Yet more PV deadlines - but still an opportunity

Following the latest round of changes to the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Feed-In-Tariff (FiTs) there is time to still consider PV as a viable, sustainable and affordable renewable technology at both domestic and commercial levels.

The next change in FiTs for PV comes on the 30th June 2012, and while this is a tight timescale, the two historic delays to the process are now more streamlined.

SSE and other grid companies have cut times for grid approval to seven days rather than weeks as enquiries have significantly reduced, and planning permission is now not generally needed on commercial installations.

Furthermore, the cost of installations has continued to fall as Tariff rates are reduced. While this reduces the total level of income received over the scheme, it still provides the same level of return on capital at approximately 10%.

As with all renewable energy projects, the greatest returns are found where installations off-set as much of the on-site energy demand as possible. This allows the scheme owner to hedge against energy price volatility and makes the scheme truly sustainable.

"As with all new technology, employing the right people makes all the difference. BCM are specialists in advising on all rural property matters and through a strong vetting process we have sought to use approved recognised installers for all our client’s installations giving a professional and competitive service" said Chris Horn of BCM.