“We wanted PV because it’s a very practical solution to do our bit for the environment. A PV installation is also a simple structure and very low maintenance.”

Solarcentury advised the Garsides on planning procedures, grants, and selecting the right technology solution for their home. Their sunstation® was designed in two arrays and installed on east and west facing roofs. A 15% reduction in generated electricity was expected, but the system still provides more energy than the family consume.

Their success is due to their changing attitudes towards energy consumption. In their first year with solar power, the Garsides used 16% less energy than previous years as they “became much more aware” of the way they use electricity and took “simple steps to economise”. In 2004, before their installation, the Garsides used 3000 kwh a year, decreasing to 2,570 kwh in 2005, and 2,600 kwh in 2006.

Mrs Garside adds: “Our lifestyle has not changed significantly since we've started to save energy. We now simply switch off our gas boiler in the summer and use the immersion heater for hot water. We use energy saving light bulbs, switch off lights when not in the room and just think sensibly about when we need to use electricity".

A display meter shows the family how much electricity they have generated and how much carbon dioxide they have stopped being released into the atmosphere.

“It’s great to be able to see where your energy is coming from. I suppose it’s just about being more aware, and taking personal responsibility instead of relying on the government to solve everything – you can take power into your own hands!” said Mr Garside.

The development at Hutton Mews

Completed in 2007 Hutton Mews, in south west London, is a six-home development incorporating C21e solar electric roof tiles.

Each home is fitted with 36 solar tiles, which generate roughly 1,500 kWh of electricity each year - more than 50% of the household’s electricity. The tiles also avoid over a tonne of carbon dioxide emissions entering the atmosphere each year.

Mrs Haines, from Hutton Mews, says: ‘When we saw the property I realised the solar tiles had great potential to not only generate free, clean electricity but add value to our home. The kids and I think they’re great.’

The C21e solar tiles are easily installed on any suitable roof as part of the standard build process and are guaranteed for 20 years but expected to last at least 50. Each system comes with a free energy meter to help homeowners monitor their energy production and increase their annual savings.

The Merrill family, pleased with the installation of their C21e solar electric roof tiles

When the Merrill family from Somerset decide to re-roof their home in May 2006, they also chose to power their home with C21e solar electric roof tiles. Integrating seamlessly with normal roof tiles the solar installation consisted of 40 solar tiles, covering 15m² of roof space.

The Merrill family chose the solar tiles as an effective way to reduce their carbon footprint and their electricity bill, without altering the appearance of their home.

“We really wanted to minimise our carbon emissions by generating our own clean power” says David Merrill. “We liked the solar tiles because they’re a great innovation and very practical.”

The performance of the PV system also outstripped their expectations, generating 1,745 kWh of inflation-proof electricity in the first six months. According to Energy Savings Trust, the average household consumes 3,300 kWh per year.

Since their C21e tiles were installed the Merrill family have consumed an average of 2,406kWh per year, a third less than the average household. Most significantly they have cut their electricity bill by two thirds, down from £150 quarter, to £50 a quarter; a saving of £400 a year.

Mr Merrill is particularly impressed by the impact of the tiles on their house value. Since the installation, the Merrill's have had their house re-valued and found their home to be worth 6 per cent more because of the tiles alone. “We’re delighted that our low carbon lifestyle is paying dividends. The financial gains are a fantastic bonus.”

Inside the home a small display unit on the kitchen table shows how much energy is being generated. “The display is a real talking point when the neighbours pop round. It’s certainly taught the kids a thing or two about energy” says Mel.

The Merrill's have found that the family have become significantly more aware of their energy consumption, and energy efficiency of their household appliances. “It would be crazy to have the tiles and then waste the clean energy with an inefficient fridge” says Mel.

David Merrill believes the whole family has changed their behaviour to help save energy, even if the kids need a reminder to turn the TV off every once in a while.

In the first six months of installation, the Merrill's roof tiles prevented more than one tonne of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. “At the end of the day I’m saving money and doing my bit to protect the kids' future” concludes David.