1. The 'Feed In Tariff' is a new scheme launched in 2009 and rewards the bill payer for the amount of electricity produced or fed back into the National grid. The current Tariff is guaranteed if you install your solar PV system before April 2012. For details of how the Feed In Tariff operates, click here.  An array of PV Modules can be a very effective source of electricity production, depending on the size and number in the array. This will mean a good source of tax free income for the next 25 years, within the FIT scheme.

2. In the UK, to take advantage of the Feed In Tariffs, the Photovoltaic (PV) Module must be certified under the governments Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). For details of the MSC scheme, click here.

3. All PV Modules qualifying for the FIT must be MSC certified - the criteria includes the PV Module and the Installer.

4. Make sure your PV Module is supplied with an MSC accreditation and the packaging is printed with the MSC logo.

5. The PV Module should have a 25 year guarantee.

6. The 25 year Guarantee should mean that the PV Module will operate at least 80% of its original output after 25 years.

Does the 'Feed In Tariff' help my SAP Calculation?

Not directly. You receive the Feed in Tariff (FiT) by installing either PV panels or wind turbines to your home. Although FiT's are completely separate from the SAP Calculation, the fact you are using renewable means to create electricity will positively affect your SAP Calculation.

The only limit to the amount of PV you can install is the size of your roof (and your wallet!). If you create surplus electricity, this can be exported back onto the National Grid, and you are credited accordingly.

The less reliant you are on the National Grid, the better the rating in your SAP Calculation, and as a consequence the better EPC you are likely to receive.

This information was written in March 2011. We work hard to keep the information up to date, however, it is not our specialist area and our intention is for the information to be used only as a Guide.