Feed-In Tariffs Explained

The FITs Feed-in tariff scheme which is part of Government funded Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme is based upon the size of the system and the number kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity produced. Guaranteed for 20 years, Retail Price index-linked and is paid tax free to the owner of the FIT tariff.

Solar PV

From the 1st April 2012 each property requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for Solar PV installations. A minimum of ‘D banding’ is required to receive the higher rates of FIT payments.

If a property does not have a ‘D band rating’ or above the lower rate of 7.1p per Kilowatt hour (kWh) will apply. 

At drakes our teams of qualified engineers form all departments can provide the most effective solution to meet the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating that your property requires to complete the FIT application for the higher tariff to apply. 

Wind Turbines

Wind energy generating systems

Export Tariff (4.64p /unit)

Not only do you as the system owner receive a FIT payment, your energy provider will pay an export tariff. All this is based upon the assumption that 50% of the electricity that is produced is sent back to the national grid.

When a system is 30kW and larger an export meter would be required if you need to claim the export payments, this would be monitored automatically every 30minutes and relayed to the energy provider.

FIT and Export Tariff application

Drakes will issue a MCS certificate once we have completed your installation and it is fully commissioned. This is required by your energy provider so you can claim the appropriate payments.

If you require more detailed information on FIT and Export tariffs please visit department of climate change website www.

Applicable VAT

All green renewable energy technologies attract a VAT rate reduced to 5%

HMRC recognizes the overall benefit of sustainable energy and promotes all domestic and commercial installations by applying a low rate of VAT on products and services.