Top Awards Ceremony Announced

One of the region’s most prestigious business events, the 2014 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards was announced yesterday as being held in Barnsley.

The ceremony will take place in the autumn at Barnsley Metrodome, a first since its formation in 2010 and is supported this year by local business, Solar Europa.

Founded in 2008, Solar Europa has driven to achieve excellence in the renewable energy market and has already built its name as a leading market contender – connecting investment with green energy projects in the UK and worldwide.

David Hawkins, CEO of Solar Europa said, “Solar Europa are delighted to be supporting this year’s Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards. The awards not only reflect the hard work, determination and drive of businesses in our region but also the continuing innovation and technical expertise contributing to regional, national and international growth and employment opportunities.”

The awards, hosted by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce acknowledge the achievements of the region’s top firms in 10 award categories - in addition to the much-coveted Business of the Year trophy. 

Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive of the Chamber commented on the support “We are delighted to have Solar Europa on board as overall sponsors of this year’s awards. This is one of the flagship events for Barnsley and Rotherham and Solar Europa are a great business to show their support to the achievements of others. 

''The company has achieved a lot in what is a short space of time since 2008. Solar Europa are an example of a strong, growing and influential business so who better to support and encourage other businesses through the Barnsley & Roterham Business Awards''

Is investing in Solar Panels better than a Pension after Retirement?

According to energy minister, Greg Barker, anyone approaching retirement should consider putting some of their savings into solar panels because they will deliver a better financial return than a pension. 

Installation costs for solar panels have dramatically reduced in the last few years. According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the typical domestic installation costs around £4,500, compared with £13,000 in 2010. This means that typical rates of return on domestic solar panels are between 5 per cent and 8 per cent a year, government figures show.

Financial advisers have in return warned that while solar panels have their merit, they should not take the place of your pension when planning your retirement.

Laith Khalaf, head of corporate research at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “There is nothing wrong with the idea of installing solar panels, but it is not a way to save for retirement. Rather, they are something you spend your retirement savings on.”

It would be unwise to substitute a pension for solar panels but the lure of a nil-bill home during retirement cannot be depreciated.

Every year, pensioners all over the UK struggle to pay their bills and investing in solar panels could be a way around this. If more people invested in solar panels as part of their retirement plan, in addition to a pension, they’d be self-sufficient and better off. 

The government offers to guarantee the price at which users can sell their excess electricity in order to promote domestic solar power. The guaranteed price was cut in 2012, but the government continues to provide a subsidy.

The minister's financial argument is part of an attempt to improve the image of renewable energy sources, which are unpopular with some voters and many Conservative MP's. However, what he says about the benefits of investing in domestic solar energy during retirement or at any age cannot be overlooked. For more information and advice on solar panels.

For more information and advice on solar panel installation, please visit our website first4solar.co.uk or contact us on 0845 036 882 or fill out our form for a free remote site survey. Special Offer in April : 2 Solar Panels when you purchase any Solar PV system! Plus we pay the VAT!