Green Special: Spotlight on iGen Solar

By John Hill on October 12, 2009 12:13 PM |

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There's something they're not telling you about solar power.

It's been around for a good few decades, but recent government incentives are making the prospects for this classic renewable energy source a little brighter.

Alistair Smit, of Greenwich-based company iGen Solar, said: "Public awareness is starting to increase. But few people are aware of some important benefits.

"Everyone can get £2,500 in non-means tested grants to help them install solar technology until next April.

"The feed-in tariff gives you 36p for every unit of electricity you produce, even if you use the electricity yourself.

"I've spent three days at the Home Show in Earls Court and I didn't get to have lunch once. I was there telling people about this non-stop.

"There's information that's not getting out there. When people can see payback for seven to 10 years on their investment, or an immediate payback if they sell the house, they start to listen."

Alistair set up iGen at the start of the year because he "thought the time was right" to move towards the light.

He said: "I used to be in investment banking in the City. I had exceptional training working for these top institutions. You develop a good work ethic and understand how to think laterally.

"I was always green-conscious. I was involved in green transition groups, and knew a lot of people in this type of industry.

"I was always looking for a way that I could contribute. Ultimately, the best decision was to set this up myself."

The company offers both photovoltaic systems for electric and thermal for hot water, and deals with residential and commercial properties as well as public sector buildings such as hospitals and schools.

He said: "I'm doing a leisure centre in Blackheath and I'm talking to a private airport about putting panels on an aircraft hanger. I've also just done a two-bedroom house owned by a 75-year-old couple.

"People are more tuned into being sustainable than before.

"This feed-in legislation has been in place in Europe for 10 years.

"The UK Government has looked around and asked why solar is so huge in places like Germany and not here. They've made promises on carbon emission reductions and now they have to make them.

"Developers are now being told that 10 per cent of energy has to come from renewable sources. It doesn't give them an option. It has a herding effect."

Go to igensolar.com