At a time when electrical and gas suppliers are announcing huge rate increases it may be a good time to consider solar paneling as an alternative.

Solar electricity systems capture the sun's energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells where cells convert the sunlight into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting.

While Ian Pearson, 33, of Redcar is urging householders to try solar photo voltaic panels, he is also hoping to become MCS (microgeneration certification scheme) registered. The MCS links to financial incentives which include Feed in Tariffs (FIT).

Once approved and panels are installed, clients can receive the feed in tariff (FIT) that the Government has introduced.

“To become MCS approved, you have to do various courses Ian says, “to be on approved lists and to have done one solar PV installation. Once I am MCS approved, the installation would then be eligible for the Government FIT (guaranteed for 25 years). All I need to become MCS approved is to fit one solar PV installation.

The FIT payment scheme is guaranteed by the government for 25 years and is also index linked meaning that you get around 10% tax free return on investment which also means, customers are playing a part in reducing carbon emissions. Any excess power they generate will be sold back to the national grid.

Ian said: “Recently on TVs, Dragons Den most of the dragons where fighting to invest with a solar PV installer to invest in his business.

He originally worked as a Saturday assistant at Ronnie Redferns in Redcar until being made full time in 1994. He progressed to manager.

Then after getting married in July 2002 to Vicky, took over the shop on a franchise agreement in.

But due to the former owner of the franchise company not renewing the lease, only a few months into running the shop had to close down leaving both of them jobless.

Ian then worked as a window cleaner over three years while working towards various qualifications.

He then worked doing domestic re-wires, progressing to working for a Darlington company doing new build properties and then went on to work as an electrical inspector.

Finally before setting up pro-electrics, he worked with a local company doing new build properties for a well known nationwide builder.

Since Ian started trading as pro electrics in 2008 he has taken on one apprentice in the hope to expand the business and hopefully being in a position to take on more staff in the near future.

Ian added: “the first person to book me in for a solar PV installation will get the very best price possible. This will mean that the customer will get a reduced price for the installation and in return I will get my first solar PV installation so that I will get my MCS accreditation.”

For further details: Contact Ian Pearson on 01642 284546 (home & business number) or 077 257 952 47 (best number during the day)