WHETHER it is making sure we recycle, reduce our car use or just remembering to turn off the lights when a room is empty, we are all being encouraged to become more ‘green’.

But thanks to a Government initiative you can now do your bit for the environment and make money at the same time.

Last month the ‘Feed-In’ tariff was introduced meaning that anyone who has photovoltaic (PV) solar panels installed on their home before 2013 can earn 41.3p for every unit of electricity they produce.

They also receive an extra 3p for every unit of energy that goes into the National Grid.

It means that renewable energy companies like family-run Rain Wind and Sun, which is based in Purton, have seen enquiries go through the roof.

“Since the Feed-In tariff scheme has been announced enquiries about PV installations have trebled,” said the company’s general manager Tracey Butler.

“It has gone off the scale as people are now realising what they can get out of it.”

The family-run company has just been assessed by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and have become certified installers.

Consumers must use an accredited MCS company in order to qualify for the scheme, and Rain Wind and Sun is the only Swindon company to have achieved that status, according to the scheme’s website.

There are a number of issues to consider for anyone thinking about having solar panels installed – the most obvious of which is does your house face the right way to get the most sun.

Ms Butler said: “South facing is ideal, the further north it is the less the panels will produce.”

Among the benefits of having solar panels installed are how quiet they are and the fact that you will see a big reduction in your electricity bills.

Although potential savings depend on the size of the system installed and the number of solar panels that can fit onto a roof, Ms Butler said that an average four-bedroom house could usually cope with a 3-4kw system which would cost between £13,000-£16,000 to install.

She also has some tips for anyone looking into the possibility of fitting solar panels.

“Check out the MCS site to find an accredited installer, have a word with your neighbours and tell them what you’re doing – it may be something they are interested in too, look at any planning issues if you live in a conservation area or have a listed property and make sure that you are already being as energy efficient in your home as possible,” she said.

“If you don’t have things like cavity wall insulation and other energy-saving devices then you won’t enjoy the full benefits of solar panels.”

For more information call Rain, Wind and Sun on 01793 772277, visit www.rainwindsun.com or email enquiries@rainwindsun.com For more on the MCS and accredited installers visit www.microgenerationcertification.org.