Free £1bn solar panel giveaway in UK
Solar panels – could you get your free?
A UK firm has announced that it will be giving away £1bn worth of solar panels in a bid to get British consumers to harness the power of our nearest star. HomeSun has offered UK punters the chance to get panels fitted for gratis on their roofs in exchange for a share of the savings they make on their electricity bills.
Thanks to a government “feed-in tariff” incentive that rewards people who generate their own electricity, those who choose solar power could see their bills cut significantly.
HomeSun believes 2.4 million UK homes could be eligible for its solar-powered system – that’s about 10 per cent. To be able to qualify, your home needs to have a large, south-facing roof, while HomeSun would charge a £500 installation fee for smaller roofs.
HomeSun chief executive Daniel Green said: “We are turning the business model for solar on its head. Over the next three years, we will give away all of this kit which is worth £1bn. The feed-in tariff over the 25-year period is going to help us recoup our investment and hopefully make a profit.”
What do you think? Is solar power a viable alternative energy? Have your say below…
User comments (15)
Leave a comment
musicmanuk09 August 2010
Cool....but where do you register...lol...
Report as inappropriatemusicmanuk09 August 2010
here you go then... http://www.homesun.com/is-my-home-suitable/
Report as inappropriateM Painter09 August 2010
Well I think Solar panels are a great idea as I saves money that means people can spend more on gadget and holidays,,,,
Report as inappropriateevilgumbo10 August 2010
i've registed on there website for one of these doubt i'll get one they always seem to give free stuff to people that can afford to buy one
Report as inappropriateJune Still10 August 2010
sounds good, but where's the catch?! As a senior cit. I could do with saving on fuel costs.
Report as inappropriatespoton110 August 2010
is this for people with houses only or are people who live in flats also eligable
Report as inappropriaten11 August 2010
when solar first became available for consumers i went to a website and worked out the amount of electricity generated from typical english weather versus the cost of the units and instillation. it would pay for itself..........in about 120 years or so. either the solar technology has vastly improved since then or they are going to have to wait a very long time to recoup their money.
Report as inappropriatejonny cain11 August 2010
Hi This is in response to n's comment. The government have released an initiative called the Feed-in Tariff, a price is paid per kWp generated by the Solar PV system, this is normally paid to the home-owner, but in HomeSun's case they take the Feed-in Tariff, so that is why they can afford to do it, and that is why the time taken to recoup has greatly decreased. I found a really good article on the Feed-in Tariff on-line at: http://www.evoenergy.co.uk/DomesticPV/InvestingInSolarPV/FeedInTariffs.aspx Jonny.
Report as inappropriateKulvinder23 August 2010
So my roof is south facing but I'm sure there's some sort of catch which is worrying
Report as inappropriateCarl Graham22 October 2010
I have tried to register for this but have been told that my house is unsuitable even though I have a 75 foot south facing garden with no shading. I even have solar panels already which I use for hot water but I've been told by Homesun that my house is unsuitable. It seems as if Homesun are cherry picking who they install!!
Report as inappropriateMichael12 May 2011
Hi, Do NOT enter into these agreements. They are lucrative ONLY for HOMESUN. They offer a buy out clause but what they fail to mention is their value on the units is hugely excessive!! You can buy a system for £11.500 which they value in their agreements at £21,500. Other options for homeowners will be available soon where you will be able to recoup your investment. I have had Homesun make me an offer so am able to advise from an informed position - biggest mistake I would have ever made!!
Report as inappropriateJune Godfrey01 August 2011
Someone from homesun is coming out on Wednesday so I would be glad of any upto date comments on whether they are good or bad and what the catch is for free solar panels and also what sort of panels do they install and also what you consider are the best type to have
Report as inappropriateThis comment has been removed.
This comment has been removed.
This comment has been removed.
Join Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment