week ending 18 May 2012
Solar – a good bet
A new study from Bloomberg New Energy Finance finds that solar power is a much more competitive power option than many think. Basically, the technology has changed so fast that many people just don’t realize it’s such a good option now. From Bloomberg: “Many decision-makers have yet to catch up with the improvements in the economics of solar power from recent reductions in the cost of the technology, a working paper released by the London-based research firm said today.”
IB Times 18th May 2012 more >>
Small Wind
A council that spent £100,000 installing two wind turbines on a civic building six years ago have admitted they didn’t work because the site was not windy enough.
Telegraph 18th May 2012 more >>
BBC 18th May 2012 more >>
Telegraph 17th May 2012 more >>
FiT Cut Delay?
Energy and climate change secretary, Greg Barker, has insinuated that the government is planning to delay proposed cuts to Feed-in-Tariffs (FiT) this July by posting on Twitter, “Having listened carefully to industry, we are looking at scope for pushing back the next proposed reduction in solar Feed-in-Tariffs.”
Energy Management 18th May 2012 more >>
DECC confirmed today that the next round of cuts to the Feed-in Tariff for solar PV has been ‘delayed’. DECC issued the following statement: “Having listened carefully to the industry we are reviewing the date for the next reduction in solar tariffs and will be making a fuller announcement shortly.”
Edie 17th May 2012 more >>
AOL 17th May 2012 more >>
The UK solar industry has welcomed this morning’s confirmation that the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) will delay the next round of feed-in tariff cuts. Some of industry’s most influential spokespeople have come out in support of the move, which means cuts due to go ahead on July 1 will now be delayed.
Solar Power Portal 17th May 2012 more >>
Click Green 17th May 2012 more >>
Solar Chaos
MP Diana Johnson claims cuts to the solar feed-in tariff threaten jobs and the renewables industry in Hull. The Labour MP made the claim as Energy Secretary Ed Davey hinted that the Government may put back the next planned cuts to solar subsidies expected in July. Speaking on the floor of the House of Commons, Ms Johnson said: “Following the chaotic cut to the feed-in tariff, there has been a 90 per cent fall in solar panel installations, and 6,000 jobs have gone in the industry, including more than 100 in my constituency of Kingston upon Hull North.”
Hull Daily Mail 17th May 2012 more >>
Caroline Flint MP, Labour’s Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, commenting on research showing that the Department for Energy and Climate Change has missed the legal deadline for the next round of cuts to the Feed-in Tariff for solar power, said: “The Government’s shambolic cuts to solar power have caused solar installations to plummet, cost thousands of jobs, and left the public with legal bills running into tens of thousands of pounds. Having already lost three court cases for their illegal cuts, now it looks like the Government has missed the legal deadline for the next round of cuts to solar power.
Labour Party 17th May 2012 more >>
Local Authorities
The Committee on Climate Change, the statutory body set up to advise ministers on how to meet the government’s carbon targets, has called for local authorities to be ordered do develop and implement plans to cut carbon emissions, with national funding to do so.
Guardian 17th May 2012 more >>
BBC 17th May 2012 more >>
Solar Power Portal 17th May 2012 more >>
Solar Forest
Anesco, has started work on one of the UK’s largest ground mounted solar projects – a 5MWp scheme in the New Forest. The solar PV installation, situated within the Cadland Estate at Fawley, will be completed over the next eight weeks and will comprise of 9 kilometres of frames, 5,000 groundscrews and 18,000 solar PV panels.
Anesco 17th May 2012 more >>
Romag
UK solar module manufacturer Romag is set to open a London-based distribution warehouse in order to better-serve its installer network. Opening on the May 21, the North West London centre will allow for local collection or same day delivery on a range of Romag PV panels, kits and roof-integrated systems.
Solar Power Portal 17th May 2012 more >>
Energy Efficient Homes
Research published by the National House Building Council (NHBC) and Zero Carbon Hub has revealed that new homes built to current regulations cost 55 percent less to run than typical ‘upgraded’ Victorian homes.
Solar Power Portal 17th May 2012 more >>
Solar Benefits
You may think that solar panels are a big expense and so not for you, but if you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, installing them can make sense financially as well as being beneficial to the environment. There are two types of solar panel – ones that generate electricity (solar photovoltaics or PV), which are most popular, and ones that heat your home’s water (solar thermal). With both, you’ll cut your utility bills and CO2 emissions, but the benefits don’t end there. Solar PV panels can also earn you money, thanks to the Government’s Feed-In Tariffs scheme, which pays you for the electricity you generate and use and also for any surplus you supply to the National Grid.
Belper News 17th May 2012 more >>
Eco Environments
A renewable energy firm has revealed turnover grew to £6 million last year as solar panel sales boomed. Eco Environments, which has an office in Carlisle, said turnover accelerated from £1.3m the previous year as people chose to generate their own electricity. But the company said the Government’s decision to slash the subsidy paid to people producing power through solar panels meant it would now shift its attention away from the domestic market and towards the commercial sector.
Cumberland News 17th May 2012 more >>
Fuel Poverty
According to the 2012 Annual Report on Fuel Poverty Statistics the number of households in fuel poverty is beginning to decrease. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has today published data results for England in 2010, and an estimated level of fuel poverty in the entire UK in 2010.
Solar Power Portal 17th May 2012 more >>
Community Hydro
National park officials have given the green light to plans for a community hydro scheme. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park approved the 348 kW scheme, which can provide enough energy to power 300 homes. The development was submitted by a subsidiary of Callander Community Development Trust. The scheme is expected to take nine months to construct and will run from Stank Burn, north west of Callander.
BBC 16th May 2012 more >>
Green Deal
The government has downplayed reports claiming it is reviewing elements of its flagship Green Deal energy efficiency scheme, in a move designed to reassure businesses preparing for its October launch. The BBC reported today that the Cabinet Office has been interviewing businesses and trade associations about the Green Deal, amid concerns the flagship policy could fail to deliver the thousands of new insulations needed to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s building stock.
Business Green 16th May 2012 more >>
Solar Power Portal 16th May 2012 more >>
Downing Street is about to review the government’s Green Deal after warnings that it’s liable to fail. The Cabinet Office has been interviewing critics of the flagship scheme and is expected to report soon. Critics say it won’t give enough help to the fuel poor, and warn it may waste £2-3bn of people’s energy bills. The government says most lofts and cavity walls are already insulated under previous schemes so it wants to offer grants on much more expensive solid wall insulation. Solid walls will ultimately have to be made warmer if the UK housing stock meets expectations for reducing carbon emissions. But it is thought that at first this expensive and disruptive option will be mostly taken up by affluent households. Critics say it makes no sense to insulate solid walls at approximately £7,500 a home when you can insulate lofts of the “fuel poor” for £500 a home. They also argue that the ECO subsidies scheme will force low-income families to pay extra on their fuel bills to subsidise solid wall insulation for more wealthy homes.
BBC 16th May 2012 more >>
BRE’s S Plan
As part of its wide-ranging sustainability strategy (The S Plan), BRE has now completed the commissioning of a new roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar array at its large research and office complex in Garston near Watford. Designed and installed by MCS accredited PV specialists South Facing, the new system has been installed to help reduce BRE’s carbon footprint. BRE’s S Plan sets out a four-year programme of continuous improvement across eight key areas of sustainability: carbon dioxide emissions; resource efficiency; supply chain engagement; transport; community engagement; ecology; water; and information systems.
IB Times 16th May 2012 more >>
Energy Management 15th May 2012 more >>
Solar Shingles
‘Go Green’ is the buzz word in the construction arena, and solar roof shingles are creating a lot of interest in this niche. With zero carbon building codes set to become the norm in the UK and Europe within the next four years, homeowners and construction contractors alike are seeking building and roofing solutions that are environmentally friendly and effective. And to meet this demand, research has been booming into the feasibility of harnessing solar energy through roof shingles.
IB Times 16th May 2012 more >>
FiT Cuts
Since April 1 this year UK solar deployment figures have slowed down to a worrying pace. Today, keen to breathe some much-needed life back into the industry, the Solar Trade Association (STA) has written to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) asking to delay the proposed July feed-in tariff cuts.
Solar Power Portal 16th May 2012 more >>
PV-Tech 16th May 2012 more >>
Scottish Energy Competition
Sir Richard Branson is set to launch a green energy competition, with a £400,000 prize fund, in Scotland. The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge, which is also supported by the Scottish Government, is aimed at reducing carbon emissions through sustainable business ideas and inventions. The winning candidate, who will come up with the best carbon abatement idea, will receive £400,000 to develop and create their product within two years. Sir Richard is currently calling on all entrepreneurs to enter the online competition.
Solar Power Portal 16th May 2012 more >>
Heat Pumps
6.6 million heat pumps by 2030: From Vision to Reality.
Ecuity Consulting May 2012 more >>
Solar Still Viable
All four major trade associations representing UK solar PV the British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA), the Micropower Council (MPC), the Renewable Energy Association (REA) and the Solar Trade Association (STA) have joined together to clarify the current status of solar power and the Feed-in Tariff (FiT). The industry is concerned that the public may be confused about solar power and the FiT.
Solar Novus 15th May 2012 more >>
Energy Efficiency News 15th May 2012 more >>
Micro CHP training
Plumbers merchant Plumb Center has launched a micro-CHP training course. The one-day training course will be available in three of the Plumb Center training centres across the UK and covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of installing, commissioning and maintaining a Baxi micro-CHP boiler for domestic applications.
Builders Merchant Journal 15th May 2012 more >>
Green Deal
Newly launched not-for-profit organisation, the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings, is aiming to create the largest network of potential Green Deal providers, financiers, product and service suppliers to represent industry’s views on the practical implementation of the Green Deal, ECO and other wider energy efficiency opportunities in the UK.
Solar Power Portal 15th May 2012 more >>
Smart Money
Many homeowners are aware that the government has slashed solar subsidies. However, many householders are not aware that the solar industry has slashed costs, so solar still remains a great prospect for UK homeowners, according to the Solar Trade Association. As the Prime Minister David Cameron acknowledged at a recent international energy conference in London: “Already, solar costs have halved in two years.”
Roofing & Cladding 15th May 2012 more >>
Brighton Co-operative
Two green energy companies have joined forces to deliver an innovative scheme. Brighton Energy Co-operative (BEC) is to launch one of the UK’s first community solar schemes. South Downs Solar has partnered with the Co-op to deliver on a promise that solar still pays, despite Government cuts in the feed-in tariffs.
Brighton Argus 15th May 2012 more >>
Brighton Energy Co-op has raised almost a quarter of the £200,000 that it is seeking to fund a solar power project in the area. It said that 40 people had pledged £45,000 between them with two days to go before the Energy Co-op’s share offer goes live.
Brighton & Hove News 15th May 2012 more >>
Co-op Bank
At a time when many solar companies are worrying about their financial situation, the Co-Operative Bank has pledged to provide approximately £300 million in loans for UK renewable energy projects throughout 2012.
Solar Power Portal 15th May 2012 more >>
Small Turbines
They important things are the speed and direction of the wind and what obstructions are in the way, such as trees and buildings. Because of this, wind turbines aren’t suitable for a lot of homes, but if you think yours might be a candidate, fitting an anemometer (wind gauge) for at least three months is the best way to find out how much wind it gets. Most turbines need a minimum wind speed before they can start generating electricity, so check with the manufacturer before you invest in one. The ideal location is a smooth-topped hill that’s exposed and free from obstructions and turbulence.
Express and Star 15th May 2012 more >>
Solar Church
A Cornish church has become one of the first in the UK to light the way for renewable energy after having solar panels fitted its roof to help reduce the electricity bills.
Business Cornwall 15th May 2012 more >>
Anesco
National energy efficiency solutions company Anesco is on target to hit £100 million turnover in 2014, as demand for its services continue to rise. Anesco is a national company dedicated to helping homeowners, local authorities and businesses reduce carbon emissions. The firm provides companies with a comprehensive energy service from audits through to recommendations, installations and capital funding plans.
Anesco 14th May 2012 more >>
Consumers Going Green
Homeowners are increasingly turning to renewable energy options in the face of the upward trend in energy prices, according to an industry expert. The interest in solar PV, energy efficient lighting, heat pumps and other forms of renewable technology coincides with the latest warning from Centrica – the owner of British Gas - that rising wholesale gas costs will make supplying energy to UK households more expensive this year.
Click Green 14th May 2012 more >>
Green Deal Advertising
The government will today be called on to relax its ban on advertising spend and commission a national communications campaign to drive adoption of upcoming green initiatives, such as the Green Deal energy efficiency scheme, the smart meter rollout, and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
Business Green 14th May 2012 more >>
United Front
In a bid to fight for the survival of the UK solar industry all four major trade associations have today come together for the first time. The British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA), the Micropower Council (MPC), the Renewable Energy Association (REA) and the Solar Trade Association (STA) have this morning revealed their affiliation in a bid to form a united front against the feed-in tariff fiasco. UK solar installation figures have declined dramatically in recent weeks, despite the fact that returns are still on a par with those achievable last year. The most likely reason for this decrease in uptake, according to the associations, is public confusion around the current feed-in tariff situation.
Solar Power Portal 14th May 2012 more >>
Business Green 14th May 2012 more >>
AD Developers Looking for Sites
FARMERS can earn some extra cash by allowing developers to build anaerobic digestion (AD) plants on their land. AD developers are currently looking for sites throughout the UK to build 1.5 - 2MW plants, offering farmers in the region of £50,000 - £75,000 each year to rent the site.
Farmers Guardian 14th May 2012 more >>
Solid Wall Insulation
Research has revealed that 12 percent of homes in England and Wales could benefit from Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) under the Green Deal’s ‘golden rule’. Insulation manufacturer Jablite commissioned the study into SWI and found that work could begin on around one million properties across England and Wales when the Green Deal is launched this October. Of the million homes, 400,000 are estimated to be inhabited by people living in fuel-poverty.
Solar Power Portal 14th May 2012 more >>
Bournemouth
Letter: Britain needs jobs and electricity so why won’t our central government follow the lead of Bournemouth Council, which is putting solar panels on all their council flats and houses. This is creating lots of jobs, gives cheaper power to tenants and the council sells the excess to the national grid and gets an income. Central government and local councils should all do the same.
Morning Star 13th May 2012 more >>
Green Heat
Prof Dave Elliott: I have often been less than impressed by reports from the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) , which usually seems to take a conservative line on energy issues, but their new report on heating for buildings seems overall very well done, although with lapses. It makes the sensible point that we need to deal with the building envelop first, but also notes that most of the houses that will be lived in by 2050 have already been built, so we must look to remedial measures. It also notes that ‘Manchester isn’t Leipzig’, and looks at patterns of heating need and perceptions of comfort. It assumes we are talking about well insulated buildings, and familiar levels of comfort, and it reviews the energy supply options for supporting that.
Environmental Research Web 12th May 2012 more >>
Solar Investment
Rich pickings are back on offer for homeowners willing to invest in solar panels, but those interested have only a short time to act. Tax-free returns nearing 10 per cent a year from solar panel subsidies can be achieved again, thanks to a dramatic drop in the price of installations – and even supermarket giant Tesco is getting in on the act.
Daily Mail 11th May 2012 more >>
Training
Newcastle College have launched a unique centre for innovation, training and development for the energy sector. The Energy Academy was officially opened on the 10 May by Tim Yeo MP, President of the Renwable Energy Association and Chair of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee and Walt Patterson, Nuclear Physicist, writer and broacaster. The new centre is a collaboration between Newcastle College, local authorities, Sector Skills Councils and strategic stakeholders in the sector, and will be based on the north banks of the Tyne. The opening showcased how employers can access a much needed training facility that will help them to train, recruit and retain highly skilled workers. Learners also provided a range of demonstrations in welding, electronics, turbine and solar panel testing and diagnostics.
Bdaily 11th May 2012 more >>
Collective Buying
Co-op Energy has won the first Which? attempt at collective switching. The firm won the reverse auction by bidding its normal variable price tariff but created a new fixed rate tariff that it will now offer to its existing 25,000 customers, but not the general public.
Utility Week 10th May 2012 more >>