For many years, the promise of free solar panels sounded like an unmissable deal. Thousands of homeowners across the UK were enticed by “rent-a-roof” schemes, where companies would install solar panels at no upfront cost. The catch? These companies, not the homeowners, would receive the lucrative Feed-in Tariff (FIT) payments for both generation and export. While the companies reaped substantial profits, homeowners were often left with unforeseen burdens, effectively trapped in contracts that diminished their property value and restricted their freedom.
At RenewSolar, we know this story all too well. We were in the solar market when these exploitative schemes emerged, and rather than participate in what we saw as a disservice to homeowners, we chose to step back. The solar industry then, in our view, simply wasn’t delivering genuine value to the public. Today, that has changed. Through our international buying power and collaboration with like-minded business partners, RenewSolar has revolutionized the cost of solar, making it affordable and truly beneficial for everyone.
The Hidden Costs of “Free” Solar: A Raw Deal for Homeowners
The “rent-a-roof” model, popular from 2010 onwards following the introduction of the Feed-in Tariff, was a goldmine for the companies involved. They typically secured the rights to a homeowner’s roof for up to 25 years, installing panels for “free” in exchange for all the FIT payments. These payments, designed to encourage renewable energy adoption and funded by a small levy on every domestic energy bill, were substantial. For instance, early adopters of the FIT scheme could receive generation tariffs as high as 43.3p per kWh, amounting to thousands of pounds annually for a typical system. The rent-a-roof companies pocketed these sums, with some reportedly earning an average of £23,000 per installation over the contract duration.
Meanwhile, homeowners found themselves in a difficult position:
- No FIT Payments: The most significant loss was the inability to claim any of the FIT payments themselves – both the generation tariff (for producing electricity) and the export tariff (for sending unused electricity back to the grid). This meant the core financial incentive of going solar was entirely diverted.
- Property Devaluation and Restrictions: Many contracts included clauses that severely restricted a homeowner’s ability to sell or modify their property. Mortgage lenders often became wary of properties with third-party owned solar installations, making sales difficult or even impossible. Homeowners might even face charges for temporarily removing panels for essential roof repairs, as this impacted the company’s revenue.
- Phantom Debt: While not direct debt, the lost income from FIT payments and the reduced property value created a financial burden that effectively equated to a long-term debt for the homeowner, without them ever receiving a penny for the energy generated on their own roof.
Reclaiming What’s Yours: FIT Payment Recovery
The good news is that for many who are still tied into these old “rent-a-roof” contracts, there’s a path to reclaiming your FIT payments. While the FIT scheme closed to new applicants in 2019, existing contracts continue to pay out.
At RenewSolar, we can assess your current situation and guide you through the process of potentially recovering your FIT payments. This often involves navigating the complexities of your original contract and understanding the options available for transferring the FIT ownership to you, the homeowner. This can unlock a significant, ongoing income stream that was rightfully yours from the start.
Modern Solutions for Maximised Savings: AC Coupled Inverters and Hybrid Systems
Beyond recovering lost payments, modern solar technology offers incredible opportunities to enhance your energy independence and drastically reduce your bills.
Adding AC Coupled Inverters for Storage: One of the most effective ways to maximize the benefit from your existing solar panels is by adding an AC coupled inverter and battery storage system.
- How it works: An AC coupled system integrates a new inverter and battery with your existing solar setup. The DC electricity from your solar panels is converted to AC by your original inverter to power your home. If there’s surplus, the AC coupled inverter then converts it back to DC to charge a battery. When you need power (e.g., at night or during peak grid prices), the battery converts it back to AC for use in your home.
- Benefits:
- Increased Self-Consumption: Store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it in the evenings or when the sun isn’t shining, dramatically reducing your reliance on grid electricity.
- Lower Bills: By self-consuming more of your generated electricity, you buy less from the grid, leading to significant savings, especially during peak tariff hours.
- Grid Independence & Backup Power: With a battery, you gain a degree of energy independence and can have a reliable backup power source during power outages.
- Retrofit Friendly: AC coupled systems are ideal for retrofitting to existing solar installations, making them a cost-effective upgrade.
Changing to an Affordable Solution: Hybrid Inverters: For those looking for a more comprehensive upgrade or a new installation, hybrid inverters offer an all-in-one, highly efficient solution.
- How it works: A hybrid inverter combines the functions of a solar inverter and a battery inverter into a single unit. It directly manages both the solar panel output and the battery charging/discharging, streamlining the system.
- Benefits:
- Optimised Energy Management: Hybrid inverters intelligently direct solar power to your home, to the battery, or to the grid, based on your energy needs and tariff structures.
- Simplicity and Efficiency: Fewer components mean a simpler installation and often higher overall system efficiency due to fewer conversion losses.
- Future-Proofing: Hybrid systems are designed for seamless integration with smart home energy management, EV charging, and potential grid services.
The RenewSolar Advantage: Total Upgrade with FIT Recovery and Lasting Benefits
At RenewSolar, our return to the market is driven by a commitment to offering genuinely valuable solar solutions. We understand the frustrations and financial losses experienced by those caught in old “rent-a-roof” schemes.
We offer:
- Expert Assessment and FIT Recovery Guidance: We’ll help you understand your options for potentially reclaiming those vital FIT payments.
- Tailored Upgrade Solutions: Whether it’s adding an AC coupled battery to your existing system or a complete overhaul with a new, affordable hybrid inverter setup, we design solutions that maximize your self-consumption and savings.
- Affordable, High-Quality Installations: Our international buying power and trusted partnerships mean we can provide cutting-edge solar technology at prices that truly offer value, making solar accessible to the masses.
- Empowerment and Freedom: Our goal is to empower you to take control of your energy, enjoy significantly lower bills, increase your property’s value, and finally benefit from the clean energy generated on your own roof.
Don’t let past solar scams dictate your energy future. Contact RenewSolar today for a consultation and discover how you can reclaim your energy independence and turn your old solar installation into a true asset.
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