Solar panels are an excellent investment for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and cut their energy bills. However, the cost of installing solar panels can be prohibitive for many people. Fortunately, the UK government offers a variety of subsidies and incentives to help homeowners get solar panels for free or at a reduced cost. In this article, we will explore how to get solar panels from the UK government for free.
The first step in getting free solar panels is to find out if you are eligible for a government scheme. The most popular scheme is the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, which pays homeowners for the electricity they generate from solar panels. The FIT scheme is available to all homeowners who install solar panels before 31st March 2019. To be eligible, your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or higher.
The amount of money you can earn from the FIT scheme depends on the size of your solar panel system and the amount of electricity it generates. The current rate is 4.07p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for systems up to 10kW, and 1.63p per kWh for systems between 10kW and 50kW. The average homeowner can earn around £400 per year from the FIT scheme.
Another government scheme that can help you get free solar panels is the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The RHI scheme is available to homeowners who install solar thermal panels, which are used to heat water. The scheme pays homeowners for the renewable heat they generate from solar thermal panels. To be eligible, your home must have an EPC rating of D or higher.
The amount of money you can earn from the RHI scheme depends on the size of your solar thermal system and the amount of renewable heat it generates. The current rate is 21.36p per kWh for systems up to 200kW, and 10.18p per kWh for systems between 200kW and 1MW. The average homeowner can earn around £300 per year from the RHI scheme.
If you are not eligible for the FIT or RHI schemes, there are other ways to get free solar panels. Some solar panel companies offer free solar panel installations in exchange for the right to use the electricity generated by the panels. This is known as a ‘rent-a-roof’ scheme. The solar panel company will install the panels on your roof and maintain them for the duration of the contract, which is usually around 25 years. You will not receive any money from the electricity generated by the panels, but you will benefit from reduced energy bills.
To qualify for a rent-a-roof scheme, your home must have a south-facing roof with a pitch of at least 30 degrees. The roof must also be free from shade, such as trees or tall buildings. The solar panel company will assess your roof and determine whether it is suitable for a rent-a-roof scheme.
In conclusion, there are several ways to get free solar panels from the UK government. The most popular schemes are the Feed-in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive schemes, which pay homeowners for the electricity and renewable heat they generate from solar panels. If you are not eligible for these schemes, you can still get free solar panels through a rent-a-roof scheme. Before you decide which scheme to apply for, it is important to assess your eligibility and the potential benefits of each scheme. With the right information and guidance, you can get free solar panels and start enjoying the benefits of renewable energy.
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