A retired Nottinghamshire couple have told how they're hoping to live energy bill free after installing solar panels just eight months ago.
Michael and Sue Anson, from Brinsley, now enjoy the electricity they produce and are able to make enough cash selling power back to the grid to minimise their utility bills.
The couple's interest in green energy started in the early 1970s but at the time the technologies were too basic and prohibitively priced.
After downsizing and moving in 2008, the couple decided to turn their two bedroom bungalow into an energy efficient home.
An extension and porch were built using polystyrene Beco Blocks, the property was insulated and triple glazed.
Last year they invested in solar PV panels which the couple calculate with have paid for itself by 2016.
Solar PV systems work by converting sunlight into electricity using cells made up of semi conducting material. When light shines on the cells, it creates an electrical field allowing electricity to flow.
The system, installed by Nottingham firm MG Renewables, produces no greenhouse gases and has no moving parts which keep maintenance to a minimum.
After installation, electricity costs will begin reducing immediately. Under the Feed In Tariff's (FITS) scheme, all units produced, regardless of whether they're used, are sold back to the grid at 41.3p per unit. Fifty per cent then receive an additional payment of 3p per unit. The scheme was launched by the government in April 2010.
During three months of last summer, Michael and Sue produced 1492 units of electricity which earned them over £600 and cut their bills dramatically.
Michael, 67, says he's pleased to finally take the plunge into sustainable energy.
He said: "I've always had a fascination with green technologies. As early as the seventies people realised resources like coal and oil couldn't last forever but alternatives were basic and expensive.
"Once I retired my wife and I downsized to a two-bedroom house and we used the money we'd saved to make our home as green as possible.
"We were recommended MG Renewables, who talked us through all of the costs and revenues associated with solar energy. They advised us to wait until planned government legislation to incentivise green household energy came into force before investing.
"This proved a useful tip and we're now making money back from the government as well as covering all of our energy costs."
Sue continued: "We've always been careful about our energy consumption and still are. Now, we tend to used electrical equipment during the day when we're generating more power. As an example, by 8.30am I'm able to use the toaster, kettle and put on the dishwasher and still have electricity over to sell back.
"I did a lot of research around renewable energy before we finally took the plunge. At the time neighbours thought we were crazy. However, nine months in and they're catching on to the fact we save money on our bills as well as generate a healthy income."
The neighbours have been so impressed by the Anson's experience that they too have had panels fitted, as has their son.
Michael explains: "Our son is in the RAF and spends long periods of the year away from home. He installed the panels and now when he comes home from the Falklands, he has cheques waiting for him for the energy he's produced."
Martin Dowd from MG Renewables, says he believes the decision to install solar PV panels makes sense from both a green and commercial point of view.
He said: "The incentives announced last year make renewable energy a lot more accessible. The fact a guaranteed income for a 25 year period can be generated means the system pays for itself very quickly. After that, the money made is yours. Long term, it will reduce electricity bills indefinitely, with panels expected to last well beyond 30 years.
"The initial outlay for a 4 kWp 30 sqm system such as that used by the Ansons is approximately £15,000, but when you bring in the money you can make from power suppliers and the fact you will be producing your own electricity reducing the amount you need to buy in it seems an obvious thing to do both financially and environmentally."
Michael and Sue believe there's never been a better time to invest in solar energy.
Sue concluded: "The government is really incentivising green energy and whilst it may seem a big initial outlay, the panels pay themselves off much quicker than many people expect.
"Before we had the panels installed we discussed the government estimates with MG Renewables and I'm pleased to say our panels have been performing better than predicted.
"There's nothing better than living off natural energy. Even on a bleak January day we're able to power the house and it's great to know we can provide for ourselves whilst saving money."
