The Arrival Of Stylish Solar Could Spark Adoption By UK Mass Market

The launch of a new generation of solar panels could lead to a major shift in the UK's adoption of solar power. Sunstation solar system sits in the roof rather than protruding from it like traditional (on-roof) systems, but the new system carries the same price tag despite its hugely improved appearance.

While existing systems are often blue, with a silver frame, Sunstation comprises sleek black solar panels that are discreetly fitted into the roof itself. Sunstation has been developed by Solarcentury, one of the world's longest-standing solar companies. Solarcentury says the arrival of great-looking but affordable solar panels is key to switching the UK on to solar after it identified that, despite a huge interest in solar power in the UK, the way solar panels look is stopping many people from buying them.

Solarcentury research[i] found that four fifths (81 percent) of homeowners want their homes to be more eco-friendly, and 96 percent want to save money on their energy bills. However, more than half (58 percent) of homeowners believe existing on-roof panels are just too unattractive, with 86 percent wanting new additions to their home to "˜look stylish'. Two thirds (65 percent) said that if they installed solar panels they'd have to be less visible and not stand out and a third (32 percent) even said it was important what their neighbours think about new additions to their home.

Designer Wayne Hemingway MBE of HemingwayDesign, said: "Great-looking solar is now available for people looking to generate their own energy and reduce their energy bills, whilst maintaining the character of the home. If you've been put off by traditional solar panels before, your worries are alleviated. We are fussy about the detail of our home that my wife designed but Sunstation does not compromise the clean lines. Installing Sunstation also allows us to do our bit for the environment, and be thrifty."

Solar power is growing in popularity in the UK, with the number of domestic solar installations doubling in 2014; there are now over half a million[ii] homes powered by solar. Solarcentury believes Sunstation will accelerate solar adoption even further given that Sunstation is a high quality system but comes with a lower price tag.

Frans van den Heuvel, CEO of Solarcentury, said: "It's always been our mission to make solar energy accessible for all. It is ten years since we launched our last award-winning range of solar tiles and slates that are fitted into the roof. Since then we've poured our insights into developing a home solar system that not only looks great - so people will want it on their roofs "“ but is also far more affordable than other options on the market, meaning even more people can switch on to solar. Sunstation marks the arrival of solar for the mass-market "“ quite simply, it puts old style solar in the shade."

Solar energy is now more affordable than ever; 100 times cheaper that it was 35 years ago. It can provide better returns than a cash ISA, typically generating a 10 percent tax free return each year through the government's Feed-in Tariff, making it the perfect choice for families, empty nesters and retirees. FiT rates are set at the time of purchase and are active for 20 years, rising every year with inflation. Since FiT starting rates are likely to reduce later this year, financially savvy homeowners will choose to invest in solar now.

Currently, investing in solar will pay for itself within eight years and can generate a return of up to £20,000 over 20 years. It has also been found to encourage home re-sale; increasing a home's energy rating and attracting buyers due to the opportunity for savings on energy bills. Solar has been identified as the top deal-sealer for prospective buyers, ahead of a house having a conservatory or weekly rubbish collection[iii]. This will appeal to purchasers who want a return on investment but aren't sure how long they will live in their homes.

For more information about Sunstation and how it works, visit www.gosunstation.com.

[i] Omnibus conducted for Solarcentury by Populus in April 2015 amongst 1,052 nationally representative UK adults.

[ii] UK Solar PV Strategy Part 2: Delivering a Brighter Future. Department of Energy and Climate Change, 2014

[iii] ING survey of 1,000 UK adults, November 2012