It is true that the more direct sunlight solar panel systems receive, the more electricity they produce, but it needs to be made clear that it is in fact the intensity of the light that helps power them. This means that they will convert natural sunlight into electricity even on a cloudy day.

During certain times of the year i.e. summer, your solar panels may in fact produce more electricity than you need. In this instance, you can sell that surplus energy back to the National Grid at a fixed rate.

After recent wrangling the current feed-in-tariff rate stands at 21p per unit (or kWh) of electricity produced, but even at this rate your solar panels can still easily pay for themselves way before they reach the end of their natural lifecycle.

Traditional electricity prices have fallen over the past month, but in the long-term the cost of fuel is expected to reach unprecedented levels. This means that the returns to be made from solar power may well improve further.

Factor in that advocates of renewable energy will also be helping to reduce the threat of climate change and enhancing the overall health of the environment and it is easy to understand why solar panel installers are in such high demand at the moment.

Reason No.1 – You get paid for every kilowatt hour you generate

Putting aside the whole feed-in-tariff fiasco, whichever way you look at it, you are still getting money for generating your own electricity. In addition to this, you also get an export payment for every kilowatt hour you send back to the grid.

Reason No.2 – Install before 3^rd March and you are guaranteed 21p for 25 years

If you have your system installed and commissioned prior to 3^rd March 2012 you are guaranteed a generation payment of 21p for every kilowatt hour your system generates (applies to systems up to 4kWp). If the court appeal fails or is rejected and the 43.3p is reinstated, then your payments will be amended to a higher rate and backdated – a win-win situation!

Reason No.3 – EPC ratings could affect tariffs going forward

On the 9^th February 2012, the Department of Energy & Climate Change is expected to announce plans for the feed-in-tariff going forward. This could include lower tariffs for those properties which will not meet a certain energy rating. This criteria does not apply to installs before 3rd March 2012 so it is a great time to install.

Reason No.4 – The quality of Solar PV modules used by Planet Solar is at its highest quality

At Planet Solar we pride ourselves on our product quality and as such as proud to be working with leading German manufacturer REW SOLAR® who supply a Premium Plus module. This is currently the only module which comes with a positive only power tolerance and a performance guarantee of 30 years at 90%.

Reason No.5 – Protect yourself from increasing energy prices

Whilst recent media coverage has stipulated that some electricity companies have reduced their prices, the reality is that electricity prices have been rising and will continue to rise over the next 25 years. By generating your own electricity you reduce your dependency on electricity suppliers, and can protect yourself from the impact of rising prices – as well as saving money right now.

Reason No.6 – Save money in tough times

It is not just energy prices increasing, the cost of living is rising and borrowing is getting more difficult. In tough economic times, saving any money is a positive, and with a Solar PV system from Planet Solar you can save significant amounts off your electricity bills, which is more money in your pocket!

Reason No.7 – Solar PV systems are currently at very competitive prices

The price of modules has come down, and whilst there are many other cost factors involved in the design and installation of a Solar PV system, prices have come down in the past year which makes Solar PV a great investment. A 4kWp system could have cost you around £16,000 a year ago, however it is now possible to get a 4kWp system for around £10,000.

Reason No.8 – Reduce your carbon footprint and go green

Generating your own electricity helps reduce carbon emissions, which is beneficial for the environment. For some customers, the green aspect is one of the most important factors. Even if it is not top of your list, there is no mistaking that it is good to do your bit for the planet!

Reason No.9 – Planet Solar have a dedicated in-house team

Many installers outsource a lot of their services, however at Planet Solar we have a dedicated team of designers, installers, electricians and support staff. In fact, the only thing we outsource is our scaffolding and we work with selected companies who we have strong relationships with. This gives our customers peace of mind and reassurance that every stage of your installation will be handled in a professional and efficient manner.

Reason No.10 – We have limited slots available before 3^rd March 2012

Planet Solar currently has 50 slots available in our installation schedule to meet the 3^rd March cut-off date. These will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so contact us today to get your order placed and ensure you do not miss out!

This morning the high court rejected the appeal made by the government regarding the drop in solar PV feed-in-tariffs for systems up to 4kWp to 21p from the earlier cut-off date of 12th December 2011. The media speculation has been rife and existing and potential Planet Solar customers are no doubt wondering what to do next – please see below some clarity and what the outcome means at this stage:

In basic terms, this outcome means that any customers who had a Solar PV system installed up to 4kWp from 12th December 2011 onwards should now receive the higher tariff of 43.3p for every kilowatt hour their system produces, for 25 years. What it also means, is that customers who have a system installed and commissoned before 3rd March 2012 will also receive the 43.3p rate.

The government tried to appeal for a second time however this was rejected by the appeal court. Energy & Climate Change Secretary, Chris Hulme, has made an official statement to the solar industry, which states that the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) are seeking permission to appeal directly to the Supreme Court. This leaves yet more uncertainty as to whether the higher tariff does apply.

On a more positive note in terms of clarity to the industry, the court decision was unanomous, and the appeal court have already rejected one chance to appeal. This suggests that it will be unlikely that DECC will be granted a second appeal at the Supreme Court.

If the appeal is rejected and the 43.3p rate is 100% confirmed, then we are likely to see a rush for installs over the next few weeks, therefore if you are ready to place an order it is recommend you contact us today to ensure you do not miss out.

In terms of going forward, if the appeal is granted then the lower rate of 21p per kWh will apply for installs from 12th Dec 2011. It is also worth noting that after 3rd March 2012 the tariff is also set to be 21p going forward, even if DECC lose the chance to appeal.  This still makes Solar PV a great investment and we see a positive future for Solar PV, whatever the final result.

For full details on the feed-in-tariff and how it works, visit our financial benefits page or contact us on 0800 533 5130.

Although energy companies such as EDF Energy and British Gas have announced price cuts recently, no-one is under the illusion that they will stay that way for very long, therefore it makes sense to plan ahead and invest in something that will help to reduce your bills in the future.

Solar panels are a great source of cleaner, renewable energy for homes and businesses within the UK. They are so effective at harvesting free energy from the sun that they will often produce more electricity than you will actually need to power your home. So not only can you save yourself some money on your electricity bills, you can also earn a little extra by selling any surplus energy created by your solar photovoltaic system back to your energy supplier.

Another benefit of solar panels, compared with other sources of renewable energy, is that they can work with many different types of property; most homes with a sufficient roof space are eligible. If you have little roof space, you needn’t worry as solar panels can still be installed, producing enough electricity to make a noticeable difference to your electricity bills. Likewise, if you have a larger home you can take advantage of installing many panels, harvesting a great deal of solar electricity in the process.

By installing solar panels to your home your electricity bills can be dramatically reduced leaving you with more money to spend on the things you like, so find a supplier today and save yourself some money.

Despite news that many of the UK’s major energy suppliers will be cutting electricity bills by 5-6%, it doesn’t make up for the fact that electricity bills went up an average of 15% during 2011.

The price war that has broken out amongst providers such as British Gas, Eon, Scottish power etc. is only expected to be a temporary measure which is why it makes sense to stay one-step ahead when normality is resumed. Planet Solar can help you take advantage of cheaper electricity over the next 25 years with a set of solar panels.

Our solar power systems will enable you to rely upon the electricity your energy supplier provides far less as they convert the free energy offered by the sun into electricity and divert it directly into your home. Even on the most overcast of days your panels will work hard to ensure that you are supplied with all the essential electricity you need throughout the day.

The savings made on electricity will cover the initial cost of installing solar panels within just a few short years which will more than help justify the investment made into solar technology. Thanks to the Feed In Tariff you can also earn money during the entire lifespan of your panels.

As one of the UK’s longest-established solar panel installers we have the technical expertise needed to ensure that the fitting of panelling is completed smoothly and efficiently. You can then go on and enjoy more affordable home living in your brand new property.

There are several forms of renewable energy available to householders which will each supply them with cleaner, greener and more affordable electricity, but the overriding favourite is solar power systems. Solar panels can provide homes with the large majority of electricity they need throughout the day at a far less expensive rate than most users of traditional energy will be paying.

There will be some who approach their local solar panel installers and are immediately put off by the cost involved with installation. But when you consider that they need very little maintenance, have a lifespan of up to 50 years in many cases and can save you enormous amounts on energy during that time, you soon begin to realise that they are the most worthwhile of long-term investments.

Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy from the sun will never be in short supply no matter how much we all utilise it, nor will it emit anything harmful to the environment. The addition of solar panels may also benefit you in the future as it could have a positive impact on the resale value of your home should you ever decide to sell up as buyers will no doubt be looking for green measures in the future.

Energy prices are expected to continue to skyrocket during 2012 so now is the perfect time to take stock and reflect on the benefits of renewable energy. Solar panels really need to be at the very forefront of your mind.

Solar panels may seem like a costly investment when many are trying to decrease their spending but they represent one of the best investments that you can make. Once installed, they will usually work effectively for up to 20 years. The cost of them will seem minimal when you compare it to the costs involved in receiving your electricity from a traditional supplier.

Attached to your roof, solar panels are able to harvest energy from the sun which can then be used to power your home with electricity helping to reduce your energy bills. Another added advantage of investing in solar panels is that a payment is made for every kilowatt hour of electricity generated, as well as an export payment for electricity exported back to the grid.

There are numerous solar panel installers throughout Lancashire and Cumbria who are able to supply and install solar panel systems to your property so it is essential that you pick a reputable company. Make sure that you research a number of companies’ thoroughly to ensure that you receive a quality service and product. Wherever possible speak to previous customers and make sure that they have been happy with the service that they have received.

There are various options available for those looking into renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and hydroelectricity but solar photovoltaic panels are the most appropriate for many as they can be attached to any building with very little fuss or effort. This is particularly important for small business owners who may have a lot of building space such as farmers and warehouse managers as solar panels provide the ideal option in terms of renewable energy.

The amount you can save and earn from your panels depends on how many you have and how much electricity you currently use. Any electricity fed back to the grid also generates an export payment, offering an additional income for households and business owners. That being said you don’t need to have a massive building to take advantage of solar electricity. Solar panels can be fitted to the smallest of houses ensuring that renewable energy is an option that is available to all.

As the popularity of solar panels has risen way beyond anyone’s expectations there are now a lot of solar panel installers throughout the UK for you to choose from. Therefore it is important that you employ a reputable company who have plenty of experience and knowledge of the industry to supply and install your solar panels. A good company will be able to tell advise you on how much money you are likely to make from your solar panels helping you make you better informed about the investment you are about to make.

Feed-In-Tariff

Anybody who installs solar panels on the roof on their home will be rewarded courtesy of the Feed-In-Tariff. The Feed-In-Tariff was introduced by the government to encourage more people to embrace renewable energy and gives you a payment for all the electricity you produce.

Save on energy bills

The cost of traditional energy has risen incredibly over the past few years and will continue to do so in the future as fossil fuels become more and more sparse. Photovoltaic systems will enable you to use conventional energy less often as they will provide you with the majority of energy you need throughout the day.

Added value

Because of the rapid growth of solar PV many home buyers are expecting to see green measures already in place before considering making an offer. The addition of solar technology to your home could help improve its overall value and increase your chances of a sale if you ever decide to put your property up for sale.

Great performance

There is a widely held myth that solar power can only function successfully in fine weather on clear sunny days. Wrong! All solar panels fitted by Planet Solar can provide you with electricity and hot water even in overcast conditions.

Convinced enough to give solar technology a try or want to know more? Contact our specialist consultants on 0800 533 5130 now.