Solar Cells Light Up the United Kingdom

Thoughts of the United Kingdom are laden with visions of Big Ben, Parliament, and other historic sites; however, bright, sunny days usually aren't the first thing someone thinks of. Maybe this is because the UK does not have an abundance of them. In fact, until July 2008, photovoltaic energy, or renewable energy created from the use of solar cells, was not deemed a viable alternative to current energy sources. In addition, grid electricity was relatively cheap in comparison to other countries in Europe. In fact, the United Kingdom represented only 0.3% of Europe's photovoltaic energy production as recently as 2006.

This changed in 2008 when the European Union agreed to produce 15% of the continent's electricity by means of renewable energy by 2020. In June of 2008 homeowners in the United Kingdom received an incentive to install solar panels containing solar cells by way of a program that involves feed-in tariffs. The incentive program is not a feed-in tariff program in the strict sense of the term. Homeowners who install solar panels will be allowed to sell surplus energy back to the grid at a premium rate. Because the electricity sold is extra, a commercial feed-in tariff does not apply.

After much campaigning in the United Kingdom by concerned homeowners and environmental groups, the government revealed its plans to reward those who install solar cells to produce renewable energy in order to power their homes. The upfront investment is considerably large, near the £12,500 mark, but those who institute a photovoltaic system in their homes will receive a 7-10% return, tax-free. Best of all, since the return is percentage based, it will compensate for inflation by rising along with income. The United Kingdom has guaranteed payment for the next 25 years, ensuring more money returned to the homeowner than they invested. More importantly, not only does the investor of solar cells benefit from their use, the environment can breathe easier as well.

Solar cell incentives in the United Kingdom have reached the schools as well. The Green Energy for Schools program will provide solar panels to 100 schools around the UK. Tavernspite School, located in the Welsh town of Whitland received £20,000 worth of panels capable of an annual production of 3,000 kW. Though Whitland boasts many sports teams, they lost their dairy and one railway line, both of which provided the town with much of its income. By focusing on the proliferation of solar cells and solar panels, Whitland and the entire United Kingdom may generate goodwill as well as renewable energy for the future.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com