Brits Keen to Go Green But Lack the Know How

By Katie Anderson on October 17, 2011

A recent survey by a solar PV distributor has revealed that although a lot of Brits are keen to go green, a lack of knowledge about energy efficiency remains a stumbling block.

The results of a Global Energy Efficiency survey, conducted on behalf of Rexel – a leading worldwide distributor of electrical supplies – indicates that most people don’t implement energy saving home improvements due to a lack of energy efficiency education.

Whilst the British public seem clued up when it comes to implementing simple cost effective solutions – with 81% of survey participants already using energy saving light bulbs – money, unsurprisingly, is the determining factor when it comes to going green. Not just in terms of initial outlay, but also the measurable cost savings involved.

The survey turned in some surprising results, with two thirds of those surveyed admitting to never having heard of the Smart Meter roll-out plans, and only 13% had heard of or in fact understood the Government’s Feed-in Tariff (Fit) scheme. However, 70% had or were keen to install a green heating system, with 60% interested in installing solar panels.

The survey also found that more than a quarter of UK consumers would be more interested in saving energy if they could benefit from interest free eco-loans which would enable them to make the move to more energy efficient solutions.

Henri-Paul Laschkar, Senior Vice President at Rexel UK & Ireland said, “Ultimately 78% of Brits cited reduced expenses as their main motivation for going green, well ahead of environmental protection and future generations,” commented Henri-Paul Laschkar, Senior Vice President at Rexel UK & Ireland.

“A strong indication that the future of energy efficiency in the UK depends on our ability to better communicate financial incentives, ROI and long-term cost savings,” he added.

Earn over £1,000 per year via the Feed-in Tariff

Save up to £200 per year with a Solar PV (photovoltaic) installationDid you know that a Solar PV system can reduce your energy bills but also make you money by selling any unused energy back to the grid?

This not only helps you financially but also the environment by lowering your CO2 emissions by up to 1000kg p/a.

 

 

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About the Solar Feed-In Tariff

The Feed-In Tariff applies to Solar PV (electricity) systems

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About the Renewable Heat Incentive

The Renewable Heat Incentive applies to Solar Thermal (hot water) systems

 

Did you know?

Earn Money via the Feed-In TarrifThe Government's Feed-In Tariff was launched on April 1st 2010 to encourage homeowners to generate their own electricity - it is split into two methods of revenue.

The Generation Tariff earns you a fixed income for every kilowatt hour of electricity you generate. And, The Export Tariff earns you income for every kilowatt hour you generate and sell back to the grid.

An average 3/4 bedroom house fitted with 2.5kw Solar PV panels and normal electricity usage would earn over £850 p/a tax free!

Add this to an approximate £145 reduction in your electricity usage and you could benefit by over £1,000 per year.

Try our Solar PV Feed-In Tariff Calculator to assess your potential payback.

 
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