2020 Vision
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Solar panels
Published by Matt Polaine | Filed under Cottage, Matthew's wishlist
With our new-build extension, we have quite a large south facing roof. In fact we have two south facing roofs. This would provide an ideal opportunity to install solar electric roof tiles. I need to get an estimate (and deal with local planning officers) but it has a difficult pay-back profile. On the one-hand our carbon footprint is reduced (taking into account the embodied energy required for construction, delivery, and installation) but at current gas and oil prices, solar panels roughly break even over their projected lifetime of 20 years. However, we all know that energy costs are only going to go up over that time, while solar energy remains the same - free. Difficult to call, but I need to look closely into it once we have the planning permission granted for the extension. I expect a two roof installation to cost around £10,000 but as we may create more electricity than we use on some occassions, this would be bought back by the National Grid. Solar panels add about 4% to build costs but are noe adding 10% to property values. See FAQs.
November 23rd, 2007 at 2:57 pm
See case study: http://www.solarcentury.co.uk/projects/domestic/the_merrill_family
“The performance of the PV system has so far outstripped the expected generation; the use kWp figure installation has in the first six months generated 1,745 kWh of inflation proof electricity. According to Energy Savings Trust, the average household consumes 3,300 kWh per year. Since their C21e tiles were installed, and combined with energy saving, the Merrill family have consumed 1,206kWh, an average of 2,406kWh per year, a third less than the average household. Most significantly they have cut their electricity bill by two thirds, down from £150 quarter, to £50 a quarter; a saving of £400 a year”.
November 23rd, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Case study (above comment) includes:
“Mr Merrill is particularly impressed by the impact of the tiles on their house value. Since the installation, the Merrills have had their house re valued and found their home to be worth 6 per cent more because of the tiles alone. “We’re delighted that our low carbon lifestyle is paying dividends. The financial gains are a fantastic bonus”.â€