Households' solar and biofuel analysis 'should look to the long term'

Householders have been urged to factor long-term savings into their solar power or biofuel analysis when it comes to assessing the cost of installation.

Daniel Green, chief executive officer of solar systems promotion group HomeSun, explains that the upfront cost of renewable technology often puts people off of using it.

But more all-encompassing solar power or biofuel analysis could help them to realise the overall financial advantage of a shift away from conventional mains power.

"I think more needs to be done to push people past the inertia and the concerns which they have," says Mr Green.

However, he welcomes the government's decision to keep feed-in tariffs in place - which have not only helped with installation, but also created a long-term industry in the UK.

Feed-in tariffs cover the use of biofuels created through anaerobic digestion of waste, photovoltaic installations, combined heat and power systems and other eco-friendly means of heating and powering homes.