Solar panel EPC deadline looms for inefficient homes

With many solar PV installers offering reduced prices for 2012, solar panels are now cheaper than ever. With the Government’s 21p/kWh feed-in tariff and reduced installation costs, is now the best time to consider an installation?

With the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) deadline just around the corner, why should you be installing solar panels before April 1?

And with the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) deadline just around the corner, why should you be installing solar panels before April 1?

Install solar panels before April 1

The EPC and what you need to know

Homeowners looking to install solar panels have a deadline of April 1, before a new Government regulation restricts the feed-in tariff rate for inefficient homes.

From April 1, properties will need to have sufficient insulation that meets an EPC rating of at least level D, in order to receive the 21p/kWh rate, tax free. However, installing solar panels beforehand would guarantee the higher feed-in tariff rate for at least 25 years.

What does the rating mean?

Your home is rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), which identifies the current efficiency level of your home. It also identifies the level of improvements you could make to increase efficiency.

These plans follow on from the Government’s feed-in tariff review and aim to prolong the scheme, making it transparent and predictable for companies and customers.

After the EPC deadline of April 1:

  • New solar panel installations will only receive a feed-in tariff rate of 9p/kWh
  • This is reduced from the 21p tariff all other properties would receive
  • But installing before the cut-off date would:

  • Guarantee the top rate of 21p/kWh for at least 25 years
  • Help homeowners make a return of over 10%
  • Payback in less than 10 years

How much could delaying cost you?

The cost of an EPC varies dependent upon the size and location of your property. In addition to the one-off EPC survey cost of around £50, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) estimate the total cost of installing these energy efficiency measures to be around £5,600. If you install before April 1, you won’t be subject to the EPC.

The DECC have estimated that 50% of UK properties don’t meet an EPC level D or above. Therefore, this would exclude them from the 21p tariff. If you are considering solar panels, ensure they’re installed before April 1.

Why install solar panels?

If you’ve been considering solar panels as a way of generating free electricity, there has never been a better time to install. Installation costs have been decreasing year-in year-out and with the 21p tariff rate, you’ll ensure a fixed income for 25 years.

After the installation, your solar panels will start generating electricity instantly. And you’ll also be paid for all of the free energy you produce, through the feed-in tariff.

Solar panels offer the perfect means for homeowners looking to cut their bills and escape fuel poverty.


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