The government has announced that as of 1st January 2016, the Feed-In Tariffs (FIT) for solar PV will be all but wiped out for any households or businesses who install solar after that date.
Yesterday’s announcement that the government intends to cut the subsidies for solar PV are a major blow to the industry which had reached a period of stability and steady growth with the existing degression model.
Despite subsidies for fossil fuels being more than 8 times higher than subsidies for renewables, and the fact a major decarbonisation of the UK (and world) is required, the UK government has decided it cannot afford to subsidise solar power any more.
The FIT rate for solar power up until 1st January will be:
Up to 4kWp = 12.47p/kWh
4 to 10kWp = 11.30p/kWh
10 to 50kWp = 11.30p/kWh
50 to 100kWp = 9.63p/kWh
From 1st January 2015 the FIT rates will be cut by 87%…
Up to 4kWp = 1.63p/kWh
4 to 10kWp = 1.63p/kWh
10 to 50kWp = 3.69p/kWh
50 to 250kWp = 2.64p/kWh
While solar power will still have a major part to play in moving to a clean energy society in the UK, the government has opted to make solar less attractive for households and businesses and therefore will ensure the adoption of solar power across the country is slowed drastically.
A number of senior people wrote letters to the Guardian in response: Link here
There will undoubtedly be a major rush to install solar PV before the Feed-In Tariff cuts in January.
Given what happened in 2012 when the FIT was cut by 50% and the rush to get installations in before the deadline saw a shortage of components, Ceiba Renewables would advise anyone considering solar to get in touch now to ensure they get the best quality installation.
Duncan Crosthwaite, Director of Ceiba Renewables, said: “The FIT cut is very disappointing, however we are gearing up for a very busy spell in a bid to ensure as many businesses and households can get solar PV installed before the deadline. The last time there was a major cut to the FIT we saw some solar PV systems getting thrown in with little regard for quality, I spoke to people who didn’t even know what panels they had had installed. As a customer, you don’t want to be rushing in to a decision, paying a lot of money and then finding out the product is sub-standard. At Ceiba, we are prepared for a busy 4 months so get in touch with us as early as possible to avoid disappointment.”
Ceiba Renewables are proud to announce their continued partnership with Sunpower, the world’s leading solar panel manufacturer.
Ceiba’s emphasis on quality, durability and performance led them to partner Sunpower in 2013 and that partnership is continuing onwards and upwards in 2015.
Sunpower celebrate their 30th birthday this year and they have become world renowned for their solar panels’ record-breaking efficiency, high yields and fantastic durability. With their unique features Sunpower have become the solar panel of choice for the likes of Warren Buffet, Apple, and the solar-powered plane “Solar Impulse“.
Duncan Crosthwaite, Director of Ceiba Renewables said: “When we install a solar PV system what we want, for our own piece of mind as well as our customers, is durability. Are these panels not only going to last 20+ years without any issues but are they also going to maintain a high performance? With Sunpower they tick all the boxes and some more, they are independently tested to verify their claims, not only that but they back this up with their unprecedented 25 year Product warranty as well as their 25 year Power warranty. When you buy a Sunpower PV system that is installed by Ceiba Renewables you really are getting the best PV system that money can buy.”
To help understand how Sunpower panels are different from conventional solar PV panels, these videos explain their technology:
Not only are Sunpower panels the most efficient and durable solar PV panel on the market, they are one of the most ethical as proven by their recent “Cradle to Cradle” silver award.
Administered by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, Cradle to Cradle certification demonstrates a product’s quality level based on rankings in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness.
Duncan Crosthwaite, Director of Ceiba Renewables said: “A key consideration for us as a socially responsible and environmentally friendly business is where we source our components and Sunpower have demonstrated their excellent approach to the production of their solar PV panels. Ceiba Renewables are proud to be an Authorised Partner with Sunpower.”
Ceiba Renewables are pleased to announce that we will have a stand at this year’s Home Energy Fair in Ayr on Saturday 7th February.
The event is run by the Energy Agency which is an offshoot of the Energy Saving Trust. Now in its eighth year, this is the only free event in South West Scotland which focuses on topics such as saving energy, renewable energy and sustainable transport.
Ceiba’s Duncan Crosthwaite will be doing a presentation on the “Key considerations when choosing a solar system for your home” at 2.15pm and we’ll also have our advisors available on our stand from 10.30am to 3.30pm for those who are looking for more information on energy saving technologies such as solar and voltage optimisation.
The day will be a great opportunity for home and business owners to find out more about reducing their energy overheads.
The event will be held at University of West Scotland, University Road, Ayr, KA8 0SX.
To find out more about the event: http://www.energyagency.org.uk/en/events_46678/
To find out more about Ceiba please visit our website or email us for a brochure.
Ceiba Renewables become Scotland’s first renewable energy Which? Trust Trader
Ayrshire-based company Ceiba Renewables Limited has become the first renewable energy installation company in Scotland to become a Which? Trusted Trader. The Which? endorsement scheme helps consumers to find reputable companies.
Ceiba Renewables, run by Duncan and Debbie Crosthwaite, were given the coveted Trusted Trader stamp of approval after a rigorous assessment process by consumer champion Which?
Which? have been rigorously testing products and services for over 50 years and the Which? Trusted Trader scheme is designed to give consumers the same reassurance when choosing a trader.
Debbie Crosthwaite said: “We’re delighted to have succeeded in becoming a Which? Trusted Trader as those who use Which? know that they demand quality for consumers.
To have their endorsement is an excellent achievement for us as a company and it also gives great peace-of-mind to our customers.”
Ceiba Renewables specialise in solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal and voltage optimisation design and installations across Scotland.
Ceiba Renewables, a leading installer of high quality solar PV systems in Scotland, are offering a free Immersun installation with every 4kWp+ solar PV installation we undertake from now until the next Feed-In Tariff (FIT) cut on 31st March 2015.
The Immersun maximises savings by diverting excess solar PV generated power which is not being used in the house, into your hot water cylinder instead of going back on to the grid [see calculation / illustration below].
This great deal is designed to maximise savings on top of the income generated by the solar PV system. So not only do you benefit from a high performing solar PV system from Ceiba Renewables, your savings are maximised too, meaning quicker payback and lower energy bills!
As can be seen from the example illustrated table below, although the total income and savings without the Immersun equates to a very satisfying £873.20 a year, the savings with the Immersun make the total combined income and savings £1,095.20 a year!
Why not give us a call or email us to book your free, no obligation technical survey and find out more:
