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Feed-in tariffs
Get paid to generate your own electricity.
Feed-in tariffs are just one way of cutting energy costs. If you want to see how much you could save by switching supplier, enter your postcode in the box below.
What are feed-in tariffs?
Feed-in-tariffs (FITs) are a government-backed programme designed to increase the number of small-scale, renewable energy generation technologies in the UK.
You can apply to get payments from your energy supplier if you generate your own electricity (e.g. with solar panels or a wind turbine). This is called a ‘feed-in tariff’.
How does it work?
You’ll be paid according to two elements of an FIT: the generation tariff and the export tariff.
With the generation tariff, your energy supplier pays you a set amount for each unit (kWh) of electricity you generate. This rate varies depending on the type of technology you use, the size of your system, when it was installed and how energy efficient your home is.
With the export tariff, you get paid to sell any unused units of energy back to the National Grid. It’s generally assumed that you export 50% of the energy you generate – unless you have a smart meter, in which case you’ll be paid for the actual exported amount.
Remember, you’ll also save money on your utility bills because you’re generating some of your own energy.
What sort of technologies work with FITs?
The domestic technologies that qualify for the scheme include:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) (i.e. solar panels)
- Wind turbines
- Hydroelectricity
- Anaerobic digestion
- Micro combined heat and power
How can I apply?
You should get in touch with your energy company to find out how to apply, as the process varies depending on supplier.
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