Council urges residents to be solar panel smart

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WARRINGTON council’s Trading Standards team is encouraging residents to do their research before agreeing to install solar panels on their homes.
They are also giving advice that residents should consider before going ahead with solar panels.
Since the government introduced feed-in tariffs, a payment made to households or businesses that generate their own electricity in a way that does not deplete natural resources, many companies began to offer free installation of solar panels in return for a cut of the tariff.
However, Trading Standards is advising people to work out the benefit of the installation particularly as they may also be charged an administrative fee so residents need to work out what the annual benefit would be of any ‘free’ offer. If the electricity is going to be free then the actual savings made will depend on how much electricity is used, and how much of this is during the day.
If you are considering having solar panels installed you should consider the following:
•Who is paying for the equipment and who owns it
•Who is paying for the Energy Performance Certificate assessment
•Who receives the generation tariff and the export tariff
•Is the electricity used onsite and exported going to be metered
•Who pays for the maintenance and repairs
•Who will insure the equipment and what will the insurance cover
•What happens if I move house and the new owners don’t want to inherit the deal
•Do I need to let my mortgage company and buildings insurer know that this installation has taken place
Cllr David Keane, (pictured) executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “I would urge residents to do their research before agreeing to the installation of solar panels. Don’t agree to a contract on the doorstep and do not feel pressured into allowing work to start immediately.
“We have received complaints from customers where they have felt pressure to sign up to expensive solar panel contracts without getting the appropriate time to make an informed decision and consider other suppliers. We would encourage anyone to contact us if they want some advice before agreeing to a deal.”
For more information contact Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 or for impartial advice on available options, contact the council’s Home Energy Conservation Officer on 01925 246930.


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