Solar panels have been reported as one of the top 3 elements potential homebuyers consider when looking at a property in 2012. Along with pre-fitted solar panels, weekly bin collections and satellite TV also made it into the top 3 list.
Some of the other features homebuyers are interested in are walk-in wardrobes, good 3G mobile signal and greenhouses, according to a poll of over 1,000 people conducted by ING Direct, an established mortgage provider.
These extras are the non-essential aspects of a property, but are the aspects of a home that seem to tip the balance when homebuyers are considering signing on the dotted line.
When four in ten people are saying that solar panels are the most desirable extra for a home to have, the future of solar power is looking bright and prosperous. Currently 360,000 homes in the UK are using solar power as a way to combat the rising fuel bills as a way to have a long-term economical solution. When only 1% of homes worldwide have solar panels fitted and 99.99% of solar energy worldwide is actually wasted, it makes you think about the current state and potential of solar power.
Solar panel suppliers have always struggled with the surrounding costs of solar kits, but market research is showing that the next 10 years will show a 20% to 40% growth. So does this mean that we will see a lot more properties being kitted out with solar kits to respond to the housing market? Potentially, yes, and the impact will be incredibly positive.
A third of people said that weekly bin collections would be the deciding factor if they were on the fence when making the buying decision. In 2012 over half of British households no longer have a weekly bin collection service, and this is a figure which has been growing steadily since the Labour party decided to abolish the duty to make collections to reach recycling targets. Increasing pressure is then put on households to segment their waste into as many as nine different bins, to meet the two separate collection days and requirements on collection.
Chief Executive of ING Direct, Richard Doe, said “In today’s housing market you often have to compete against your neighbours to make that sale. Price is obviously king, but knowing and promoting ‘deal-sealers’ can give you that vital competitive edge.”
Almost a third of people said satellite TV connection was an important extra despite the growth of online television and online entertainment in general.
Article by Tom Clark who writes on the future of solar power and sustainable energy sources, and is passionate about supporting the growth of solar activity in the UK. Oskomera Solar provides solar panel kits and solar power technology in the UK.
3 comments
This just goes to show how sustainable solar energy is, and governments should being doing a lot more to make it accessible to the public. With advancements in technology we should all be taking steps to move toward greener energy, but large energy corporations are still too profit driven to make these energy sources financially viable for a lot of us.
If anyone’s interested, this site has some great stuff on DIY Solar and wind kits as well as solar products (pre-made panels, chargers etc.):
http://www.homemadegeneratorinfo.com/homemade-generator-products/
If going with an energy company is too expensive for you, there’s still plenty of options that you can pursue on your own.
In most countries like the UK, there’s a feed in tariff
It would be wonderful if your house produces its required power all by itself, I would love to make my house Eco-friendly. I’ve already initiated in installing Solar panels and double glazed window will be moving further with other possible methods, It would cost you in the beginning but would pay you back in the long run.
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