Grassroots campaigners hoping to get more than 100 solar panels on residents' roofs have insisted the future is still bright for people looking to install the system.
Non-profit group Hartley Wintney Solar Action Group are urging people to consider installing photovoltaic solar panels before the Government slashes cash subsidies.
Since launching in April 2011, the group had installed 57 systems by December 12 on houses in Hartley Wintney and neighbouring villages.
The organisation said it hopes to double the number of installed systems by the March deadline, and has expanded the scheme to homes within 20 miles of Hartley Wintey.
“It looks as if the uncertainty in the Government’s tariff will inadvertently make buying PV an even better deal than it was last year,” said spokeswoman Ruth Jarman.
“Many people want to be part of creating a sustainable future for our children and at this point in time it also makes great financial sense as well.”
According to figures released from the group, the installed panels have generated 229kW of energy, and saved up to 105 tons of global-warming inducing carbon dioxide.
Members have teamed up with green firm Paarl Energy on the project, who have pledged to install free panels at a school for every 25 people who sign up have added to their homes.
Currently, 4kW solar panels are earmarked for Oakwood Infant School, in Church Lane, and Greenfields Junior School, off Green Lane.
Hartley Wintney resident Jeremy Tebbs, who had the panels installed last year, said using solar power had changed his outlook on energy use.
“The decision to go ahead with the scheme was a mixture of wanting to save energy usage, carbon, and financial,” he said.
“It has really opened all of the eyes in our family as to how much electricity we are using and which appliances are the most thirsty.
“We have rescheduled the times when the washing machine and dishwasher are run to try and make optimal use of the free solar power during the day.”
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