27
GET FREE ELECTRICITY
FROM THE SUN
Until recently the expense of putting solar panels on the roof was considered prohibitive,
since the time needed for return on investment was too long. However, both the technology
and the economic case for such panels are improving.
Thus, Professor Eicke Weber, director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, comments:
“Before, our only argument was the environment, but now with oil at $140 a barrel, I think the much stronger
argument will be the pocketbook.”
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are still not cheap. A typical system might cost as much as £15,000 and take 15 years
to pay itself back, although cheaper systems are also available, and the technology is likely to drop in price
over the next few years.
Someone has to be the pioneer. Think in the long-term and make that someone you – now is a good time to
start working towards going off-grid.
A common misconception is that PV tiles require direct sunlight to generate electricity, which would be a
problem in the UK. However, even hazy daylight will generate power, even if not at full capacity.
As with wind power, you will be able to take advantage of grants available towards installing PV tiles, and they
also enjoy the lower 5% rate of VAT. If you generate a significant proportion of your power from renewable
sources, you will also be exempt from the Climate Change Levy.
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