HOUSEHOLDERS keen to cut their carbon footprint and make money from producing green energy are being urged to seek professional advice before investing in new technology.

HOUSEHOLDERS keen to cut their carbon footprint and make money from producing green energy are being urged to seek professional advice before investing in new technology.

In April, the government launched the feed-in tariff (FIT), which gives people generating their own elec-tricity from renewable or low-carbon sources the chance to make money.

Householders are paid a fixed rate for the electricity they generate and can then sell surplus energy to the national grid, as well as saving money on their electricity bills.

The Norfolk Climate Change Task Force, which brings together repre-sentatives of Norfolk County Council and the district councils, is advising people to call the Energy Saving Trust before investing in a system.

The trust offers free, impartial advice and can provide details of accredited installers. Reputable traders are encouraged to sign up to the county council's Trusted Trader Scheme, run by trading standards, and in doing so feature in a free directory for Norfolk residents. All those listed have gone through a process of accreditation and must sign up to a set of core standards.

Ian Runeckles contacted the trust for advice before installing a renewable energy system in his home at Brundall. As well as benefiting from free electricity produced by his solar electricity photo-voltaic panels, he can expect to receive an annual payment of �900, guaranteed for 25 years, from his energy supplier. He said: “I am over the moon with my system. ”

Energy Saving Trust east of England advice centre: call 0800 512012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Trusted Trader Scheme: telephone 0344 800 8013 or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader