Back in August 2015 there was much debate and outrage when the DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) published a review of feed-in tariffs for solar PV installations.
The aspect that attracted a lot of attention was the proposal to drastically reduce the rates for all feed-in tariffs from January 2016. In some cases this meant cuts of up to 87%.
The reaction from the renewable energy sector, as well as many politicians and environmental campaigners, was one of alarm. The Energy Saving Trust believed that the proposed cuts were too much too soon, and would mean that Solar PV installation would no longer be cost effective for many households and also some businesses.
However, the good news is that these proposals have not come to pass. If you look at Ofgem’s latest list of Feed-In Tariff Payment Rates for the current period, you will see that the reductions in tariff levels are relatively minor, especially compared with what was being talked about at the end of August.
The vast majority of Solar PV installations we do at Lewingtons have a Total Installed Capacity of 4kW or less. The figures for January in this area represent a fall of around 0.4 pence per kWh.
For example, the higher rate drops from 12.47 to 12.03, the middle rate goes down from 11.22 to 10.83 and the lower rate drops from 5.94 to 5.73 p/kWh.
None of those reductions will exactly be welcomed, but they are a lot less significant than an 87% slashing of the rates.
Solar remains Britain’s favourite source of renewable energy by some margin. In November 2015, the DECC published the results of a survey that tracks public attitudes towards various forms of energy. Once again, it showed the public consider solar power to be the best option out of all the renewable and conventional options, with 80% support.
Have you gone solar yet? Recent opinion polls have shown there is a lot of 
confusion about the figures, with many people’s perceptions being a long way from reality, and many
others admitting to not having a clue.
If you talk to us, we can help demystify the figures and help you clarify exactly how much a Solar PV installation would benefit you. Give us a call on 01858 433333, and we’ll be pleased to talk, with no pressure.
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