Where to Find Companies Offering Free Solar Panels

If you put the term 'free solar panels' into a search engine you will find a whole bunch of companies offering systems and installation for free. The government's Feed In Tariff scheme was designed as an incentive to homeowners to invest in solar energy, sooner rather than later, in order to help the government meet its goals for reducing our carbon footprint. Solar panels are still quite expensive and although the government has taken the cost into consideration, some homeowners are still put off by the outlay. Many companies realise that they could profit by installing the panels for free and keeping the tariffs for themselves. With an expected return of 9%, they see the installation of solar PV panels as an excellent investment opportunity but to make the most profit they need as many suitable roofs as possible.

Who Benefits from What?

The company will benefit from the Generation Tariff which is a payment for every unit of electricity the solar panel system generates, whether it's used on site or returned to the grid. The company also receives an Export Tariff for every unit of electricity that is returned to the grid. As these tariffs are guaranteed by the government for 25 years from installation, it?s easy to see why these companies would want to offer to install solar panels for free. They are in fact using the homeowner's roof to generate themselves a long term income. After a certain amount of time the tariff will pay for the installation and the income produced for the remainder of the 25 years is pretty much pure profit. The benefits for the homeowner are reduced electricity bills. Also, the homeowner will not have to worry maintaining and servicing the system, as it belongs to the company and will benefit them the most by keeping everything in running order.

Can Anyone Apply for Free Panels?

Anyone can apply for free solar panels but not everyone will qualify. The companies providing this offer are interested in making the maximum profit, so their criteria for qualification will be very high. That's because there are many things that affect the efficiency of the panels. The location; roof space available; the position the roof is facing; the angle of the roof and whether the panels are likely to be overshadowed by obstructions to the sunlight at certain times, will all play a part in their final decision.

Who Owns The Panels?

The panels and system are owned by the company and the tariff stays with the property so when the homeowner moves the reduced electricity bills and everything associated with the installation stays with the property. Solar energy is an added bonus to any property but, in the case of free solar panels, the homeowner has to consider that, if a move is anticipated, how a prospective buyer will feel about inheriting the deal.