Write a commentBe aware of the full implications of ‘free’ solar panel urge local Sinn Féin representatives.
Commenting in light of a number of recent cases which have been brought to the attention of elected representatives locally, Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has urged people to consider “the full implications” of packages which are currently being offered by some companies in relation to what they term ‘free solar panels’.
Several companies have been making contact with local home owners offering promises of significant savings on their home electricity bills. The companies which offer to install solar panels free of charge, grant free usage of electricity generated by the panels. In return, the companies retain any surplus energy not used by the homeowner and sell this back to the national grid. “Whilst the business model does provide some potential to make saving on energy bills, people need to be entering into any such agreements with their eyes wide open” said Boylan.
Commenting on the issue his colleague Armagh City & District Councillor Garath Keating suggested that the contracts being offered are extremely long, over 20 years in most instances, with very expensive termination clauses should homeowners for whatever reason wish to remove the panels in the future. Further, according to Keating, “people need to be mindful that they are creating a third party interest in their property which will last for over two decades irrespective of what they wish to do with the property. This is something which could for instance affect the value of the property should they ever wish to sell, or limit any future development which might impinge upon the solar panels. Whilst some savings maybe made, the level of those must be balanced against the size of the trade-off”.
The Sinn Féin elected representatives have advised anyone with concerns in relation to the matter to contact them at the Armagh City constituency office on 028 37 511797.
