Free Solar Energy – but at what Cost?

Another blog from Martyn Fowler BSc(Hons), MEI, ACIPHE

There is currently an ever increasing interest in capturing and using solar energy and with the Government’s recent launch of the feed-in Tariffs, there is now a financial incentive to participate as well as the “Eco friendly” reason. I have not spoken to a customer yet that does not consider the use of solar energy a bad idea and this does not mean you are a Greenpeace activist – it is just plain common sense. So what is preventing Mr Average from doing his bit? The answer is simple – MONEY!

As with all new technology, the early days are marked by high costs due to low manufacturing numbers with Manufacturers trying to claw back their development costs and this is a big stumbling block. I remember when Microwave ovens first really came onto the market (1976) – I bought one for my university tuck shop to heat up Mars Bars! The oven cost hundreds of pounds then and was very basic but guess what, now you can buy one with all the gizmos from your local supermarket for less than £50! This is as a result of massive numbers being sold which reduces costs as well as competition.



Within the last couple of years, the cost of thermal solar units has reduced but there is no doubt that entry into this market will start in the region of £4,000 to have a fully installed system. To get a decent return from a Photovoltaic system, you may well be faced with an investment well in excess of that. The Holy Grail of eco-friendly systems is really the ground source heat pump with very high efficiency rates which at times can exceed 500% but the installation cost really means that it is the provenance of wealthy clients with a mission to be regarded as “Very Green”. So what is the answer?

In the current financial climate, few people want to use a lump of capital as there is so much uncertainty at the moment but the long term benefits are hard to ignore. There is talk about a “Green loan scheme” than uses the savings as an offset against the payments but with the shortage of cash generally in the banking system, it will take a huge effort by the Government to make this happen. In the meantime what is to be done? The answer is to talk to someone like Vast Group who has had all the correct training and actually designed and installed many solar systems as we can recommend the best value for money solution with no bias.

I personally have even been in Germany for hands-on training in Solar equipment so I can talk from first hand experience. So if you want to get honest, practical and realistic advice on how to capture the sun’s energy, please give me a call on 0207 147 9952.

Have you seen our new video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP8aO41kcTM