Installation and purchasing are the only costs you’ll incur to set up your solar power source. The panels themselves require very little upkeep. They can reduce your energy bills by a huge amount, by allowing you to generate your own power by harnessing the suns light and radiation.

There are even more financial benefits to using solar power, thanks to a new tariff introduced in April 2010. Called the UK Feed-In Tariff, it offers solar users across England, Scotland and Wales the chance to earn cash back. Basically, you will be paid for all of the energy you produce through your solar PV panels, whether you use it all for your own needs or not. And since solar power is more expensive to generate than nuclear power, you will be paid at a higher rate than the utility companies.

If you sell your unused energy back to the national grid you will receive 44.3p for every unit, and for the energy you use yourself you can expect to receive 41.3p. Investing in solar power is very worthwhile. It can allow you to reduce your running costs, reduce your CO2 emissions, and make money, regardless of whether you use all of your energy or not.

Find out more about the UK feed in tariff rates