By Lois Avery
Solar panels were installed by a record number of homeowners in August, according to Ofgem.
The energy regulator said that the devices were fitted to 2,257 homes, up from 1,700 in July and 1,400 in June.
The increase in the number of people going green is thought to be a result of the government's scheme to reward people who generate their own energy, which launched in April.
The feed-in tariff system now enables homeowners to receive 41.3p for every unit of energy they generate. Any leftover energy is then sold back to the National Grid. Before its introduction, homeowners only had access to grants if they wanted to have solar panels fitted.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, more than 6,660 solar panel installations have been built into houses since April. It says solar panels usually cost between £6,000 and £12,000 to buy and install, depending on their size.
The news that solar panels are becoming more popular coincides with a newly launched British gas scheme through which homeowners can rent out their roof to the company in return for free panels and reduced bills.
Jon Kimber, managing director of British Gas New Energy, said they intend to be the leading player in this sector: “Solar power will revolutionise the way British homes generate and use energy. British Gas is helping our customers reap the benefits of this technology to cut their electricity bills, reduce their carbon footprint and earn a yearly income.”
For more on this, read our article on feed-in tariffs and find out more about greening up your home
