We think solar energy still has a sunny future
Is solar power dead? – We think it isn’t!
We are urging farmers to fall back in love with renewable energy with the proposal that it makes business sense to harness the Earth’s natural resources.
Since the decline in the Feed-in tariff many have understandably decided to rule out using renewable energy. Data published by the energy regulator in 2016 showed there was 21 megawatts of small solar installed in February and March that year, after the new, lower incentive rate came into effect. By contrast, energy department figures show that for the same period in 2015, 81MW was installed.
Renewable and alternative energy schemes such as anaerobic digesters, solar photovoltaic, wind energy, biomass, hydro, and combined heat and power have sadly fallen out of favour with landowners across England and Wales.
In our view, however, the maths still adds up so that high users of electricity would still get a good return on their investment.
Examples: 50kw Solar PV system
We estimate this size system to generate in the region of 40,000 to 45,000kwh per annum for the cost of £35,000 plus VAT. One hundred per cent Feed in tariff at 4.19p = £1,780.75; 50 per cent export at 4.85p = £1,030.62; 50 per cent savings on electricity at 13p = £2,762.50.
22kw Solar PV system. We estimate this size system to generate in the region of 15,000 to 18,000kwh per annum for the cost of £17,000 plus VAT.
We believe it isn’t just farmers that could benefit from harnessing renewable energy either. Those who have diversified into ventures such as holiday lets, caravan parks, camping, glamping and barn conversions should look again at how much electricity they use and consider a renewable source for generating it.
We have a team of professional renewable energy specialists who are able to offer independent advice on all the range of renewable installations available.
Once a renewable energy solution has been identified they can take care of nearly all aspects of the process of entering into the realms of renewable energy, from feasibility studies, planning processes, and the construction and commissioning of renewable energy schemes, whether these be individual or in partnership with larger operators.
Tudor Watkins, partner with Roger Parry & Partners in the Welshpool office
