Interview: how to power your home

Friends of the Earth parliamentary campaigner Martyn Williams produces his own electricity on the roof of his London home, selling surplus back to the nationwide electricity system National Grid. Here Martyn explains how solar energy works.

Martyn Williams on the roof of his house

Sun-day: Martyn Williams on the roof of his house

What inspired you to invest in producing your own green electricity?

The driving force was to [make a contribution to] prevent climate change. The incentive was that the house needed a new roof anyway.

Was it much more expensive than retiling?

To replace the roof would have cost £5000. The solar panels brought this to £20,000. A 50% grant from the Energy Saving Trust brought this to £10,000.

With the savings in electricity bills and surplus we sell back to the National Grid it doesn't seem so expensive.

Martyn Williams
Senior Parliamentary Campaigner

How did you find out about the grant?

The Energy Saving Trust provided both information and a 50% grant on condition that one of their approved installers was employed on the project.

Did it take a long time to install?

Top view of the roof showing solar panels

Sunbelievable: top view

My wife Sarah and I spent a week stripping and re-insulating the roof. The installers then took three days to lay the panels.

They were almost fighting about who got to do the work. They were all eager to have a look at the panels as they hadn't worked with them before.

Sarah was three months pregnant at the time and her mother was horrified she was up on the roof!

Martyn Williams

How much of your electricity comes from the panels?

We designed the roof to meet our energy needs with the help of old electricity bills. Over the seasons it averages 75%. At peak times we sell surplus back to the national grid.

What are the other benefits of the roof?

With grants to encourage interest, solar will become more affordable and available to more people. This will in turn help reduce our carbon emissions, the real benefits of which will be felt by baby Ruth and future generations.

Would you recommend a solar roof to other people?

Yes, it is definitely worth it! It's great to be able to make a difference and reduce your impact on the environment, especially as climate change is becoming more apparent.

If you are inspired by Martyn's story, why not take on your own Climate Challenge?

Press for change

For further information on grants to install your own solar energy system, visit Clear Skies.

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