Solar pv installations are going up all over the country. People are realising just what benefits installing a solar pv system can bring to them. There are very obvious benefits of a solar pv system. Firstly, using self-generated energy rather than grid bought energy is a very green way to reduce energy bills and keep costs down. Secondly, by buying and owning their system outright the can make a substantial profit from the feed in tariff.
At time of writing, the feed in tariff stands at 13.88 pence for every unit of energy produced from the solar pv system. The feed in tariff is reviewed on a 3 monthly basis and it has been announced that the feed in tariff shall be reduced to 13.39 pence for every unit of energy produced from a solar pv system as of the 1st of April.
There is one stipulation. In order for a customer to receive the feed in tariff rate mentioned above, they must have an Energy Performance Certificate with a rating of D or above. A rating below a D will mean the tariff would be 6.38 pence for every unit of energy produced from a solar pv system at this time going down to 6.16 pence for every unit of energy produced from a solar pv system as of the 1st of April.
So how does a potential solar pv customer ensure a rating of D or above? Well there are various steps that people can take to ensure the rating required. Insulation of both the cavity walls and the loft along with double glazing throughout are always looked upon favourably. It also helps to have a well maintained boiler and use energy saving light bulbs.
An EPC survey might cost a small amount but it can be the difference between thousands of pounds for your solar pv return on investment.
