week ending 4 May 2012
Solar Profits
The general malaise engulfing the solar industry at the moment is challenging. It is tempting to blame the current stagnation on Governmental policies. After all, solar has been forced to swallow swingeing feed-in tariff cuts paired with prohibitive new EPC requirements that have constricted the market. But should the industry be looking closer to home? Could it be that the solar market was so successful raising awareness around the feed-in tariff (FiT) cuts that the general public now feel that they’ve missed the boat? If you focus purely on the FiT rate, then dropping from 43p to 21p seems monumental to the consumer. I know that there are installers out there who will strongly disagree with me when I say 21p works, but the fact remains solar component prices have dropped so much in the past year that a 21p FiT rate provides similar returns to 2010 levels – and installers were able to successfully sell solar then. In fact, Cathy Debenham, the Founder of YouGen, has shown that a solar system installed now is actually more profitable than a solar system installed in February 2010.
Solar Power Portal 4th May 2012 more >>
Biomass Goldrush?
The renewable heat market could see a “gold rush” for biomass boilers in the middle of the decade, as a growing number of businesses and individuals take advantage of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). That is the conclusion of a new report by consultancy Sustainable Venture Intelligence (SVI), which aims to map the renewable heat market for technologies supported by the RHI, such as heat pumps, solar thermal panels and biomass boilers.
Business Green 4th May 2012 more >>
Kings Cross CHP
Two of London’s biggest transport hubs are hoping to curb their greenhouse gas emissions and boost their energy efficiency by installing combined heat and power (CHP) systems onsite. A major development surrounding Kings Cross and St Pancras stations has this week installed the first of three 2MW gas-powered combined heat and power (CHP) units, provided by GE.
Business Green 4th May 2012 more >>
Solar still pays
The solar industry is launching a campaign to boost awareness that “solar still pays” after recent cuts to the feed-in tariff prompted a steep drop in demand for new installations.
Business Green 4th May 2012 more >>
BDaily 4th May 2012 more >>
Solar Football
GILLINGHAM Football Club has received lottery funds from the government’s ‘Sport England’ Initiative, to provide a new roof along with solar PV panels to replace the existing asbestos roof which was in great need of replacement.
Blackmore Vale Magazine 4th May 2012 more >>
Community Energy in Scotland
Local renewable energy groups have made written submissions direct to the Scottish Parliament supporting community-led renewable development. The group from Dunbar Community Energy Company and the Islay Energy Trust both make cogent submissions. Islay Energy Trust – which has a very wide support on the island – points out the need for energy efficiency measures throughout the domestic and industrial sectors and highlights the benefits to all of engagement between developers and the local community. In another submission, the community group planning a major wind generation project on the Rosneath peninsula on the Clyde highlights the need for the Committee to consider how they can help locally-owned projects to advance their plans. Other advocates of local ownership of renewable energy generation making submissions include independent wind consultant Dr Colin Anderson and agri-businessman Maitland Mackie.
Community Energy Scotland 4th May 2012 more >>
Small Wind gets its bearings
Small wind turbines are usually defined as having a capacity of up to 50kW, with a typical blade diameter of at least 2m. The requirements of small wind turbines are identical to their larger cousins, namely: high efficiency, high reliability, low noise and minimum maintenance. Noise requirements are a particular area of focus in small wind turbine design, especially regarding sites that are located adjacent to residential or commercial properties. With constant blade and main shaft rotation, bearings are a critical factor in achieving reduced noise across these conurbations.
Process & Control Today 4th May 2012 more >>
Solar Downturn
Westcountry solar PV firms are reporting a downturn in orders following the Feed-in Tariff debacle – despite the rate of return on investment remaining unchanged for consumers. The industry is still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the Government’s decision to bring forward the reduction in the rate of the Feed-in Tariff from 43.3p to 23p from April to December. As a result, many firms had to alter their business plans and lay off staff they had hired to cope with anticipated levels of demand for solar panels as some schemes were scrapped altogether.
Western Morning News 3rd May 2012 more >>
West Sussex Solar
Anesco is helping schools across West Sussex to save money on their energy bills while improving their green credentials. The firm has successfully completed roof top solar pv installations at 11 sites in the region to date. Through an innovative West Sussex County Council scheme, many of the schools are benefitting from the low-cost, renewable electricity generated by the panels after capitalising on an interest-free loan made available by the local authority.
Anesco 2nd May 2012 more >>
Small Turbines
A series of tests over the last few months on the Evance R9000 small wind turbine has shown its energy generation has increased by over four percent to 9,167kWh at a wind speed of five metres per second. The R9000 5kW turbine was one of the first small wind turbines to be fully certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) in July 2010, and since then has received system improvements.
Energy Management 2nd May 2012 more >>
Engineer Live 2nd May 2012 more >>
Green Deal Partnership
Centrica, npower, and Kingfisher are among six founder members of a new national body that aims to develop the commercial expertise to ensure companies make the most of opportunities offered by the government’s energy efficiency policies. The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings (EEPB) is envisaged as a not-for-profit network connecting potential Green Deal providers, financiers, and product and services suppliers from across the public, private, and charity sectors.
Business Green 2nd May 2012 more >>
IT firm C&C Group has won a major contract to provide the “nuts and bolts” of the government’s flagship Green Deal energy efficiency scheme, which will include building a database to hold up to six million property retrofitting plans.
Business Green 2nd May 2012 more >>
German Solar
Germany installed nearly double the amount of solar power in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2011, but the industry is continuing to fight against government plans for deep cuts to feed-in tariff incentives. Germany’s grid regulator yesterday confirmed that around 650MW of new capacity was installed in January and February 2012, compared to around 366MW in the same months of 2011.
Business Green 2nd May 2012 more >>
Bloomberg 30th April 2012 more >>
Solar Pigs
A Leicestershire pig farm has taken advantage of a Government planning exemption on small-scale renewables schemes on farms by installing solar panels to run its pig feeding facilities. Working with renewable energy specialists Eco2Solar, Lodge Farm, owned by P J Gosling Partners, has installed a 39.6kWp solar photovoltaic system.
Edie 2nd May 2012 more >>
Gym Power
A revolutionary outdoor gym that harnesses the power generated by those exercising and turns it into electricity has been unveiled in Hull. The gym uses the power generated by the outdoor cardio equipment and converts into useable electricity. The renewable energy generated is used to power lighting for the gym, extending the usable hours of the facility.
Solar Power Portal 2nd May 2012 more >>
Business Green 2nd May 2012 more >>
Mid Devon goes Solar
Mid Devon solar panels Kier has completed a £520,000 contract with Mid Devon District Council to install photovoltaic solar panels at four council properties in a bid to reduce the council’s carbon footprint, generate electricity and save money.
Build.co.uk 2nd May 2012 more >>
Solar Funding
Green campaign group 10:10 will today launch a major new initiative to help schools “crowd-source” funding to support solar panel installations, following a successful trial of its Solar Schools programme.
Business Green 1st May 2012 more >>
SolarCity defies gloom to file for green IPO Rooftop specialist pushes ahead with plans, despite series of green IPOs being withdrawn.
Business Green 1st May 2012 more >>
Solar Collapse
Solar panel installations have fallen by almost 90% in the weeks since the government halved cut the subsidy available, according to Department of Energy and Climate Change figures. The change in financial support for solar power has been highly controversial and has seen the government lose a high-profile legal case in the high court. The new data lends support to the charge of some in the solar industry that the government cut the subsidy too far and too fast, endangering thousands of jobs.
Guardian 1st May 2012 more >>
The amount of solar panels that have been installed ever since the subsidy for small-scale PV, or photovoltaic, systems has fallen dramatically - as highlighted by official figures. DECC - the Department of Energy and Climate Change has released statistics that show how in April’s first three weeks, the amount of solar PV installations meant for systems lower than four kilowatt in size reached just over 1500. While figures for the whole month of April are yet to be released, 25,500 installations were completed per month over the previous nine months that have been studied.
Recycle 2nd May 2012 more >>
Edinburgh Community Turbine
A pioneering plan for Scotland’s first ‘people power’ wind turbine in an urban area has been blocked by Scottish Water because of an insurance hitch, undermining ministers’ attempts to boost locally-owned renewable energy developments. The voluntary groups proposing to build a large wind turbine at Seafield sewage works in Leith, Edinburgh, are furious that they have been thwarted by the government-owned company, despite having already received backing from the Scottish government and from the private sector.
Herald 1st May 2012 more >>
Edinburgh Evening News 1st May 2012 more >>
RHI
Ofgem is seeking to simplify the metering requirements for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), after the scheme’s first quarterly report revealed 95 per cent of applications have been returned to sender. Ofgem’s first RHI quarterly report yesterday revealed it approved just 20 of the 376 RHI applications it has received since November from businesses seeking to take advantage of incentives when installing renewable heat technologies such as biomass boilers and solar thermal. The 20 installations have a total capacity of 5.25MW and have generated nearly £10,000 in payments through the RHI, which guarantees organisations additional revenue based on how much renewable heat they generate. Sixteen biomass boilers have qualified for the payments, alongside four heat pumps.
Business Green 1st May 2012 more >>
On 26th March 2012 the Department of Energy and Climate Change launched a Consultation proposing the introduction of a cost control mechanism for the Renewable Heat Incentive; a measure that would suspend the RHI until the next financial year ‘should estimated spending – based on applications and accreditations - reach a level where the budget could be breached.’
Micro Power Council 1st May 2012 more >>
Bristol Solar
A charity that supports families following the loss of a child is benefiting from a solar energy system donated by local installer Solarsense. The Rainbow Centre is one of Bristol’s leading charities, providing counselling and therapy to children and their families affected by bereavement, life-threatening illness and cancer.
Solar Power Portal 1st May 2012 more >>
Solar Schools
The Solar Schools project, launched by carbon cutting organisation 10:10 in conjunction with Mumsnet, is set to help 100 schools receive solar panels. The innovative scheme harnesses the latest in online fund-raising techniques to galvanise local support, allowing schools to invest in carbon and cost cutting solar panels.
Solar Power Portal 1st May 2012 more >>
The 10:10 campaign group, which was set up to encourage individuals and organisations cut their emissions by 10%, has launched a new initiative aimed at helping UK schools ‘crowd-source’ funding for solar panel installations. The organisation piloted the scheme last year with eight schools, which raised some £75,000 in pledges from parents, community groups and local businesses. Five of those schools have now installed solar arrays, including one primary school in Reading that raised £11,000 in just three months. Now the crowd-funding model is being rolled out to a wider audience. From today, 10:10 is inviting schools to put their name forward to be considered to take part in the scheme, depending on the suitability of the school’s location.
Energy Efficiency News 1st May 2012 more >>
Business Green 1st May 2012 more >>
Solar Gloom
A MAJOR drop in solar panel installations since the feed-in tariff debacle is “much worse than expected” according to one Teesside installer. Worried bosses say plummeting rates, alongside additional barriers such as Energy Performance Certificates will “kill the green economy before it gets started”.
NE Business 1st Mat 2012 more >>
Solar Target
Caroline Flint MP, Labour’s Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, has warned that the UK is set to miss its target for solar power by more than 160 years, following the Government’s cuts to the Feed-in Tariff for solar power.
Labour Party 1st May 2012 more >>
Sundog
A LISTED former cotton mill in Oldham has switched to solar energy thanks to a Cumbrian firm. Solar energy specialists Sundog Energy overcame strict English Heritage requirements and significant wind loading challenges on the five-storey Devon Mill – which was completed in 1908 when Lancashire led the world in textile production – to transform it into what is thought to be the largest roof-top solar power station in the North.
NW Evening Mail 1st May 2012 more >>
Economics of Solar PV
A new report from the prominent global consulting firm McKinsey shows why solar photovoltaics have hit a tipping point. As the economics of solar PV continue to improve steadily and dramatically, McKinsey analysts conclude that the yearly “economic potential” of solar PV deployment could reach 600-1,000 gigawatts (1 million megawatts) by 2020.
Climate Progress 30th April 2012 more >>
Bristol Solar Co-operative
The Co-operative Group’s vision of enabling a wave of community-owned renewable energy projects took a step forward last week, with the launch of a new £90,000 community share issue in Bristol designed to fund a major solar panel rollout across the city. The not-for profit community-owned Bristol Energy Co-operative is planning to install solar panels on community buildings around the city, starting with the Hamilton House community centre and Knowle West Media Centre.
Business Green 30th April 2012 more >>
Solar Schools
Solar Schools – a project to help schools to “crowd-fund” a solar roof by gathering lots of small donations from their local community. Best of all, from 10:10’s perspective, each successful school would become a visible and empowering example of a community working together to solve climate change. We might even be able to work with the same communities on other projects in the future – such as retrofitting schools on a street-by-street basis, or investing in community wind farms. To test the Solar Schools idea we launched a pilot scheme, and set up a website with an accompanying resource pack to help the participating schools to raise money.
Guardian 30th April 2012 more >>
Solar Returns
Homeowners have just over 60 days left to secure an eye-catching return on investment if they go ahead with a solar PV installation on their property. As of July 1, the government is slashing the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) subsidies available for domestic schemes of less than 4kW from the current 21p to an expected rate of 15.7p. It may be as low as 13.6p but no higher than 16.5p. Under the present FiT rate, the return on investment is more than 10% and is index linked and tax free, fixed and guaranteed for 25 years. However, when the rate reduces to 15.7p – or the 13.6p rate if deployment in March and April is between 150 and 200mW – the potential return on investment will drop to between four and six per cent.
Heating and Plumbing Monthly 30th April 2012 more >>
Green Deal Assessor
Due to be launched in October this year, the Green Deal has been designed as an incentive to give UK home and business owners the prompt they need to reduce their carbon emissions. The policy enables the installation of a range of Green Deal measures, which are implemented at no upfront cost. Payments are then taken directly from savings on the energy bill over the chosen technology’s lifetime. A more detailed description of how this works can be read here. But, before anyone enters into a Green Deal plan, their building must first be reviewed for suitability by a Green Deal assessor.
Solar Power Portal 30th April 2012 more >>
Maitland Mackie on Community Turbines
FIVE years ago, my wife and I returned from holiday to find a 65-metre wind turbine towering behind our house, installed by our offspring to power our ice-cream dairy. Quickly, I came to love it and started to learn about the physics and economics of wind power. We now have three turbines on site, powering Mackies dairy, and share another with two neighbours. It’s fun having others investing with you and there are big opportunities for communities to raise money and invest in projects to get very good returns over a long period.
Scotsman 28th April 2012 more >>
Solar Finance
Implementing sustainable energy will require a shift towards “people power” finance, a leading solar energy entrepreneur has said. Jeremy Leggett, executive chairman and founder of Solar Century, said the current financial set-up could not move fast enough to spread renewable energy to developing countries. With many governments also facing hard times, there are concerns over where additional funding could come from for such projects. “I’m completely confident that the money is available,” Leggett told RTCC.
RTCC 27th April 2012 more >>
Solar Pigs
A Yorkshire-based farming business renowned for its ground-breaking work in pig genetics is looking to nature to provide more power for its properties. Like many farm businesses faced with ever-increasing overheads, pressure to protect the environment and reduce their carbon footprint, the JSR Farming Group, based at Southburn, near Driffield, took the first step into renewable energy. The move to install the £200,000 solar PV is part of a mini revolution within the farming community, especially in Yorkshire.
Farmers Guardian 26th April 2012 more >>
Solar Cuts
The Gilvey brothers. Sean and Gary run a business called Pro Solar Power in Norwich. Some years ago they heard the last government’s warm words about the green agenda and sensed a booming market in solar panels. They hired 12 fitters, investing about £200,000 in the training and safety courses required to send them up onto roofs and to connect the panels to the mains. First, under Labour, the policies flip-flopped: public subsidies were available - then they weren’t. For a fledgling industry, it was deeply troubling. But then last November the coalition government announced that the tariffs that are paid for solar power would be almost halved. Sean and Gary saw orders worth £2 million cancelled virtually overnight and their business suddenly had to shrink to a quarter of its original size to survive.
BBC 26th April 2012 more >>