When is the latest you can install Solar Panels and claim the Feed-in Tariff?

What’s the latest date to install solar panels before the Feed-in Tariff cuts?

The truth is, no-one has a definitive answer to this question, however, based on parliamentary rules, we understand that the earliest any changes to the Feed-in Tariff can be made are 28th January 2016. That said, we would urge anyone who is interested in solar to get your panels installed as early as possible if you want to guarantee you will benefit from the 20 years of tax-free payments you can earn.

Here’s what we know:

The 2008 Energy Act lays out the procedures that DECC need to follow in order to implement cuts to the Feed-in Tariffs. DECC must lay an Order in front of the House of Commons and House of Lords setting out the new rates. If we assume there will not be opposition at either House for the implementation of these cuts, then a period of 40 parliamentary days are required to pass before the cuts can come into force.

Parliamentary rules state that days where the Commons and Lords are both in recess cannot be included in the 40 days, meaning 23^rd December to 4^th January, and 12^th to 21^st February, cannot be counted in those 40 days.

With DECC currently busy preparing for the COP21 Paris Summit, the industry estimates the Order will be placed before the Houses no earlier than 7^th December.   In that case the earliest any changes can be implemented would be 28^th January.

In the event the Order cannot be laid before Parliament until MP?s return from their Christmas recess on 5^th January, then any cuts could not be implemented until 23^rd February.

EnergyMyWay is taking bookings for solar panel installations in January, so please be sure to contact us to secure your installation.