Solar Panels on New Builds

Solar panels are fast becoming the norm on homes up and down the country as well as on new build properties. Government targets which must be met regarding the UK's carbon emissions have seen a substantial rise in the number of new builds being fitted with panels as standard. Many council properties too are currently having solar panels installed.

When panels are built directly onto a property during the production stage, it works out much cheaper than if they were to be added a later date. In most cases, the solar panels are fitted to the roof, replacing more conventional forms of roofing such as slates and tiles. Fitting them during production also means that they are likely to be more durable than if they were added onto an existing roof. Additionally, they are likely to be more aesthetically pleasing as they can be made to look tasteful and match the surroundings. in fact, most panels are fitted so they appear to be a large dormer window at first glance.

In March 2012, the Conservative MP, John Stevenson said he believes "it should be compulsory to fit solar panels to all new homes in the UK". If the UK is to keep up with Europe regarding a lowering of carbon emissions, this statement could well be considered vital and people will have to face up to the fact that solar panel systems will soon be considered a must.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels work as daylight comes into contact with them. They do not need direct sunlight in order to function - which is clearly a bonus considering this country's changeable climate. The light is then converted into energy to power the home with electricity or hot water. They are guaranteed to last for at least twenty five years and rarely does anything go wrong with the panel itself.

An initial assessment from a solar panel company will assess the roof space available, making certain that it is being built to hold the panels in place securely. Good access is required on the site for fitting and maintenance purposes. Additionally, the roof should not be over shadowed by other buildings or over hanging trees.

Benefits Of Solar Panels

Solar panels provide the new homeowner with many benefits. Not only will they be saving money on the cost of electricity, they will also benefit from tax free payments from the Feed in Tariff scheme. Solar panel installations also are known to significantly increase the value of the property itself.

Feed In Tariff Scheme

The government backed Feed in Tariff scheme (FIT) was first introduced in 2010 to encourage homeowners, businesses and companies to make the use of renewable energy sources. The Feed in Tariff is the rate that is paid to the homeowner for every KWh (kilowatt hour) of electricity they produce. Any energy that is produced and not used can be sold back via a grid connection to the national grid itself. This energy that has been sold back is payable at a higher rate. So the owner of the property sets to gain in two ways: they are making savings on their overheads and they are getting paid back for the electricity they have produced. This means that solar panels should eventually provide a profit after the initial investment has been paid.

However, payments made through the Feed in Tariff have dropped since the launch of the scheme and are set to drop yet again in July 2012. This move by the coalition government has been put into place to encourage more and more homeowners (whether existing or new build) to have the panels fitted as soon as possible. The payments are also decreasing over time due to more and more people having then installed on their properties. To make money from the scheme they will have to be fitted as soon as possible - ideally well before solar panels become a standard feature on most British homes.

In order to reduce carbon emissions by the rate required, every new build must now produce at least 10% of its energy from renewable sources. Indeed, if developers fail to meet this target they will be charged by their local council. Properties will be rated under the Code for Sustainable Homes, which means if inadequacies they are found, then developers could find themselves out of pocket by as much £15,000 - money which would then be used to fund local amenities and/or the development of other energy efficient projects in the area such as the building of wind farms. So why not opt for solar panels on your new build property and reap the benefits it will ensure?