Solar tariff changes could mean a boost for LED lighting

The much-vaunted advent of relatively affordable solar panels has been called into question this month after the government's changes to the feed-in tariff, and it seems the battle for sustainability could be being won by LED lighting as a result.

The feed-in tariff (FiT) is a preset rate at which the national grid will buy back excess energy generated by homes kitted out with photovoltaic units, giving solar powered homes a means to make money from their energy solutions. However, the government this week introduced a new lower rate, cutting the amount homeowners receive per kilowatt from 21p to 16p, the second successive cut this year.

And as a result, both homes and businesses are being put off from investing in a technology that no longer guarantees them a return.

As CoStar reports, that could make LED lighting a more attractive opening for residential and commercial properties alike.

"While LED lighting may not be the most well-known of the sustainability options, it can be an easy and inexpensive place for companies to start implementing a long-term plan of energy efficiency - reducing their carbon footprint and saving money," said the real estate firm.

And as Jay Black, director of sustainability at energy efficiency consultant SL Green noted, the cumulative savings made on lighting your business or home could be significant.

"Lighting represents approximately 25 to 30 per cent of total energy cost in the commercial real estate industry, and addressing lighting efficiency is a key ‘low hanging fruit’ cost savings opportunity," he said.

They go on to cite the low upfront cost of installing LED lighting as well as the long life of the bulbs as making such solutions appealing for businesses and homes alike - and seeing as LED bulbs are mercury-free, they are kinder on the environment when it eventually comes to recycling them.