Member Article

Solar panels to bring savings and earnings for North East residents

North East home owners could now earn money whilst saving energy as Warm Up North introduces the first renewable energy product to its energy efficiency portfolio.

As one of the UK’s largest energy efficiency initiatives, Warm Up North is now offering home owners across the region the opportunity to benefit from having solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed, which could provide total annual savings of up to £880 per home.

Available through Warm Up North, which is endorsed by nine North East local authorities, the solar PV panels are installed by British Gas, a market leading provider in the residential solar market with over 17 years’ experience.

As part of Warm Up North’s solar provisions, its energy experts will recommend a system tailored to customer requirements and budget, with prices starting at under £4,500 for a 1.5kwp system, following a home survey.

Under the Government’s ‘Feed-in Tariff’ initiative, home owners are paid for each unit of electricity generated from their solar panels and any unused electricity is sold back to the national grid. Home owners can also make savings on their monthly bills as they will not need to buy as much electricity from their energy provider.

Feed-in Tariff rates are set by the Government for up to 20 years and rise in line with inflation, meaning home owners could make up to 12.8% return on investment.

The Warm Up North partnership comprises nine local authorities including Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Newcastle, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Warm Up North has been helping North East residents and businesses to save energy and money since its launch last year, and has helped thousands of households by installing energy efficiency solutions. Common measures include cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and new efficient boilers.

Head of Warm Up North, Ian Weatherston, said: “We’re delighted to be introducing solar PV panels which will help people in the North East to benefit from more energy efficient homes, with a system which best suits their energy requirements.

“Solar PV is a great way to save money and also generate some additional income for your home.

“Installing solar brings a number of benefits, which includes a regular payment for every unit of energy generated whether you use it or not, a payment for all the excess electricity you do not use and the additional savings made on energy bills.

“Through Warm Up North residents can be confident that they are not only benefiting from a scheme that is endorsed by nine local authorities in the region, but also that their energy efficiency measures will be installed by British Gas, which boasts over 17 years’ experience working in the residential solar market.”

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