Solar heating 'can provide over half of households' hot water'

Solar thermal systems can provide over half of households' hot water needs, according to the largest ever field trial of the green energy devices.

Residential payment levels under the government's £860m renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme, announced in March, are not due to be announced until 2012

Between 1 August and 9 October this year, 707 people took out new £300 grants for solar thermal systems.

The government has put aside £15m for the renewable heat premium payment (RHPP) scheme, which runs until March 2012 offering grants for a range of green heating technologies including groundsource heat pumps and biomass boilers. The separate RHI payments, similar to those made to owners of solar panels and wind turbines under the feed in tariffs for green electricity generation, will launch after the RHPP.

Solar water heating systems work by using the sun's energy to heat water or anti-freeze in collectors on the roof of a building. The heated water or anti-freeze is then usually pumped to a hot-water cylinder to be stored until the hot water is needed.

Overall, the trust said it was impressed by how well solar thermal systems were working in the UK. The field study found the systems provided a median of 39% of households' hot water needs, rising to 60% for the best and plummeting to 9% for the worst-installed one. The trust had previously believed around 35-40% would be a typical figure, based on laboratory tests.

Jaryn Bradford, senior technical manager for the Energy Saving Trust, and author of the report, said: "This is a technology that works, and works well in the UK." He said the main impact on a system's performance was how well insulated the home's hot water tank and pipes were.

The market for solar water heating in the UK has continued to grow despite the economic climate – up 18.1% in 2010, compared with 13.1% for Europe overall, though the trust said that was largely because the UK was starting from such a low baseline. There are an estimated 140,000 homes with solar water heating in the UK.

This pioneering research demonstrates that households with solar hot water generators really can benefit, provided their generator has been correctly installed and they understand how to make the most of it. Solar thermal panels are a fantastic, cost effective way for the UK to reduce the demand on imported energy whilst cutting bills and carbon emissions.

Friends of the Earth's energy campaigner, Tony Bosworth, said: "Unless we end the nation's dependency on increasingly expensive fossil fuels, homes and businesses will continue to pay the price through soaring power bills. The government's renewable heat incentive can't be delayed any longer – ministers must provide households with real cash incentives to help families switch to clean energy to heat their homes."

Urban Energy

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/

Urban Energy: dispelling solar myths

Myth 1: Photovoltaics are expensive:
Solar photovoltaics are reaching grid parity and are expected to provide electricity as cheap as the National Grid by 2012. Solar PV reaching grid parity is fueled by a number of factors including:

• Rising global energy prices
• The rise in local and national legislation, and international commitments designed to reduce carbon emissions
• An increase in subsidy support for PV from national governments

In addition there is a considerable amount of research being undertaken around the world focused on making solar cells cheaper and/or more efficient, so that they can produce ever cheaper electricity and continue to expand into new markets. Manufacturing cost is decreasing by 10% per annum, meaning conventional ‘payback times’ are decreasing all the time.

Analysing the cost of photovoltaics should not be considered solely in terms of ‘upfront costs’, since they have many additional benefits:

• The inclusion of PV has been shown to increase house value.
• PV also ‘future proofs’ homes or commercial property against rising fuel prices
• Excess electricity can be sold back to the National Grid, the rate for which varies according to your supplier

PV can offset building material costs. E.g. The bronze facade of Portcullis House, opposite Big Ben which was built in 2000, cost over £7000 per square metre. By contrast, solar PV cladding - which can look every bit as attractive as marble or bronze - costs as little as £600 per square meter whilst also provides clean and free power for the building.

Myth 2: PV’s cost makes it the least popular renewable energy:

In October 2006, St James homes surveyed almost 100 potential buyers for their new ‘envirohome’, Kennett Island in Reading. They found that solar thermal and PV were the priority requirements for those considering this new type of home. The BBC also found similar statistics in 2006. PV was rated above a wind turbine, grey water recycling, and other energy saving features. As a maintenance free, long lasting technology, many consumers are attracted by its unique ‘fit and forget’ potential.

Myth 3: PV can’t provide all of my electricity

Individual cases differ according to the energy efficiency of a building and energy consumption, however evidence has shown that it is certainly possible to get a household’s electrical needs out of a PV system. According to Energy Savings Trust, the average household consumes 4,000 kWh per year.

An example of PV producing more electricity than used in a home is presented by the Garside Family: Since their system was installed the Garside family have become suppliers of electricity, consuming just 2,600 kWh a year, which is less than the 2,930kWh they produce. This has allowed them to sell their excess production back to their electricity supplier and feed it into the national grid.

Myth 4: PV uses more energy to produce than it gives back:

There is a common but mistaken notion that solar cells never produce more energy than it takes to make them. The term ‘energy payback’ captures this idea. Reaping the environmental benefits of solar energy requires using energy to make the PV system, but the investment is small. Specifically, paybacks for standard, crystalline modules are two to four years (depending on where they are installed). For new, thin-film modules, ‘energy payback’ times of just one year are anticipated.

Myth 5: Solar thermal is less expensive than PV, so a better option:

Solar thermal systems and solar PV are very different technologies. Solar thermal heats water, while PV creates electricity. Both are excellent means of reducing carbon emissions, and it is possible to have both. However, in terms of reducing carbon emissions, PV avoids more carbon emissions as it displaces grid electricity, which (in the UK) is three times more carbon intensive than gas.

Myth 6: The UK does not receive sufficient sun to make PV worthwhile:

Electricity is produced with daylight, not intense sunlight. Although most effective in sunny climates, the UK is still a suitable market. UK irradiance levels stand at 1000W/m2 for London, with a range of 750W/m2 to 1100W/m2 across the UK. There is little difference between solar irradiation in the Scotland and the south coast of England. In fact, solar electric (PV) panels are routinely used in the polar regions to supply power for test equipment. The UK has similar irradiance levels to Germany and the Netherlands.

Myth 7: It’s hard to get planning permission for PV in the UK:

Local government has taken the initiative to encourage the use of renewable energy. In June 2006 Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning said:

“It is patently absurd that you should be able to put a satellite dish up on your house but should have to wrestle with the planning process for small scale microgeneration which is no more obtrusive. We want far more microgeneration to be treated as permitted development.”

She added:

“We need to seize on new development as an opportunity not a threat. It is time to rethink the way we build. It is time to rethink the way we design our homes and communities, if we are to build communities for the future that are truly sustainable. Our long term ambition should be zero carbon development and we believe the Thames Gateway offers a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in environmental improvements for new developments. We do not know yet how fast we can get there, but the development industry should be clear about our aims and should start planning now for new investment and innovation to meet our goals.”

Solar has been installed on listed buildings in the UK and in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Previous restrictions can be overcome with technologies such as discrete solar PV and solar thermal tiles that sit flush with the roof, blending seamlessly into the natural roof line.

Myth 8: PV will only work if it is south facing:

The optimal orientation is south facing, however south west and south east orientations are also effective and produce about 70% as much energy as a south facing installation. It is also important to consider inclination: a 35 degree inclination is optimal, but over 90 percent of the maximum annual energy can be created at 10 degree and 50 degree tilts from the horizontal.

Myth 9: PV is unreliable, and its value will diminish over time:

With no moving parts PV does not require any routine maintenance. Its ‘fit and forget’ nature is one of its main appeals. A visual inspection of the panels and the inverter is recommended every year and after 15 years the inverter may need to be replaced but this is only 5% of the system price.

PV is a very low risk technology, with no ongoing engineering costs associated with servicing unlike all other renewable technologies. The longevity and reliability of PV is one of its key strengths as a renewable energy source. PV comes with a 20 to 25 year warranty to produce at least 80% of its optimal production. Manufacturers claim it has at least a 60 year life-span, the very first Sharp module installation in Japan in 1963 is still working today, over 40 years later.

URBAN ENERGY

Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care.

"Urban Energy is an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economic and environmentally sound solar powered energy systems for commercial property (private and public) and domestic dwellings. Our expertise in the field of Government sponsored funding programmes and solar power products will provide individuals and organisations with an excellent opportunity to overcome capital cost barriers, save money on energy bills, increase profit margins, increase the value of their property and reduce their carbon footprint.

Urban Energy employ the very best engineers in this field, all of which are fully qualified, MCS certified and Government approved to carry out this task, complying with strict guidelines and are members of the Solar Trade Association.

For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/

Renewables account for 3.1% of UK energy in 2009

Renewables accounted for 3.1% of the UK's primary energy requirements in 2009 - up 0.4% from the year before, according to the latest statistics published by Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The figure - which includes renewables used for transport and heat as well as electricity generation - is up from 2.6% in 2008 and 2.2% in 2007.

When measured using the slightly different methodology of the 2008 EU Renewable Energy Directive - which measures energy on a net calorific value basis and includes a cap on fuel used for aviation - this equates to 3% of energy consumption coming from renewables.

This is up from 2.4% in 2008 and 1.8% in 2007 and means that the UK is now one-fifth of the way towards meeting its Directive target to produce 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The data was contained in a special feature, entitled ‘Renewable Energy in 2009' which was published by DECC yesterday (June 24) alongside its June edition of Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices.

The article updates information on renewable energy published by DECC in June 2009, looks at the latest position and provides the first look at the statistics on renewable energy production and use in the UK in 2009. It also breaks down energy generation by source and type - including electricity, heat production and renewable fuels.

Electricity

For electricity, the figures show that 6.6% of that sold by licensed suppliers in the UK was generated from renewables eligible for the Renewables Obligation, up from a revised 5.3% in 2008.

Wind continued to be the leading renewable technology for generating electricity (37%), with hydro second (21 %), followed closely by landfill gas (20%). Generation from wind was four percentage points higher than in 2008, whilst hydro's contribution was three percentage points lower.

Total electricity capacity in 2009 amounted to more than 8GW, compared with 6.8GW in 2008 - an increase of 1.2GW (18%). The main contributors to this increase were 663MW from onshore wind (+24%), 355MW from offshore wind (+61%), 81MW from plant biomass (+41%) and 77MW (+8%) from landfill gas.

Heat

For renewable heat, which is produced from around 14% of renewable sources, the main sources were found to be direct combustion of biomass (93%), active solar heating and geothermal aquifers. Domestic use of wood is the main contributor to renewable heat (39%) followed by plant biomass (21%) and industrial use of wood and wood waste (17%).

While use of renewable heat has historically been on the decline, the report noted that it had started to grow and "further significant growth" was anticipated, due to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which is expected to provide a financial incentive from April 2011.

Transport fuel

Liquid biofuels for transport comprised nearly 15% of total renewable sources in 2009. In this period, 1,044 million litres of biodiesel and 317 million litres of bioethanol were consumed up from 886 million litres and 206 million litres in 2008 respectively. Biodiesel accounted for 4.2% of diesel, and bioethanol 1.4% of motor spirit. Their combined contribution was 2.9%.

URBAN ENERGY

Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care."

Urban Energy is an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economic and environmentally sound solar powered energy systems for commercial property (private and public) and domestic dwellings. Our expertise in the field of Government sponsored funding programmes and solar power products will provide individuals and organisations with an excellent opportunity to overcome capital cost barriers, save money on energy bills, increase profit margins, increase the value of their property and reduce their carbon footprint.

Urban Energy employ the very best engineers in this field, all of which are fully qualified, MCS certified and Government approved to carry out this task, complying with strict guidelines and are members of the Solar Trade Association.

For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/

Greening Britain's Energy Supply

A fortnight ago Ed Miliband, the Climate Secretary, confirmed generous payments for home solar panel and wind turbine systems.

This scheme could transform Britain's poor record on renewable power. At present only 5 per cent of UK power comes from renewable sources, while 2 per cent of energy customers are on "green" tariffs. So will this initiative lead to low-carbon power for the people – and what's in it for you?

First, don't bother generating your own electricity or buying a "green" tariff until you have stopped energy leaking from your home; it's like pumping fuel into a car without fixing a hole in the petrol tank. Put plastic strips round draughty windows and reflective paper behind radiators, lag lofts to 27centimetres and fit eco-lightbulbs in every socket.

From April, a "Feed in Tariff" will guarantee payments to homes with solar panels and other micro-generation. A "well-sited" 2.5kWh PV solar scheme, the Department for Energy & Climate Change (DECC) says, should earn £900 a year and £140 in energy savings. And the financial case for going solar may improve if, as expected, banks offer renewable power loans later this year.

Reference: The Independent

URBAN ENERGY

Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care”.

Urban Energy is an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economic and environmentally sound solar powered energy systems for commercial property (private and public) and domestic dwellings. Our expertise in the field of Government sponsored funding programmes and solar power products will provide individuals and organisations with an excellent opportunity to overcome capital cost barriers, save money on energy bills, increase profit margins, increase the value of their property and reduce their carbon footprint.

0% interest instalment payment program available for domestic solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.

For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/

Is solar power a bright investment?

If you install a typical £12,500 photovoltaic (PV) system on your roof, the new feed in tariff should give you a return of at least £25,000. So what's the catch? There isn't one!

If the government offered to pay you £1,000 a year for the next 25 years, in return for an up-front investment of £12,500, you'd snap it up in a second. Well, that's pretty much the deal on offer this week after the government finally revealed what it will pay those who install electricity generating solar panels – in and around their homes – through the new "Feed-in Tariffs" (FITs).

After years of campaigning by environmental groups – helped in small part by this newspaper – the government has finally agreed to reward households and businesses installing electricity-generating measures with enough of a return to make it a serious financial, as well as an environmental, investment. If you've got the money and, crucially, a sunny, south-facing roof, you can earn a 7%-10% tax-free return, an income that will rise in line with inflation. At the same time, you get to do more than your fair share in reducing the UK's carbon­ emissions.

In the week that the energy regulator,­ Ofgem, warned the nation to expect 20% electricity price hikes by 2020, and warned future supplies were in jeopardy, investors in solar panels will have the added benefit of being a net provider of electricity, and largely insulated from future price hikes that could see household bills top £2,000 a year by 2020.

Announcing the new tariffs' introduction this week, the energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the guaranteed income would be a big incentive for householders "to make the move to low carbon­ living".

"The feed-in tariff will change the way householders and communities think about their future energy needs, making the payback for investment far shorter than in the past."

Although Milliband announced a number of tariffs – including what the government will pay those installing wind turbines – the one that will appeal most to the average UK householder will be for installing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels – at a typical cost of £12,500.

From 1 April, households with approved­ schemes will be paid for the electricity they generate, even if they use all of it themselves.

The level of payment depends on the technology and whether it is being fitted to an existing­ home, or installed as part of newbuild. Importantly, future payments are guaranteed for the next 25 years and have been, unexpectedly, linked to inflation.

Anyone fitting a typical £12,500, 2.5kW PV system to their existing home will initially be paid 41.3p per kilowatt hour (kWh) generated. Enough, according to Miliband, to reward them with up to £900 in the first year on top of a £140-a-year saving on their bills.

The measure, which is inevitably quite complicated, is designed to reward those who reduce their own electricity consumption by installing low-energy lighting and A-rated white goods, and to ultimately export excess electricity generated back to the grid.

Households get an extra 3p for each kWh they export on top of the 41.3p they get paid for all units generated. Those building PV roof panels into a new-build home get a slightly lower tariff (36.1p per kWh). The fact that the payments are not taxed make it a particularly rewarding investment for higher-rate taxpayers – those earning more than just over £43,000.

The feed-in rates change depending on which year you install the technology. They will also apply to installations commissioned since July 2009 when the policy was announced. Early adopters, who have installed grant-assisted PV and registered­ for the ROC scheme, will also receive payments, but at just 9p/kWh. The payments will physically come from your existing electricity supplier, but will be overseen by the regulator Ofgem.

Reference: The Guardian

URBAN ENERGY

Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care”.

Homeowners with flat roofs may well find they can install a system, as will those with conventional roofs that face a few degrees either side of south, east or west. Panels perform best in unshaded sites angled towards the sun at a pitch of 30-40 degrees.

Prior to this week's announcement, grants of up to £2,500 had been available to those installing PV panels under the terms of the government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme. There are still grants available for other green technologies. FITs now provide the entire financial incentive for PV installers.

These new tariffs will allow people to turn their homes into mini-power stations. For householders who have a south-facing roof, PV panels are really worth looking at. Not only are they a sound financial investment, they will also allow you to do your part in tackling climate change.

Our homes are responsible for over a fifth of UK emissions, but by fitting renewable electricity systems and wind turbines, we can be part of a greener, safer future.

0% interest instalment payment program available for domestic solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.

For further information about Urban Energy products and services:

Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/

New plan gives solar power to the people!

Government launches scheme to light a fire under microgenerators, and help them save – and make – money.

Short-term, the prospects for home-energy prices are looking brighter – British Gas has just reduced tariffs by 7 per cent and the other big suppliers are likely to follow. However, Ofgem, the regulator, is warning that down the line we could see our bills rise by 25 per cent over the next 10 years, and even that energy supplies could become scarce. But just as news came in that energy prices are set to rise dramatically, homeowners were offered hope with the launch of a new government incentive.

Hoping to encourage a movement towards renewable energy, the Government has finalised details of its feed-in tariffs, which reward people who produce their own energy by investing in technology such as solar panels and small wind turbines.

"This new scheme is a fantastic opportunity for householders to make money, cut fuel bills and play their part in slashing carbon-dioxide emissions," says Dave Timms, green homes campaigner for eco-action group Friends of the Earth. "Developing the UK's massive small-scale renewable energy potential will help to tackle climate change, create new green jobs and industries, and increase our energy security."

From 1 April, any household generating its own energy will be rewarded with tax-free payments. The cashback levels will depend on the technology used, with solar panels attracting the most generous payments. Further payments will be awarded to householders directing any energy they don't need back to the National Grid.

The type of technology used will depend on the property type. So a solar photovoltaic (PV) system needs a south-facing, preferably sloping, roof. In England and Scotland, planning permission is not usually required, although there are some restrictions in terms of size, and exceptions apply for any listed buildings, and properties near a conservation area, national park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In Wales and Northern Ireland, householders must consult their local authorities about planning permission.

With the new tariffs, the potential returns that this type of technology can reap are impressive. A typical domestic solar system of 12 panels, for example, will generate £1,048 in savings and income a year.

Overall, householders can expect a pay-back of between 5 and 8 per cent a year, so the move will go some way to alleviate the high initial costs. The Government has also confirmed that tariffs will be paid for up to 25 years, and, as the tariffs are linked to inflation, the real rate of return could end up as high as 10 per cent.

Anyone who has had an installation commissioned since July 2009, when the policy was first announced, will be able to apply for the scheme. The incentives are also open to businesses, communities, farmers, schools and hospitals, although the payments vary.

Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, has said that over the next decade he predicts that one in 10 homes will have installed renewable power. These tariffs are going to generate rates of return that will beat high-street savings accounts by a mile, at the same time as they save carbon and generate jobs in a new fast growing, British industry.

Reference: The Independent

URBAN ENERGY

Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care”.

Urban Energy is an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economic and environmentally sound solar powered energy systems for commercial property (private and public) and domestic dwellings. Our expertise in the field of Government sponsored funding programmes and solar power products will provide individuals and organisations with an excellent opportunity to overcome capital cost barriers, save money on energy bills, increase profit margins, increase the value of their property and reduce their carbon footprint.

Urban Energy employ the very best engineers in this field, all of which are fully qualified, certified and Government approved to carry out this task, complying with strict guidelines and are members of the Solar Trade Association.

0% interest instalment payment program available for domestic solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.
For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/