Up to 15,000 homes could benefit from solar power installations costing as little as £99 as part of a scheme being run by E.ON, one of the UK's leading energy companies.

Up to £150 million is being invested in the SolarExchange scheme which could see those E.ON customers taking part becoming more energy fit; generating renewable power at home and potentially cutting their electricity bills by up to £180 a year.

Solar panels typically cost around £12,000 but SolarExchange lets E.ON customers benefit from the savings made by the electricity generated without needing to find that up-front investment.

"Solar panels are just one way people can cut their bills and reduce carbon emissions but for many the up-front costs can be too much," said Graham Bartlett, Managing Director of E.ON's Energy Solutions business.

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"The key is to provide the right solution in the right way for the customer. With this scheme, people can not only feel safe in the knowledge their homes are helping to power their lives, but also that they'll have a leading energy company backing them up along the way.

"We all need to do what we can to get energy fit, whether that's by insulating our homes better, moderating the way we use energy or generating our own power at home. This is a perfect way to help people to do just that."

Under 'rent-a-roof' schemes, companies such as E.ON install and maintain the solar panels, with the costs covered through Government subsidy payments for renewable energy. In return, homeowners benefit from savings on the electricity generated.

Mr Bartlett said: "Solar panels may not be the best option for every customer - for one thing your home has to be mostly south-facing - but they can generate renewable electricity year-round, even when it's cloudy.

"Most households can save more than a third1 off their electricity bills and over time they could save thousands of pounds."

(CD)