What are the issues with solar panels?

What are the issues with solar panels?

What are the issues with solar panels?

As a part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the UK has recently been introducing a wide range of ideas for incentivising the public to install solar panels. There are two government schemes on offer.

The first of these is the Feed In Tariff. It was introduced in April last year, and means you can sell any extra electricity that you generate to the main grid, earning from 850 to 1,500 per year, tax free and guaranteed by the government for 25 years.

The second of these two schemes on offer is the Renewable Heat Incentive. This has been announced as going ahead only in October 2010. It applies to thermal solar panels, which generate hot water. Not as much money on average is earned through this scheme, around 450 per year, tax free and guaranteed for 20 years, but thermal solar panels are significantly cheaper than photovoltaic solar panels.

These two possibilities do sound almost too good to be true. So, then, what are the downsides? This certainly isn't a topic that many articles address - most people are very keen to get you to buy solar panels without really considering that yes, there are some problems with the government schemes in place.

First of all, there are no government grants available. The two schemes mentioned above pay back the panels over time, so you need to have a lot of money upfront to invest. Thermalsolar panels start from around 3,000 to supply and install, and cost up to 5,000, whereas photovoltaic systems can cost anywhere from 6,000 for a small household system up to 20,000 for a very large system. This certainly isn't loose change.

Some people do not find the appearance of solar energy systems attractive. Whilst this isn't the case in the majority of cases - many like them because they show that the homeowners are helping the environment and care about society's future, a few may think they simply don't look right. Alternatively, they make not fit in well on older buildings, or neighbours may be unhappy. Planning permission isn't needed, except for listed properties or sometimes properties in conservation areas, but being unpopular with those around you isn't good!

When considering solar energy, working out whether these two factors are outweighed by the financial and environmental benefits is your decision.

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