What does the Green Deal mean to Solar?

Set to launch in October 2012, it seems that now would be the time to brush up on the facts surrounding the ‘Green Deal’.

One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the governments new initiative is where and how does solar fit into this new scheme?

• What are the benefits of Solar within the ‘Green Deal’
• Are both Thermal and Photovoltaic included within the ‘Green Deal’
• How will it affect existing Solar panel and thermal owners
• Qualifying for the ‘Green Deal’
• Where and when can I apply for the ‘Green Deal’

In a foreword from Chris Huhne, Secretary of State of Energy and Climate, Huhne addresses the condition of homes around the UK currently, recognising that the standards aren’t what they should be regarding the high prices residents pay for inefficient housing.

‘Our draughty homes are poorly insulated, leaking heat and using up energy. As consumers, we pay a high price for inefficient housing- and so does the planet. A quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions come from the energy we use to heat our homes, and a similar amount comes from our businesses, industry and workplaces.’

Huhne then continues to describe the aspects of the ‘Green Deal’ and its advantages.

‘Under the Green Deal, bill payers will be able to get energy efficiency improvements without having to front up the cash. Instead, businesses will provide the capital, getting their money back via the energy bill. At the heart of the offer is a simple rule: estimated savings on bills will always equal or exceed the cost of the week.’

With the threat that energy bills could potentially increase to an estimated £5,000 per year per average household the Green Deal seems attractive not just for its Eco efficient credentials but financial too.

The benefits of Solar within the Green Deal

The benefits are pretty clear when looking to install solar panels with the Green Deal, the reason for this – there’s no upfront cost.

As years go by it makes sense financially and environmentally for the Government to introduce a green movement. By offering the incentive it means that solar technology can be viable to any homeowner.

Why Solar Photovoltaic?

Solar Photovoltaic is the swish name for Solar Panels. The panels are usually installed on the roof of a house and then by the means of Solar Generation, convert sunlight into electricity.

The Green Deal offers an array of renewable energy choices for the home to produce energy, but why would Solar be the best way to go?

Solar Panels

• It’s a reliable source – the panels don’t rely on sunlight to produce energy they rely on daylight. Obviously the panels create more electricity on a bright summer’s day but it isn’t a necessity.
• Low maintenance – solar panels can be left to their own devices pretty much as soon as they’ve been installed. Reliant on the weather for their source of generation the panels are washable in the rain- not such a bad thing for the panels if the sun isn’t out.

Why Solar Thermal?

Solar Thermal generates domestic hot water. Using solar panels to heat and generate warm water. What are the benefits of solar thermal -

Solar Thermal

• It’s consistent – Solar Thermal works all year round only probably needing to heat your water in the winter months.
• It’s easy on your bank balance – Solar Thermal costs a lot less than other microgeneration technologies making the repayment time a lot shorter than others.

 

Are both thermal and photovoltaic included within the Green Deal?

Both thermal and photovoltaic are covered within the green deal. Other microgeneration products that are offered are –

• Ground and air source heat pumps
• Biomass Boilers
• Micro-CHP

All elements of microgeneration are excellent for saving money and for the environment. More commonly known are thermal and photovoltaic both belonging to solar generation. Thermal and photovoltaic are simple installs, low maintenance and cost effective.

How will it affect existing solar panel and thermal owners?

The Green Deal will have no affect on customers who already own PV or thermal.

Due to the Government’s Feed-In-Tariff scheme, owners of PV or thermal will continue on with their current plan.

However the DECC are set to publish a list of ‘measures’(renewable energy products) in May 2012 indicating what it is that current owners of PV and thermal can sign up for.

Qualifying for the Green Deal

The Government say that the Green Deal will be available to any householder. The loan will be available regardless of credit history.

Rented properties are also included in the Green Deal, available to the landlord or tenant with the landlord’s consent.

Where and when can I apply for the Green Deal?

Application for the Green Deal is expected to commence from autumn 2012. In the mean time however, there are companies who are registering potential customer interest who offer assistance within the application process. They’re also on hand to update potential customers with new and updates on the Green Deal application process.

 

If it’s the Green Deal customers sign up to or combine the present solar panels or thermals with another renewable product from the Green Deal it’s nothing more than beneficial.

The most important and key feature that makes the Green Deal so appealing to potential customers is the buy now, pay later method.

By installing solar through the Green Deal it means that the repayment could probably be the fastest and most beneficial through solar reliability.

This Guest Post was written by Sean Leamy:

“I have been working in solar energy for the last 3 years for a company called EcoCentral, I like to perceive myself as a Solar Expert. We operate out of the North West of England. I have always had an interest in renewable energy since I was in school. I decided to specialise in Solar Energy as I saw that it had the most potential. However i am sure i will move onto something new in the future.”

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