“Sunny Medway”- A community discount scheme for solar panels in the ME postcode.
An installation of solar panels is an extremely wise investment (The Sunday Times ranked it one of the top 5 investments of the year!). With guaranteed, tax free, index linked returns (usually in excess of 10%) it is easy to see why?
However, buying solar PV panels can be an expensive purchase?
Group purchase discount schemes are becoming more popular for many purchases, and now you can add solar panels to the list!
Independent consultants, Viridis Energie Consultants, are managing this scheme, initially, for clients in the ME (which includes Maidstone and Sittingbourne) postcode of Kent, and have negotiated a minimum discount of 15% off the retail price for installations in this area!
Viridis have spent many months finding the right equipment, and installer to deliver this, and are confident that they have found the best package for their clients.
Viridis was set up in 2008, and since then have advised clients on a large number of schemes from small domestic installations, to several large buildings, and land based projects.
The idea of the scheme is quite straightforward – Once we have a set number of interested parties, within a set period of time, we assess their buildings and provide a quote with the necessary reduction. If the client is happy with that price, we then arrange the installation.
Barry Nutley, of Viridis, explained. “Unlike other schemes where the minimum installation threshold is quite high (usually around 50), We have set a threshold of a minimum of 10 installations. This triggers the discount. If, however, we get 20 installations, it triggers a higher discount! Based upon the lower discount rate, this reduces the payback time to around 6 years!”
“Also, the scheme doesn’t stop, it’s perpetual. So, if you’re not in a position to buy now, then you will still have opportunity to do so. If the scheme is as successful as we imagine, then we will look at rolling it out in other postcode areas?”.
To give you an idea on prices:
1). A typical 1.9kwp system would normally cost around £7000 + VAT. “Sunny Medway” price = £5800 + VAT.
2). A typical 2.7kwp system would normally cost around £9000 + VAT. “Sunny Medway” price = £7600 + VAT
Naturally, these are guideline figures, and assume a reasonably straightforward installation. But, if it isn’t, then the client is made aware as soon as is possible, and has the option to say no. There is no obligation, and no upfront fees. VAT is only 5% for solar installations!
For further information on this scheme, or to book your survey. Please contact Viridison 0845 437 4484, or email info@viridisec.co.uk.