Would you buy a property if there was no central heating? Perhaps there are no electric sockets in the bedrooms, or perhaps it’s missing a sink in the bathroom. The answer to this is more than likely no, but in the past they could all have been common features with a property.
What we expect of homes has changed over the years though, and this includes what we deem as essential. So this begs the question of why new homes haven’t adapted to include solar panels fitted on the rooftop.
After all, solar panels are a green technology that helps to reduce expensive energy bills and require very little maintenance to operate for over 25 years. So isn’t it strange that they’re yet to be commonplace in new builds.
Of course, this can’t be said for the nation as a whole, who have really embraced solar technology over the last few years. With the potential to save and earn hundreds of pounds on a yearly basis it’s obvious that solar offers a real benefit to British homeowners.
How much would solar cost?
Solar panels have come down in price quite considerably over the last few years and now you could be looking at just £4,500 for a full system. When thinking about how expensive a new home is, it’s a strange reality solar panels have yet to be absorbed into the price.
What’s important to remember is that solar’s a feasible option for your home. Energy prices have been rising at an astronomical rate recently and now you’re paying double the amount of 2004. By 2020, without making major changes to your home’s energy, you’ll be paying double again.
There are plenty of incentives to get on board with as well, such as the Government’s feed-in tariff scheme. This pays out a set rate for 20 years, providing a fixed income for two decades. On top of this are the savings you’ll make on your bills, so return on investment is worth up to 15% a year.
Solar panels on new homes
The debate of fixing solar panels to all new homes is gathering pace. John Stevenson, the Carlisle MP, believes solar should be standard on all new homes in the UK, a stance he has taken since 2012.
In response, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said in a 2013 consultation: “The government recognises that it will not always be cost-effective, affordable or technically feasible for house builders to reduce all carbon emissions through on-site measures, like…renewable energy generation (eg solar panels).”
Solar Trade Association CEO, Paul Barwell, also said: “For a relatively modest outlay at the construction stage we would be foolish not to build modern solar technology into new homes to ensure very low energy bills.”
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]With solar PV you’ll generate free electricity whilst earning a lucrative earning with the Government’s feed-in tariff.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Solar thermal panels help to heat hot water and benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive payment for seven years.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Solar panels will last for 25 years and more, providing decades of savings and earnings and helping to avoid the National Grid rates.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Energy prices have doubled since 2004 and solar panels offer an escape from the clutches of the UK’s large energy suppliers.[/tweetable]