As of 1st April 2011, the Solar PV feed-in tariff increases by 4.8%, a figure that is comfortably in line with inflation and raises it from 41.3p to 43.3p kW/h.
In addition, households that install MCS accredited systems before April 2012 will automatically benefit from this higher tariff. The export tariff also rises with inflation from 3p to 3.1p kW/h
To see further information about this important change you can visit http://www.ofgem.gov.uk

From February 2011 the public will see a smarter livery on the side of MCS accredited Electric Connections’ vans. Electric Connections’ owner Ray Lacey says:

“I think it’s important to illustrate that you are a professional and reliable company in a multitude of ways. Ensuring that your vehicles are smart and liveried with clear branding is just one way to support high customer service standards, quality results and a competitive pricing structure.”

December 2010 saw solar and electric heating specialists Electric Connections launch a new look website and the team are keen to hear your views.

Owner Ray Lacey comments:

“We hope that the new website is cleaner and easier to use, however, we would like to find out what our website visitors think too. If you love it, that’s great – but if you didn’t or perhaps you think we could make our information even clearer, then please do get in touch and give us an honest opinion.

“We constantly strive to improve our service and our new website is just one way we can achieve that, so let us know if there are any other features that you would find helpful.”

Electric Connections latest success story is the installation of solar PV at a residential property near Peterborough. A five man team worked on the project that installed 18 x 215 watt panels.

The owners were delighted with the results and expect to enjoy a total benefit of around £1,500 per year, after investment.

When you think of the benefits of solar power, the chances are you think of ‘green’ energy, the positive environmental outcomes and its application in countries with sunnier dispositions – but did you know that even in the UK, you can get up to a 10% guaranteed return on your income for 25 years?

This guaranteed income is not only indexed linked but it’s tax free, and is courtesy of a Government initiative called the Feed-in Tariff – basically cashback for the energy that you generate with your solar panels.  

With energy prices expecting to rocket over the next five/ten and more years, by investing in solar PV, you can protect yourself from these ever increasing energy costs by cutting your electricity bills and selling the surplus back to the grid – you could even convert your gas heating to electric to make the most of the benefits.

Ray Lacey, Owner, Electric Connections says that people are often really surprised at the investment value that this type of renewable energy offers. Ray notes:

“An annual return is typically 5.6%, even greater if you are a 40% tax payer – there aren’t many investments these days that will offer you this level of return.”