Homeowner solar ‘strangled’ by DECC proposals

Homeowners who want to install solar power could lose out on government funding if their houses don’t achieve a minimum ‘C’ energy rating under new DECC proposals, according to a […]

Homeowners who want to install solar power could lose out on government funding if their houses don’t achieve a minimum ‘C’ energy rating under new DECC proposals, according to a green energy firm.

This means that almost 9 in 10 homes wouldn’t get financial help with pricey solar panels, suggests renewable energy company Eco Environments.

David Hunt, director of Eco Environments said: “The Government may claim that homeowners making the necessary improvements to their homes will ultimately be able to recoup their outlay through the available subsidies, but in the short-term it will seriously affect their return on investment. And only homes meeting the ‘C’ rating will qualify for the 21p rate; those that do not will have to make do with just 9p.”

He suggested it was a “second devastating blow” for the solar industry, still reeling from the “savage” slashing of the Feed-in-Tariffs earlier this month, cutting them in half for solar schemes up to 4kW.

A DECC spokesperson denied that homeowner proposals were harsh and told ELN: “They’re still part of the consultation and we’ll take views on proposals and decide on it early next year.” DECC has no date for this decision as yet.

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