The Government feed-in tariff explained

The feed-in tariff was introduced by the UK Government in April 2010.

Its purpose is to encourage and reward people who generate their own electricity from renewable, low carbon sources, such as PV solar panels.

These payments continue to be made regardless of any electricity you consume, either from your own generating system or bought-in.

The feed-in tariff gives you a guaranteed income

Once your system has been installed you will immediately see a reduction in your electricity bills, and you will also start to receive payments from your energy provider based on the feed-in tariff rates of 21p per unit produced and 3p for any additional units exported back to the grid.

Peace of mind for 25 years

Not only are your payments by your energy supplier guaranteed by the UK Government, they are index-linked, tax-free and guaranteed for 25 years.

The 3 big benefits to your finances

  1. Payments for generating – 21p, index linked and tax free paid by the energy supplier for each unit (or kWh) of electricity you generate.
  2. Payments for exporting – you will receive a further 3p/kWh from your energy supplier for each unit you export back to the electricity grid.
  3. Energy savings – cut your electricity bills by up to 50% by producing it yourself. This saving can be increased even further by using your generated electricity wisely. We will be able to help and advise you on how to get the most out of your system.

Feed-in tariff changes 1st April 2012

Please note that these Government backed rates at 21p per unit are guaranteed for all systems under 4kW that are installed after 1st April 2012.

The Feed in Tariff will reduce for installations from 1st July 2012 so if you are thinking of installing a solar PV system, there is no better time than now.

"Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) became available in Great Britain on 1st April 2010. And isn't available in Northern Ireland - although this is under review. Under this scheme energy suppliers have to make regular payments to householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources such as solar electricity panels (PV).....". Feed in tariffs - Generate your own energy - Energy Saving Trust

 

See: Case study, installing solar panels or Solar Energy, How the Government is helping