I'm Confused.com

Will I be stuck with one energy supplier if I put solar panels on my roof?

Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com answers the latest energy question.

Question: I am in the early stages of thinking about putting solar PV panels on my roof. I understand the basics and the benefits of the feed-in tariff schemes - but I have one little worry.

I would be paid a fixed amount for electricity generated by my panels and an extra 3p per unit for electricity passed back into the grid. But would I be tied to a single supplier for my 'normal' grid-supplied electricity? Would I end up paying a bit more for each kWh of 'normal' electricity used?

Answer: It’s good to hear someone so ‘switched on’ about their energy usage!

From what I believe to be correct, it seems you’re free to switch to any supplier.  The only limitation you may have is that only the bigger suppliers - those with more than 50,000 customers - are running this scheme at the moment. 

It also seems you don’t  need to have one supplier for both your ‘imported’ and ‘exported’ electricity, in fact, you’re free to switch to any tariff you like for your ‘imported’ electricity and can choose another for the electricity you’re passing back to the grid.

The following links may also be useful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQx1wVeDroI

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Solar-electricity

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Sell-your-own-energy

Feed-in tariffs: make your energy pay

You may also want to contact the Energy Saving Trust on: 0800 512 012.

Will my home insurance cover snow damage?

Question: My guttering has been damaged by snow. Will this be covered by my home insurance policy?

Gareth Kloet, head of household services at Confused.com answers our latest customer question.

Answer: Your buildings policy will cover you for snow damage to your guttering as long as the damage was caused by a single event. In other words, if your area experienced an episode of heavy snowfall in one period of time, then any damage as a result of this would be covered as it is a one off unforeseen event.

If, however, your guttering is damaged due to a prolonged episode of light snow fall then this would cause problems. If your guttering collapses after a period of time when you could have cleared, and therefore maintained the structure, then this would be seen as negligence on your part and the insurer would not have to pay-out.

In these circumstances, it is best to contact your provider directly to discuss your personal situation as there may be some leeway especially after the unusual weather events.