Sandtoft to sell its solar solutions at zero profit

Sandtoft Roof Tiles, the solar roof tile manufacturer has pledged of support for solar energy, following the Department of Trade and Industry’s decision to cut its financial support for homeowners investing in renewable electricity. With immediate effect, Sandtoft will sell its solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal systems at zero profit in order to make the renewable energy solutions as cost-effective as possible.

Although Gordon Brown increased the DTI’s budget for the grant scheme by 50 percent to almost £19million in March, the maximum grant available to homeowners looking to install a solar-energy system has been slashed from £15,000 to £2,500. The decision could result in solar systems being over 60 percent more expensive for property owners, which could undermine the growth of such solutions in the UK.

Simon Oldridge, Sandtoft’s managing director commented:
“Solar solutions perform a key role in the future of sustainable development, and as a business that is committed to inspiring a greener construction industry we have made the decision to sell our solar tiles at zero profit for the first year.”

“It is essential that the government and the construction industry work together to make renewable energy solutions a genuine possibility for real homes and developments,” he continued, “not simply one-off eco-home projects and the wealthiest of households.”