Letter: Homemade electricity

Sir: I am interested that electricity companies will allow me to pay 10 per cent extra for my electricity in an effort to support the development of electricity from renewable sources.

I have a better idea. I want to install solar panels for electricity production on the house I am about to build. I want to use electricity from the grid in miserable weather conditions. However, I wish to export excess electricity to the grid when the sun shines in my direction. All it takes is two-way metering.

The technology exists. It is not uncommon practice in many European countries. So far my electricity company tells me I can install low-energy light bulbs (done it) and now proposes I pay them more.

When two-way metering becomes available to the average consumer the roof- owners of Britain can contribute to clean electricity production without extra land use.

ANI HARRIS

High Peak, Derbyshire