17/8/10 - Companies offering solar PV for free has grabbed the headlines recently which has left customers wondering if they should pay themselves or take advantage of these tempting offers. Overall, we believe the concept is sound, particularly for schools and community buildings.

For domestic properties, why let someone else make money from your roof when you can reap the benefits yourself? The media coverage received for these ideas has increased people's understanding of the feed-in tariff and the investment opportunities it provides, this in turn has made 'solar for free' less attractive for domestic properties.

The offers of free solar panels are specific in location, orientation and size of system, but most importantly a customer would be giving away 8-10% feed-in tariff returns to a third party. In our opinion, if you have capital available, you should take full advantage of the feed-in tariff and free electricity and grab the investment for yourself. This is a risk free investment that will run for 25 years, linked to RPI and tax free for domestic properties. It is widely regarded as one of the most secure and reliable investments currently available (see Sunday Times).

Where capital in unavilable, low interest loans and mortgage advances could cover the initial cost of the installation (£10-12,000). We are hoping that the Government will review its green banking plans in the near future.