Npower to offer full solar energy service

Energy supplier npower is to launch a solar energy service that will enable the RWE-owned utility to offer consumers a one-stop shop for electricity micro-generation.

Npower Solar launches tomorrow (Thursday), to coincide with the Summer Solstice, and offers consumers a fully integrated service, from information and advice, through to installation and electricity generation. The company aims to educate consumers about solar-powered energy and make micro-generation more accessible.

As part of the launch campaign, npower has created mock-ups of landmark buildings including the House of Commons and The O2 with solar panels installed.

Customers who sign up to npower Solar will be paid for any excess electricity they generate; it will be ploughed back into the National Grid and npower will buy back the power as part of the Renewables Obligation Certificates scheme.

Npower research shows that for the majority of consumers (60%), cost is the main barrier to installing solar panels. But a company spokesman says npower aims to dispel this myth.

He says solar panels could pay for themselves by adding to the value of property. By 2010 European legislation obliges homeowners to ensure the energy efficiency of their property and micro-generation is one solution the EU could help cut emissions.