How to make money with Solar PV panels – and cut your electricity bill
June 2nd, 2011 | 
Author: Actually there isn’t, not really. These deals are on offer thanks to the government’s new ‘Feed in Tariff’ (FIT). This is simply an incentive to get as many of us as possible to generate some of our own energy in a simple, green way. As UK homes contribute a big chunk towards our national carbon emissions, this makes a lot of sense. The scheme basically pays anybody who generates electricity – even if they use it themselves. By installing solar PV panels on your roof (probably the quickest and easiest renewable to install on domestic properties) you become eligible for these payments. Oh and you get to cut your electricity bills as well.
The reason that some companies offer to do it all for free is simply that they get to keep the FIT payments in exchange for giving you the solar PV panels – and of course the free electricity. Most small scale domestic schemes can generate around £800 a year, though it’s possible to generate £1500. Paying for themselves in around 11 years that leaves a further 14 years of guaranteed index linked payments to go: which explains why there are companies willing to give you the panels for free!
The more sensible and profitable alternative, of course, is to pay for the panels yourself. This could prove to be a brilliant investment, even if you are not planning to stay in the house for ever. With low energy bills and a good yearly income, homes with solar PV panels are likely to be an attractive investment for potential purchasers and an excellent investment for those who install them.
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