Feed-in Tariffs Make Renewables Viable

Homebuilding & Renovating, the UK’s leading magazine for self-builders and renovators, comments on the recent introduction of Feed-in Tariffs for renewable technology.

Feed-in Tariffs, which were introduced by the Government on April 1st 2010, are designed to pay homeowners who install electricity-generating renewables for the energy they produce, whether they sell it back to the Grid or use it themselves.

“Feed-in Tariffs are a game-changer when it comes to the financial equation for anyone thinking about installing features such as wind turbines and PV panels,” says Editor and self-builder Jason Orme. “For many years, people installing renewables would have done it with disregard to the obvious lack of a financial reward – the single motivating factor was the owner’s green principles. Feed-in Tariffs now mean that, conversely, it’s financial common sense that’s the main reason to go ahead.”

A typical homeowner installing a PV array costing around £10,000 would expect to receive an income of around £800/year – tax free, guaranteed for 25 years and inflation-linked.

“Homebuilding & Renovating magazine and its website, homebuilding.co.uk, has been telling its readers about the benefits of renewables for well over a decade,” continues Jason. “It’s great to finally see these technologies becoming part of the mainstream and saving people £100s on their energy bills.

“The one area for concern is that anyone who installed their wind turbine or PV panel before 1st July 2009 will not be able to enjoy the higher tariffs – they will get just 25% of the headline rate. This is something that the new Government will need to address – early pioneers are being unfairly treated.”