‘They generate more than what I pay in bills’: Leeds homeowners turn to solar

Leeds residents are exploring longer-term solutions to manage rising energy costs, like solar panels.

According to new data from the global energy think tank Ember, renewable energy has surpassed coal to become the world’s leading source of electricity for the first time in history, during the first half of this year.

In Headingley, Lee Collins a homeowner installed his solar panels through the government scheme in November 2011, and he says “they generate more than what I pay in bills. They bring in around £2,600 per year, and my bills are around £2,200”.

But the government scrapped the scheme a month after Lee’s installation, “they realised it was too good to be true.”

“So people who are putting them on now don’t get paid anywhere near what I get paid for generating, so there’s a massive discrepancy between people who got them fitted after the government reduced the price to people like me who got it before. That being said, the installation prices have come down dramatically, so it’s now a viable option for a wider range of people.”

Source: Janie Barawitzka

Globally, the cost of solar has fallen sharply in recent years, leading to more accessibility and major growth in many lower-income countries. But in the UK, solar output is reduced in winter months, meaning households can’t rely on it alone to offset energy costs.

However, there are alternative solutions to reducing costs.

Mark Houldsworth, renewable energy installer, explains “the obvious energy saving technology most people know saves them money are solar, batteries and heat pumps. All three can significantly reduce a households energy usage.”

“A typical solar and battery installation can save up to 80% off energy bills, and for some people that’s just not affordable but there are still options for every household that can improve their energy efficiency. Things like double-glazing, LED’s and loft insulation are all significant influences on a household’s energy bills and making sure you have ticked these off will save you a lot of money.”

Ofgem’s energy price cap increased by almost 3% on October 1st.

Source: Janie Barawitzka

Tim Jarvis, Director general for markets at Ofgem, advised residents on mitigating the impact.

“While today’s change is below inflation, we know customers might not be feeling it in their pockets. Consider a fixed tariff as this could save more than £200 against the new cap.”

He acknowledges switching to fixed rates is becoming more common, as options for consumers increase, along with their supposed satisfaction and a reduction in complaints.

“Paying by Direct Debit or smart pay-as-you-go could also save you money”, he added.