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CASESTUDYCONSUMER


Couple Go Solar After Forty Year Wait


The solar industry needs to improve the impression the public have of the potential of the industry. Too many naysayers suggest that the UK lacks the sunlight to have an impact. One of the best ways to improve image is to highlight success stories. Here a retired Nottinghamshire couple reveal how they’re hoping to live energy bill free after installing solar panels almost one year ago.


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ichael and Sue Anson, from Brinsley, now enjoy the electricity


they produce and are able to make enough cash selling power back to the grid to minimise their utility bills. The couple’s interest in green energy started in the early 1970s but at the time the technologies were too basic and prohibitively priced.


After downsizing and moving in 2008, the couple decided to turn their two bedroom bungalow into an energy efficient home. An extension and porch were built using polystyrene Beco Blocks, the property was insulated and triple glazed. Last year they invested in solar PV panels which the couple calculate with have paid for itself by 2016.


Know the process


Solar PV systems work by converting sunlight into electricity using cells made up of semiconducting material. When light shines on the cells, it creates an electrical field allowing electricity to flow. The particular system the Ansons chose was installed by Nottingham firm MG Renewables. It is vital that the correct solar module is chosen for the specific task. Some key issues for the couple was the fact that solar produces no greenhouse gases and this module had no moving parts which keep maintenance and future costs to a minimum. After installation, electricity costs will begin reducing immediately. Under the Feed In Tariff’s (FITS) scheme, all units produced, regardless of


Domestic users of solar energy have the added benefit of the government FiT scheme ensuring positive returns for the couple’s investment for many years.


“Once I retired my wife and I downsized to a two- bedroom house and we used the money we’d saved to make our home as green as possible,” Michael continued. “We were recommended MG Renewables, who talked us through all of the costs and revenues associated with solar energy. They advised us to wait until planned government legislation to incentivise green household energy came into force before investing. This proved a


whether they’re used, are sold back to the grid at 41.3p per unit. Fifty per cent then receive an additional payment of 3p per unit. The scheme was launched by the government in April 2010.


Reaping the benefit


During three months of last summer, Michael and Sue produced 1492 units of electricity which earned them over £600 and cut their bills dramatically. Michael, 67, says he’s pleased to finally take the plunge into sustainable energy.


“I’ve always had a fascination with green technologies,” he said. “As early as the seventies people realised resources like coal and oil couldn’t last forever but alternatives were basic and expensive.”


www.solar-pv-uk.com Issue III 2011


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