Mitra Jenkins Family
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Our Solar Panels
In October 2006, with the help of a government grant, we had pv (photovoltaic) solar panels fitted to our roof. These generate electricity. On sunny days we export the excess that we do not use back to the national grid.
Our solar panels were supplied and fitted by the Bristol based company Solarsense. The total cost was £15500, less the government DTI grant of £7000. It will probably take 20 years to pay for itself, but that's not the only reason for getting them. One of the best ways to tackle global warming is for lots of people to make a small reduction to their carbon footprint. Having solar panels does that for us, whilst it also sends the message to others that this is feasible and in the long term it will save us money.
A household like ours would typically use around 4000 kWh per year. We expect to generate around 2500 kWh per year with our 2.8 kW pv array. Our electricity supplier pay us for any electricity we export at their standard rate. We don't currently have an export meter, so an assumption is made that approximately a half of what we generate is exported. In addition to this money, the government have set up a Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) scheme. One ROC is issued each year for every 1000 kWh of green electricty produced and is worth just over £30 at present. Hence, we should receive two ROC's each year.
25.09.2007. 10:33