Small-scale energy generation using solar panels or wind
turbines has grown by 400% in less than 18 months in the UK, with Sheffield
seeing the biggest increase in renewable installations per 1,000 people.
The new study looked at the growth in renewable energy
capacity in the UK's large cities since the government's feed-in tariff (FIT)
launched last April. The scheme offers guaranteed cash payments to households
and communities who produce their own electricity.
Top of the table was Sheffield, which increased its
renewable energy capacity, of which 99% is solar, to more than 3.5 kilowatts
electrical per 1,000 people (kWe is a measure of electrical power). Here's the
top 10:
1. Sheffield
2. Leeds
3. Bristol
4. Bradford
5. Birmingham
6. London
7. Liverpool
8. Edinburgh
9. Manchester
10. Glasgow
London added more renewable power than all the other cities,
but only ranked sixth on the list when the data was assessed per head.
Solar panels on the rise
Solar panels are the most popular way of generating
renewable power, accounting for 75% of feed-in tariff scheme payments,
according to the study by energy consultancy AEA. Wind power accounts for 14%.
So far, more than 44,000 solar installations have been
registered for the FIT, with small domestic systems making up the majority
(38,300).
Overall, Cornwall is the area which generates the most solar
photovoltaic (PV) power in the UK, with more than 1,000 solar installations and
three megawatts electrical (MWe) capacity. Aberdeenshire generates the most
wind power and Perth and Kinross the most hydro electricity.
Solar power benefits
Urban Energy research has found it is possible to make up to
£38,000 profit from a 4kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system over 25 years, under
the FIT – the pay back can be as little as 6 years. To qualify you must use
products and installers registered under the Microgeneration Certification
Scheme (MCS).
This data shows that you do not need to live on the equator
to generate electricity from solar panels. The UK has enough daylight to
generate good returns. If you are considering cashing in on the generous FIT
scheme, we would advise you do so before April 2012, since the tariff is likely
to be changed then, most probably decreasing slightly.
Urban Energy are delighted that nearly half the population would like to install renewable energy technologies; what worries us is the lack of awareness surrounding it. To bridge the Green Gap it’s essential we continue to educate consumers and break down some of the myths surrounding the Green Deal, energy efficiency and microgeneration.
Urban Energy has earned a reputation as the south’s leading renewable energy specialist. This has been achieved by ensuring that from the initial point of client contact we offer 1st class customer service and care.
We
only install products that lead the way within the renewable energy
industry and that are renowned for their high quality and ecologically
sound production. This reflects our own high standards and quality
assurance.
We
understand that introducing a renewable energy system to either your
home or business is an investment that lasts for many years. With our
in-house electrical and plumbing division it is our promise to you the
customer that your satisfaction and peace of mind throughout this period
is our number one priority.
For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
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