Solar Now 39% Cheaper Says Solar Guide

The UK solar industry has been left reeling from the
Government's proposals to slash solar subsidies by more than half. But despite
the changes to the feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme, leading online resource Solar
Guide is optimistic that the once booming market will be able to weather the
storm, boosted, not least, by a reduction in the price of the technology.

According to Solar Guide, solar PV prices have come down
considerably over the last 12 months, making solar far more affordable than it
has ever been before. The news should hopefully help to maintain faith in the
renewable technology, despite the recent solar subsidy set back.

For homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills by
investing in solar electricity, the average price per kWp of a solar PV system
has dropped by 39%. According to figures compiled by Solar Guide, in December
2010 the average price consumers could expect to pay for a solar PV
installation was GBP 4,445.95 per kWp. In October 2011, that price dropped by
38.63%, to GBP 3,206.96.(i)

With the cost of fossil fuels continuing to rise rapidly,
investing in a solar PV system makes sense, not least because:

n 
The cost of installing the technology has
reduced by 39%.

n 
You'll be able to enjoy cheap or free
electricity.

n 
Solar PV is good for the environment.

n 
You can make money by generating your own
electricity through the feed-in tariff.

David Holmes, founder of Solar Guide said: "Solar
subsidies from the feed-in tariff have made investing in solar panels
economically viable for so many people. While the Government's proposal to
slash solar subsidies by more than 50% has hit the industry hard, the fact that
we've seen solar PV prices dropping by as much as 39% should provide the
industry with a much needed boost.

"Our figures really do speak for themselves. While
fossil fuel costs are rising solar PV prices are falling. Which means solar is
fast becoming more and more affordable. And that's good news, not just for
energy consumers but for the economy and the planet, too. So it's a win-win
situation all round."

For more information on solar PV systems, to obtain quotes
or to find a solar installer in your area, visit www.solarguide.co.uk .

(i)Figures based on 256,776 online quotations from December
2010 to November 2011. Data sampled at 28 November 2011.