While it’s fairly easy to fit solar panels on your roof to generate electricity investing in funds that hold wind and solar firms offers more of a challenge (Ethical Investment Bristol),
It sounds like the perfect investment. Equip your house with solar panels and look forward to dramatically reduced utility bills and the potential to earn a handsome return by selling any excess energy to the electricity grid. Thousands of people across the country have already embraced this idea since the government introduced the Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) Scheme in April 2010 to encourage the uptake of small-scale renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Greg Shreeve, insight manager at the Energy Saving Trust, believes getting solar panels installed is a no brainer for many people. The potential benefits to be enjoyed, he argues, more than make up for upfront costs.
“The technology pays for itself within 11 years and will go on generating electricity for your home,” he says. “It’s a great way to actually start making money when the energy prices are rising. It’s free electricity and low-carbon technology, so a winner all round.”
However, he warns that time is running out for consumers wanting to take advantage of this agreement, as the government has been looking to significantly reduce the benefits of the FIT scheme. It launched a consultation into proposals to cut FITS incentives that concluded in October 2015, with a final decision expected in February 2016.
“The announcement that they would consult might mean it’s best to act as quickly as possible,” Schreeve says. “We’d advise anyone looking to get solar panels installed do so sooner rather than later.
Installing Solar Panels is clearly the most practical way of getting exposure to an area that has been increasing in prominence over the past few years, with campaigners having become far more vocal about the need to tackle energy issues (Ethical Investment Bristol).
Collective Ethical funds
There are other ways to invest in the renewables story, with a number of investment funds having exposure to the sector. The fact it’s an area that is likely to grow over the next few years means its prospects look encouraging. There are a number of investment funds and investment trusts that allow people to invest in renewable energy, as well as some corporate bond portfolios supporting various projects in this field.
(Moneywise, Rob Griffin)
Ethical Investment Bristol
If you would like to speak with one of our Independent Financial Advisors and potentially receive financial advice, please contact us on 0117 923 7652. We are based in Clifton, Bristol but we are happy to service clients from across the UK and we provide free initial meetings at our client’s convenience.
Churchill Wealth Management Limited is located at 13 Alma Vale Rd, Bristol BS8 2HL, United Kingdom.
About Us: Churchill Wealth Management is a team of independent financial advisors/financial advisers (IFAs) based in Clifton, Bristol. We provide independent financial advice, including pension advice, investment advice, inheritance tax planning and protection/insurance advice.