Brits missing out on £200m solar panel savings
Wednesday, 2 February 2011 2:45 PM
Households across the UK are losing out on millions of pounds in potential savings on their electricity bills, due to the slow adoption of free photovoltaic (PV) solar roof panels, it has been claimed.
According to research from Ecovision, which launched its own free solar PV installation service this week, one of the main reasons for this is low levels of consumer understanding and awareness.
Solar PV systems, which generate electricity from sunlight, would usually cost between £12,000 and £15,000 to purchase and install.
But households can actually obtain them free of charge, as a result of a government-backed initiative, and potentially reduce their electricity bills by 50 per cent.
Ecovision has estimated that around 750,000 properties across Britain could benefit from free solar PV panels, giving a possible nationwide saving of £200 million a year.
Peter Randall, chief executive officer at Ecovision, commented: "Although many people have heard of free solar and applied, many, many more across the country could enjoy significant savings too.
"We are committed to launching a major campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the benefits. Solar panel systems are totally free to homeowners, can usually be installed in a day and last up to 40 years, with little or no maintenance required."
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