Survey Shows That Only
  33% Of Homeowners Know
  That Free Solar Is Available
   Under Government Scheme

Homeowners, schools, businesses and charities across the South East  who are interested in going green have only a month left to potentially benefit from free solar energy according to leading solar energy firm Freetricity. 

   

CEO of Freetricity, Paul Williams said:

“In a recent survey of 3000 people we found that 67% were not even aware that they could benefit from a free solar energy system and free electricity as part of the Government’s Feed in Tariff scheme.

Last week’s announcement by the Government confirms that we now have only a month left to install solar panels at the original higher tariff rate.  After that point, the future of free solar is far from certain.    

“We know there is demand there - we are currently receiving up to 10,000 enquiries a week from homeowners keen to sign up and save money on their electricity bills.

“The free solar option is ideal for homeowners and community organisations because there are no costs involved for them.  We have fitted hundreds of systems for homeowners and already started fitting solar on schools and churches who are keen to sign up with us because the offer is completely free to building owners. 

"It will be especially attractive to those who are interested in reducing their carbon footprint but concerned about cost. This deal will allow them to see that solar is a genuinely viable alternative to traditional energy sources.”

“If a homeowner wants to pay for a solar system, they will receive the Feed In Tariff payment as well as free electricity.  The pay back on this sort of system is at around 10-12% or eight to ten years depending on system size and location.”

 
If you are interested in installing solar panels
Then visit www.freetricityplc.com. to find out more. Applications are accepted on a first come first served basis.

 
  Rise of the 'Wearies':      More Pensioners Working In
              Their 70s
 
  
 
Growing numbers of pensioners will be forced to take part-time and consultancy work into their 70s because they cannot afford to retire, a think tank has warned.

Pensioners will be turned into 'Wearies' - Working, Entrepreneurial and Active Retirees - because of the downturn, according to Future Foundation. Photo: ALAMY

A new generation of “Wearies” – Working, Entrepreneurial and Active Retirees – is being created as they work into their 70s and beyond due to the pensions crisis, it is claimed.

Researchers said the development will result in the traditional image of pensioners relaxing in old age being transformed because many people can no longer afford to put their feet up.

According to figures, more than half of those who have already retired said they would be prepared to do part-time work to boost their pensions.

But that figure jumps to three-quarters among those who are yet to retire. The disclosure – in a study by the think-tank Future Foundation – comes amid growing fears that pensioners are struggling to make ends meet in the downturn.

The cost of living for pensioners is rising faster than for the rest of the population as they spend a greater proportion of their income on food and fuel – where prices are rising fastest.

Pensioners have also seen their income from savings sharply reduced because of low interest rates.

It is believed the situation will get worse for future pensioners because of a squeeze on public sector pensions combined with a decision by many private sector companies to close final salary schemes.

Martin Palmer, head of corporate benefits marketing at Friends Life, who commissioned the study, said: "We're expecting the traditional image of the pensioner with slippers and rocking chair to change completely.

"Many will not have saved adequately for a secure retirement and, with years of fiscal austerity taking their toll, by 2020 many people in their 70s simply will not be able to afford to give up working.

"Necessity is the mother of invention and 'Wearies' will be among the most innovative and entrepreneurial contributors to the UK economy, despite their senior years."

Almost 1,000 people aged over 18 were asked about their attitude to working in retirement as part of the study – “Pensions: Crisis and Reforms”.

According to the report, 51 per cent of those who are already retired said they would be prepared to do part-time work to boost their pensions, with numbers rising to 75 per cent among those yet to retire.

Many of tomorrow’s OAPs will look to supplement their retirement savings by become self-employed in their later years, it was revealed.

The study said many are likely to supplement their income buying and selling goods on websites like eBay, while others will turn their front rooms into offices or cottage industry workshops or a nursery. Those with manual skills might set up gardening or home help businesses to make money helping neighbours, academics predicted.

A total of 59 per cent said they would run "a small, one-person business from home" and 21 per cent would consider gardening for elderly neighbours or for the local council.

One third said they would rent out a spare room to a lodger, and 14 per cent said they would think about moving in with other family members.