One thing which puzzles me is the absence, on new-build houses of solar panels as either standard or optional. I am aware that an installation may not be feasible in all cases, but new estates appear totally devoid of them. In recent years their price has fallen substantially. I do see them, however, on buildings like schools and village halls.
I had a small array (eight panels) fitted a couple of years ago. I estimate that my annual mains electricity consumption is reduced by about one third, and any generation which I do not use is exported to the public supply.
I realise that the feed-in tariff is now only a fraction of its original value - but then so is the capital coat. My installation cost about £3000. A few years ago it would have been fours times as much. And my primary was not necessarily to make money (as it happens, my bills are smaller and I received a FIT payment of about £120 over the last twelve months) - I just wanted to live in a more green manner.
