What is the Feed in Tariff Scheme?

The Feed in Tariff Scheme is a government backed initiative to persuade individuals to make their own "green" electricity. As a component of the scheme money will be paid out to anybody who possesses a renewable electricity system. The Feed in Tariff Scheme was introduced at the beginning of April 2010 in Great Britain. At the current time it is not applicable to those in Northern Ireland, although this is being reviewed.

Households and businesses that produce their own electricity using a renewable energy system are suitable to be a part of the Feed in Tariff Scheme. The main goal of this initiative is to help arrive at the UK goal; that 15% of our electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020.

How does this initiative function in practice?

It's compulsory for the principal electricity suppliers in the UK to make regular payments to those who create their own renewable energy. However, plenty of other suppliers have opted to become involved in the Feed in Tariff Scheme voluntarily. This scheme and payments functions in 3 ways:

1. Generation tariff; for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity you make and use in your own house the electricity provider will pay you a fixed rate per unit. This rate remains stationary for the entire length of the scheme, which is 20-25 years. New entrants into the scheme could discover that their stable rate is less than current scheme members; to get the greatest amount out of your return the sooner you agree to take part the more earnings you will gain.

2. Next is the export tariff; any additional electricity that you produce above the units you consume can be resold back to the electricity grid for a standard rate per kWh.

3. When there is not an adequate amount of wind or sun to create the power you need for your household or company you can still purchase electricity from your usual supplier. Although the cost of this power is the same as you will have paid previously the complete consumption is much less meaning a reduced bill each month.

How much is paid?

The kind of renewable electricity system you possess influences the amount that you will be paid through the scheme. Solar power has a greater kilowatt hour generation tariff on average than water power or wind farm generated energy. Up until the 31st of March 2012 the most you could possibly get is 43.3p for each kWh of power consumed.

The fixed export tariff from April 2011 - March 2012 is 3.1p per kilowatt hour of electricity that's purchased by the grid. The power suppliers that pay the tariff do not use money from their profits; they factor the expense of the Feed in Tariff Scheme into their prices. Therefore individuals that don't produce and consume their own renewable energy are funding those that do.

Advantages of the Feed in Tariff Scheme

The cost of installation can be high but these tariffs should not only match the initial costs but also yield earnings of up to 8% yearly. They are implemented so your typical monthly income from the Feed in Tariff Scheme will compensate any loan repayments over a 25 year period.

When you start generating your own power you'll see huge savings on your monthly bills as you only pay for usage over the quantity you can produce yourself.

Additional details

Solar energy is a long term venture and will not make you large amounts of money right away. As time passes your little savings will add up making solar power an extremely profitable resource.

When you are generating your own energy it makes sense to make sure that nothing is being wasted. Loft and wall insulation, alongside low energy light bulbs and energy saving recommended appliances can help minimise the amount of electricity that is wasted saving you extra money.

There are many of benefits of renewable power for example, saving on your electricity bill and protecting the environment. Solar power is one of the most lucrative renewable energy sources and can generate energy even on a cloudy day as photovoltaic solar panels do not need direct sunlight.

Author's Bio: 

If you're thinking about investing in solar power there a number of solar panel installers to choose from. Watt & Sun are based in South Wales and supply solar PV panels for a large number of applications including domestic housing, schools and swimming pools.