Feed-in tariff scheme ''might encourage take-up of PV solar panels''

Posted by Robert Shields.

The forthcoming feed-in tariff scheme might encourage some people to introduce products like PV solar panels to their properties, research suggests.

As many as 46 per cent of those questioned in a recent Country Homesearch survey said they might look towards renewable devices because of this initiative.

However, of those respondents who have energy efficient homes, 74 per cent are said to be more focused on the financial benefits they receive and less on the environment.

Country Homesearch''s chairman Jonathan Haward believes that certain renewable energy products are too pricey for homeowners to consider.

''Homebuyers were primarily concerned that energy efficiency saved them money, not the planet,'' he commented.

The expert added: ''A property''s carbon footprint is pretty low down on the radar of people looking to buy a home.''

When it comes to solar panels, the Manchester Carbon Innovation Fund is said to have recently offered support to an installation of this technology in a Charlestown tower block.