A COUPLE’S home is suffering as their neighbours have installed a new extension that is blocking light to their solar panels.
Dale and Denise Geeves said the scaffolding for the loft conversion was also preventing the pair from earning money from a renewable energy source.
The Geeves’ fitted solar panels to the roof of their home in Maidstone, Kent in 2011 in an effort to save money and be greener.
However, their neighbours gained planning permission to build a loft which has stopped light from reaching their 16 solar panels
“We are being trampled on and expected to live here like moles in the dark,” the pair told KentOnline.
“We are going to have to seek compensation for what we have lost.”
The energy generated went towards 50 per cent of their energy bill and any additional power was recirculated back in the grid, earning them £1,800 a year on average.
The initial cost of the panels was £14,805 with an additional £7,500 for the battery.
Dale and Denise hoped the panels would help keep bills down until the end of their productive life.
When their neighbours had their planning application approved in May, the couple objected due to the loss of light.
The neighbours had a “shadow analysis” and concluded the solar panels would not be impacted by the conversion.
Dale countered that since the development broke ground on October 14, the solar panels have not had the same sunlight which has led to a loss of £3-£4 a day.
The 76-year-old said: “The solar panels generate electricity, so in effect we’ve been getting free electricity, although we had to pay for the panels in the first place.
“So we get free electricity and we’re putting money back into the grid, which we get paid for, so we’re getting double money if you like.
“But now the scaffolding has gone up, we get nothing. I think yesterday we made eight pence, as opposed to normally we would have made a couple of pounds at least.”
The retired computer engineer added that the solar batteries have only charged to 11 per cent since the scaffolding went up.
The couple believe that when the roof is finished their panels will get no light at all.
The neighbours told KentOnline that their planning application was approved by Maidstone Council.
They added: “Having grown up in and chosen to live in the local area with my young family, I am extending my house.
“All work is being done in accordance with full planning approved by the council and complying with necessary regulations.
“I hope we can both enjoy our extensions in the years to come.”
