Electricity prices went up last year but were capped by the government's Energy Price Guarantee, but the cap is set to go up in April.

With the high price of gas, too, we are all feeling the pinch with a further 20% on bills predicted by financial expert Martin Lewis in April.

At the same time, solar panels – PV panels which produce electricity from sunlight – have become more efficient and cheaper. With increased payments from some electricity suppliers for exported electricity, the panels could pay for themselves in five to seven years.

But Transition Town Bridport has warned homeowners to ensure they use a trusted solar power company for installation.

Along with Dorset Greener Homes, the group has negotiated a discount price if 20 to 30 homes in the Bridport subscribe for solar panels.

This discount price allows for bulk purchase of the panels and materials, and lowers the installer's cost.

Sam Wilberforce of Transition Town Bridport (TTB) said: "We have chosen an installer who has an established reputation for reliability and after-sales service, and good quality panels which should last 20-25 years.

"These are not the cheapest, but cutting costs for inferior materials can be a false economy".

A meeting will be held at Bridport WI hall on Thursday, February 23 at 6.30pm to discuss the costs and benefits of solar energy, pay-back times and generation export tariffs, with a question and answer session.

This will address questions such as – is it worth buying a battery? My home is in a conservation zone, can I still put up panels? My roof faces east, can I still generate electricity? Can I heat my hot water? Is my roof strong enough?

TTB recommends that householders obtain another quote and exercise due diligence in their choice. 

If you cannot make the meeting but are interested in getting a no- obligation quote you should email [email protected].

TTB is not receiving any payment for the installations.

A similar scheme is operating in Corscombe and Halstock (contact [email protected]) and in Martinstown (contact [email protected])