The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced that it's official deployment figures for the period from the 1st May 2012 to the 31st July 2012 are available to the public. This announcement is particularly significant, as it is these figures that will determine what the solar Feed-in Tariff rates are from November.
DECC has split installations into 3 size-based categories. Domestic scale installations (0-10kW), have totalled 164MW of capacity in the 3 month period. This falls within the 100-200MW threshold and so a 3.5% reduction will be implemented on the two tariff bands within this category. ≤4kW installations will receive 15.44p per kWh produced (down from 16p) and the >4-10kW rate will be 13.99p (down from 14.5p) from November 1st.
Small commercial installations (10-50kW) hit 57MW. The threshold here was just 50MW and so a 3.5% degression will also affect these tariff rates. As of November, the >10-50kW FIT rate will be 13.03p/kWh down from 13.5p.
The final category, large commercial installations (50kW-5MW), capacity only reached 14MW, which is less than the degression threshold. As a result the tariffs for larger installations will remain untouched, at least until February 2013.
Urban Energy
We are an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economical and environmentally sound green energy solutions for homes and businesses in the South West.
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 i.e solar panels, to either your home or business is an investment that lasts for many years. With our in-house installation team and electrical division, it is our promise to you the customer, that your satisfaction and peace of mind throughout this period is our number one priority.
The Granary, Phillips Lane, Stratford-sub-Castle, Salisbury SP1 3YR
Tel: 0800 2321624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Showing posts with label solar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar. Show all posts
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Urban Energy Solar Thermal
Providing Renewable Energy solutions from solar thermal
systems to heat pumps.
Urban Energy are renewable energy specialists with many
years of experience in the domestic market place, we can offer design, supply
and installation of:
Solar water heating systems
Heat pump systems
With our technical knowledge we will guide you through your
renewable installation from the initial survey, design and fit. We carry out
all the plumbing work, which is required to integrate these systems into your
property including under floor heating and heating distribution system design.
We pride ourselves on our customer service and after sales
customer support.
We also offer solar health checks, repair, fault finding and
annual servicing on any solar thermal installation, which will be carried out by
our qualified engineers.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air and
this is used to heat radiators, under floor heating systems and hot water in
your home. Heat pumps work much more efficiently than a standard boiler system
operating at a lower temperature, offering a co-efficient of at least 1:3
meaning for every 1kw of electricity used to run the heat pump it will provide
at least 3kw of thermal heat energy.
Solar Thermal
We only install the highest quality equipment in our systems
and can offer Evacuated tube and flat plate panels, which when fitted to a twin
coil cylinder can provide up to 70% of your annual hot water demands.
The demands of mankind are increasing within our standard of
living and the strains of our day-to-day consumption are exhausting our planets
natural resources.
65% of our total water consumption is heated and over one
year this amounts to a substantial energy cost.
The sun was described by Thomas
Edison as ‘The energy of the future’ in the 1900’s and remains a viable and
cost sensitive energy source today.
Solar water heating is an effective solution to help care
for the environment we live in and save money on energy bills.
***Come and join us on Saturday 28th April for our Family
Fun Day at our new Eco Barn at Stratford-sub-Castle***
For further information about Urban Energy products and
services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
UK Government Loses Court Appeal
The government has lost its appeal against a
judge's ruling that its cuts to solar power subsidies were illegal,
suggesting thousands of homes and businesses will now be able to claim the
higher payments.
Three court of appeal judges unanimously rejected the appeal
from Chris Huhne, the secretary of state at the Department
of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), who said he would be taking the
case on to the supreme court. "We want to maximise the number of installations
that are possible within the available budget rather than use available money
to pay a higher tariff to half the number of installations," he said.
The decision to prolong the uncertainty that has seen the
number of solar panel installations fall since 12 December and was immediately
condemned by opponents of the cuts. Green party MP Caroline Lucas said:
"Having lost twice in the courts and been roundly humiliated over the
shambolic handling of solar policy, it is absolutely beggars belief that Huhne
is planning to appeal to the supreme court."
The government announced proposed cuts to the solar feed-in
tariff payments in October but in December, a high court judge ruled that
the government's handling of the cuts was "legally flawed", after a
challenge by a coalition of solar installation companies and Friends of the
Earth.
On 19 January, the government said that if it lost the legal
case, it would fund the higher rate payments for any panels installed by 3
March, which would affect about 3,700 homes and businesses. A DECC spokeswoman
said: "We totally appreciate the uncertainty in the solar industry and
hopefully the 3 March date will provide some certainty."
DECC's legal fees have cost taxpayers £58,000 so far, though
this does not include the costs of their opponents, which the appeal court said
DECC must also pay.
The court of appeal refused permission for Huhne to seek a
hearing in the supreme court, but this does not prevent the secretary of state
going directly to the higher court. He has 28 days to lodge permission to
appeal. Some campaigners have suggested this continued uncertainty may reduce
the number of new installations, and therefore reduce the number eligible for
the higher feed-in-tariff if the government ultimately loses its case.
John Cridland, director-general of the CBI, said: "The
judgment should be used to draw a line under this saga, which saw the
government scoring a spectacular own goal."
Gaynor Hartnell, chief executive of the Renewable Energy
Association, said the rejection of the appeal prevented a precedent being set
which would allowed the government to make retrospective policy changes in
future. "The government is well aware that it would be incredibly unwise
to reduce payments to renewable energy producers after they had commissioned
their projects, as it knows what immense damage that would do," she said.
The judgment stated: "The question [is] whether
parliament conferred a power [to DECC] to make a modification with such a
retrospective effect. It did not."
The cuts proposed in October – from 43.3p per kWh of energy
generated to 21p – prompted a furious backlash, with the main complaint being
the speed of the changes, which were designed to come into effect just six
weeks later, on 12 December. Critics also drew attention to the fact that the
consultation did not end until 23 December – over a week after the changes were
proposed to take place.
In December, a cross-party group of MPs said in a strongly
worded report that the reductions were "clumsily handled", had
threatened jobs and could have dealt a fatal blow to the scheme, because the
changes required homes to meet the C-rated energy efficiency standard before
becoming eligible for the solar feed-in tariff.
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/
Friday, 2 September 2011
Scaling the Spinnaker for SolarAid
http://solar-aid.org/about/2011/08/scaling-the-spinnaker-for-sola.html
A small team of fundraisers from Urban Energy abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth last week, raising over £500 for SolarAid. The group, all staff from the solar installer Urban Energy, braved dizzying heights and difficult cross winds so that rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa can live with clean and affordable light.
The money is being raised as part of the Hot 100 Challenge for 100 people to raise £1,000 each by the end of the year. Donations will allow: schools to light their class rooms; families to breathe clean air, free of toxic fumes produced by kerosene; health clinics to stay open after dark and entrepreneurs to establish sustainable solar markets. What's more, winning fundraisers have the chance to visit our programmes in Africa and to learn for themselves just how their hard earned gifts are being spent.
Please take a look at Urban Energy's vertigo-inducing pics below. To donate please visit http://www.justgiving.com/UrbanEnergyHot100
A small team of fundraisers from Urban Energy abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth last week, raising over £500 for SolarAid. The group, all staff from the solar installer Urban Energy, braved dizzying heights and difficult cross winds so that rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa can live with clean and affordable light.
The money is being raised as part of the Hot 100 Challenge for 100 people to raise £1,000 each by the end of the year. Donations will allow: schools to light their class rooms; families to breathe clean air, free of toxic fumes produced by kerosene; health clinics to stay open after dark and entrepreneurs to establish sustainable solar markets. What's more, winning fundraisers have the chance to visit our programmes in Africa and to learn for themselves just how their hard earned gifts are being spent.
Please take a look at Urban Energy's vertigo-inducing pics below. To donate please visit http://www.justgiving.com/UrbanEnergyHot100
Urban Energy
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.
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/
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Urban Energy @ The National Gardening Show
The National Gardening Show - Royal Bath & West Showground
2011 Show dates: 2nd – 4th September
The National Gardening Show is an ideal day out for gardening fans - the event showcases the finest in Autumn gardening, with lots of features that are unique to the show, advice from experts, and help on how to grow your own plants and vegetables. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, you will enjoy the event, as will food lovers and people hoping to learn new crafts and discover hidden talents!
Urban Energy will have a team of experts on hand to offer you advice about the products and services we offer.
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/
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Feed-in tariff scheme proves to be a success
The government's feed-in tariff scheme has already got thousands of people generating their own green electricity.
When the government launched the feed-in tariff scheme in April it was one of a range of policies aimed at inducing people to improve the eco-credentials of their homes.
Now, just five months later, an Ofgem report has revealed that almost 10,000 people have signed up to the scheme, including those that were already using microgeneration technology to power their homes before it started.
Explained simply, the feed-in tariff scheme pays those who generate their own green electricity, even if they don't sell it back to the National Grid. If households do choose to export their electricity then they will be awarded with extra payments.
Energy suppliers pay a certain amount per kilowatt hour (kw/h) of power generated, which remains at a constant level for 20 years, or 25 years if the power is generated from solar power. A further 3p per kw/h will also be paid for any electricity which is sold back to the grid.
This has the two-fold benefit of bringing in added income and reducing household energy bills.
The aim of the scheme was to encourage more people to install microgeneration technology, which is capable of producing small amounts of green electricity. This will in turn increase the amount of energy in the UK being produced by renewable energy sources and reduce the country's carbon emissions.
Figures from the Ofgem report show that in total, £182,059 has been paid out to UK households through the feed-in tariffs. Overall, 9,350 people are now signed up to the scheme.
Nick Medic, head of communications at RenewableUK, said earlier this year that the feed-in tariffs are "revolutionary".
"What the feed-in tariff does is it really simplifies the way in which people can benefit from renewable energy," he explained.
Looking at the electricity generation in terms of installed capacity, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are leading the way with 44 per cent of the share. Solar panels also account for a huge 97 per cent of all installations.
Solar PV technology uses cells to convert the sun's rays into electricity, without requiring direct sunlight, which means it continues to generate power even on a cloudy day. According to the National Home Improvement Show, a typical system can add five per cent to a property's value and generate £700 a year under the feed-in tariff scheme.
Wind turbines provide the next highest proportion of installed power at 35 per cent, followed by hydro at 21 per cent.
It's not just homeowners that are looking to benefit from the feed-in tariff scheme either. Domestic dwellings make up the highest single proportion of installed capacity at 46 per cent, but there are also high numbers of commercial and community projects registered with the scheme.
Stuart Pocock, technical director at the Renewable Energy Association, said that more commercial enterprises are showing interest.
"Obviously it's slightly different for the commercial sector because there is still planning permission needed and there are more hoops to jump through, but the feedback we're getting is that yes, it is appearing to be of interest for certain parts of the market," he explained.
If you're thinking about joining in with the feed-in tariff scheme then there are a number of steps that should be followed.
Firstly, you should make sure that your home complies with all basic existing energy-efficiency measures. You should then decide which technology is best suited for your home and select an installer that is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
Once the technology is installed, give your certificate of eligibility to your energy supplier, which will cross reference your details with a central database, and install a new meter to read how much power the technology is generating.
The feed-in tariff is, of course, still in its infancy, but if the success of the similar scheme in Germany is anything to go by, the initiative is only likely to grow in popularity.
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/
When the government launched the feed-in tariff scheme in April it was one of a range of policies aimed at inducing people to improve the eco-credentials of their homes.
Now, just five months later, an Ofgem report has revealed that almost 10,000 people have signed up to the scheme, including those that were already using microgeneration technology to power their homes before it started.
Explained simply, the feed-in tariff scheme pays those who generate their own green electricity, even if they don't sell it back to the National Grid. If households do choose to export their electricity then they will be awarded with extra payments.
Energy suppliers pay a certain amount per kilowatt hour (kw/h) of power generated, which remains at a constant level for 20 years, or 25 years if the power is generated from solar power. A further 3p per kw/h will also be paid for any electricity which is sold back to the grid.
This has the two-fold benefit of bringing in added income and reducing household energy bills.
The aim of the scheme was to encourage more people to install microgeneration technology, which is capable of producing small amounts of green electricity. This will in turn increase the amount of energy in the UK being produced by renewable energy sources and reduce the country's carbon emissions.
Figures from the Ofgem report show that in total, £182,059 has been paid out to UK households through the feed-in tariffs. Overall, 9,350 people are now signed up to the scheme.
Nick Medic, head of communications at RenewableUK, said earlier this year that the feed-in tariffs are "revolutionary".
"What the feed-in tariff does is it really simplifies the way in which people can benefit from renewable energy," he explained.
Looking at the electricity generation in terms of installed capacity, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are leading the way with 44 per cent of the share. Solar panels also account for a huge 97 per cent of all installations.
Solar PV technology uses cells to convert the sun's rays into electricity, without requiring direct sunlight, which means it continues to generate power even on a cloudy day. According to the National Home Improvement Show, a typical system can add five per cent to a property's value and generate £700 a year under the feed-in tariff scheme.
Wind turbines provide the next highest proportion of installed power at 35 per cent, followed by hydro at 21 per cent.
It's not just homeowners that are looking to benefit from the feed-in tariff scheme either. Domestic dwellings make up the highest single proportion of installed capacity at 46 per cent, but there are also high numbers of commercial and community projects registered with the scheme.
Stuart Pocock, technical director at the Renewable Energy Association, said that more commercial enterprises are showing interest.
"Obviously it's slightly different for the commercial sector because there is still planning permission needed and there are more hoops to jump through, but the feedback we're getting is that yes, it is appearing to be of interest for certain parts of the market," he explained.
If you're thinking about joining in with the feed-in tariff scheme then there are a number of steps that should be followed.
Firstly, you should make sure that your home complies with all basic existing energy-efficiency measures. You should then decide which technology is best suited for your home and select an installer that is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
Once the technology is installed, give your certificate of eligibility to your energy supplier, which will cross reference your details with a central database, and install a new meter to read how much power the technology is generating.
The feed-in tariff is, of course, still in its infancy, but if the success of the similar scheme in Germany is anything to go by, the initiative is only likely to grow in popularity.
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/
Saturday, 4 September 2010
£7bn rooftop bonanza for British homes
As many as half of Britain's homes could earn around £600 a year from roof top solar panels with some earning as much as £1000.
Research carried out by British Gas suggests that over 12 million households have roofs that could benefit from solar panel installations which would produce enough electricity for up to half their household needs.
By cutting their electricity bill and earning money through the Government's Feed-in Tariff scheme - a scheme that pays owners of solar panels for the ‘renewable' electricity they generate - the average household would be better off by around £600 a year and those with bigger systems could benefit by up to £1000.
Collectively, British homes could be £7bn a year better off.
The market for solar installations and other microgeneration technology in the UK is expected to grow rapidly with the new Government support scheme. British Gas predicts that within a decade, one quarter of households will have small-scale microgeneration technology in their homes.
Solar energy will also enable millions of consumers to benefit from carbon savings. An average rooftop could save up to 692 kg of CO2 each per year. As a nation, this means we could make a saving of over 8.5 million tonnes of CO2.
Installing solar panels will create a regular, tax-free income for homeowners. Not only that but the income is index-linked and guaranteed by the Government for the next 25 years. As it typically gives returns of 5-8% it's potentially far better than most current bond or gilt investments. It is also a great way to keep your electricity bills down.
Solar power will revolutionise the way British homes generate and use energy. The time is right for customers to reap the benefits of this technology, cut their electricity bills, reduce their carbon footprint and earn a yearly income.
Source: Catherine Deshayes @ propertytalklive
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/
Research carried out by British Gas suggests that over 12 million households have roofs that could benefit from solar panel installations which would produce enough electricity for up to half their household needs.
By cutting their electricity bill and earning money through the Government's Feed-in Tariff scheme - a scheme that pays owners of solar panels for the ‘renewable' electricity they generate - the average household would be better off by around £600 a year and those with bigger systems could benefit by up to £1000.
Collectively, British homes could be £7bn a year better off.
The market for solar installations and other microgeneration technology in the UK is expected to grow rapidly with the new Government support scheme. British Gas predicts that within a decade, one quarter of households will have small-scale microgeneration technology in their homes.
Solar energy will also enable millions of consumers to benefit from carbon savings. An average rooftop could save up to 692 kg of CO2 each per year. As a nation, this means we could make a saving of over 8.5 million tonnes of CO2.
Installing solar panels will create a regular, tax-free income for homeowners. Not only that but the income is index-linked and guaranteed by the Government for the next 25 years. As it typically gives returns of 5-8% it's potentially far better than most current bond or gilt investments. It is also a great way to keep your electricity bills down.
Solar power will revolutionise the way British homes generate and use energy. The time is right for customers to reap the benefits of this technology, cut their electricity bills, reduce their carbon footprint and earn a yearly income.
Source: Catherine Deshayes @ propertytalklive
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/
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
FiT tariff to kick-start solar boom!
Last week, huge auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) released an analysis of the Solar PV markets across Europe and particularly the UK. The report claims that the solar panel industry in the UK is on the brink of a bright future with the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) promising a new dawn for Photovoltaic systems.
PwC say that the conditions are such that there could be a tenfold increase in Solar PV installed capacity in ten years, but only if a number of obstacles are overcome. In order to ‘capture' this potential growth, individuals, government and firms must focus on the five big barriers: Consumer awareness, upfront funding, consistency of policy, access to capital and a UK skills shortage.
Once everyone has adapted to the changes, the FiT and other incentives will drive significant future growth while Solar PV will cease to be a ‘cottage industry' in Britain. The encouraging growth forecasts are tempered, however, by the realisation that current installed capacity of Solar PV is miniscule. Only 0.1% of the country's renewable energy is supplied by PV and after ten years of a FiT, the UK is only likely to reach the levels that Germany is at today.
Many people in the UK do not understand that, especially under a feed-in tariff, the UK can provide more than enough sun to justify a solar panel set-up. The payback achievable on solar PV installations in the UK compares favourably with levels known to have stimulated markets in other countries. Gus Schellekens, the sustainability & climate change director at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP said, "The focus on PV is timely with recently published roadmap documents outlining the future global potential for PV technologies. While its use in the UK is small today, PV has a promising future if supported by strong government policy that sustains early deployments and supports the technology's transition to cost competitiveness."
One of the main points of the PwC analysis is that incentives and policy must be maintained to ensure consistency and confidence in future returns. Regularly changing incentives and uncertainty could lead to investors holding back causing lower growth. Currently, the UK government is considering a change to the Feed-in Tariff system, promising to establish a full system of feed-in tariffs for electricity. No greater detail has been released at a time when increased clarity would promote economic growth in this area.
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/
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Is going green a way to beat the energy price rip-off?
Hasn't home energy been a horrible drain on our finances this last two years? If it isn't rising gas prices, or big bills for winter chills, it's the scandal of 2010 prices that refuse to fall. There's a nagging sense that the days of cheap fossil fuels are over, but with no affordable alternative. We're yet to have a cheap source of green energy on a national scale.
At a household level, you need to invest in the technology and home improvements before you see the savings.
However: what if green energy became a money saver in itself? If there was a way to hurdle the upfront costs, could going green be the ultimate way to beat the energy price rip-off? There could already be a way - four ways, in fact. If you're ready to act, green energy could really be about to save you cash.
1. Get paid to produce solar energy & solar thermal
Does this sounds almost too good to be true?
It's true. The UK has introduced a feed-in tariff, which means that if you install a solar panel that generates electricity (a.k.a solar PV), you can get paid for ever unit of electricity that you produce. Even for the units you use yourself!
The scheme rewards your initiative by paying you a generous price per unit for every unit you generate, and an additional payment for surplus units that you supply back to the National Grid.
The estimated return on investment is 5 - 8% a year, and of course there's the effect on your bills. You'll still use grid electricity when your solar panels are less productive (winter evenings being an obvious case in point) but your overall electricity costs will be slashed.
The government will be paying out a surprisingly large amount for every tonne of carbon saved and here's a scheme that will pay you back up to maximum of just over £1,650 a year for 25 years, that's over £41,250 — and you can't say fairer than that.
In April 2011, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will offer further financial support for a range of technologies, including ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal. It will work much the same as the FiT scheme, however, it is thought that the payments will not be as generous.
Until now, the high costs of renewable or low carbon heat installations would have deterred many. However, the RHI support levels will be calculated so there will be a financial return on any investment made.
Where will you find the money for the initial investment in the technology? See 'PAYS'
2. Fund a home energy makeover with Pay As You Save
Pay As You Save is a proposed way to fund a whole-house energy efficiency makeover.
It isn't happening immediately — the bill needs to get through Parliament first, and a general election could get in the way of that — but it's been announced, and pilot schemes have already been completed.
Here's how it should work. You'll have your house assessed for the necessary improvements that will reduce the energy you use, and you'll get the work done without paying upfront. Instead, you'll repay the cost over the long term (20 years) using the amounts you're saving on your bills.
Although the scheme's far from perfect, it does make sense on several fronts: it's an attempt to address the issue of making our ageing housing stock more energy efficient, and crucially, it's trying to address how we pay for it. If the bill passes through Parliament, the scheme should start running in 2012.
So if you're caught in an energy bill Catch-22, shelling out hundreds to heat a draughty old house but unable to pay out now for the necessary improvements, there could be light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Get your walls done
The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) fund is something every British household has been indirectly paying into for several years, through a levy on energy suppliers — and now it's time to get your money back and save on heating as you do!
This means means grant money towards helping the country meet its CERT by giving you a big helping hand towards the cost of a better insulated home. More efficient, for most homes, means better insulated. If you have solid walls, cavity walls with no insulation, or a loft space with less than 270mm insulation, you're a prime candidate. The benefits are obvious: a warmer home, smaller bills, and much less to pay out for the work.
Better still, if you’re a family with children under 16, if you're in receipt of certain state benefits, or are over 70, you’re in the priority group and should get your insulation done for free.
To take advantage of CERT, contact your existing energy supplier (or your new one after you've switched — see point 4!)
4. Switch and save
If you're not ready to do any of the above (for example — if you're renting), are there other ways green energy could save you money?
Yes. If your gas and electricity bills are still with 'heritage' companies (i.e. British Gas for gas, and one of the local electricity board successor companies for electricity), you will save money by switching supplier — and this can be your chance to go 100% green on electricity too.
Look beyond the 'green' tariffs every company offers and opt for one of the companies promising 100% renewable energy sourcing (Good Energy and Ecotricity are two examples). Unlike the mainstream suppliers' green tariffs, which persuade customers to buy in to green power sourcing that they are duty bound to achieve anyway, switching to one of the specialist suppliers is meaningful contribution to extending Britain's renewable power generation.
You can use our energy supplier comparison calculator to work out what your likely savings will be, and initiate your money-saving switch online.
Reference: Modified from original article on moneyhospital.co.uk, author Mark Churchill
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/
At a household level, you need to invest in the technology and home improvements before you see the savings.
However: what if green energy became a money saver in itself? If there was a way to hurdle the upfront costs, could going green be the ultimate way to beat the energy price rip-off? There could already be a way - four ways, in fact. If you're ready to act, green energy could really be about to save you cash.
1. Get paid to produce solar energy & solar thermal
Does this sounds almost too good to be true?
It's true. The UK has introduced a feed-in tariff, which means that if you install a solar panel that generates electricity (a.k.a solar PV), you can get paid for ever unit of electricity that you produce. Even for the units you use yourself!
The scheme rewards your initiative by paying you a generous price per unit for every unit you generate, and an additional payment for surplus units that you supply back to the National Grid.
The estimated return on investment is 5 - 8% a year, and of course there's the effect on your bills. You'll still use grid electricity when your solar panels are less productive (winter evenings being an obvious case in point) but your overall electricity costs will be slashed.
The government will be paying out a surprisingly large amount for every tonne of carbon saved and here's a scheme that will pay you back up to maximum of just over £1,650 a year for 25 years, that's over £41,250 — and you can't say fairer than that.
In April 2011, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will offer further financial support for a range of technologies, including ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal. It will work much the same as the FiT scheme, however, it is thought that the payments will not be as generous.
Until now, the high costs of renewable or low carbon heat installations would have deterred many. However, the RHI support levels will be calculated so there will be a financial return on any investment made.
Where will you find the money for the initial investment in the technology? See 'PAYS'
2. Fund a home energy makeover with Pay As You Save
Pay As You Save is a proposed way to fund a whole-house energy efficiency makeover.
It isn't happening immediately — the bill needs to get through Parliament first, and a general election could get in the way of that — but it's been announced, and pilot schemes have already been completed.
Here's how it should work. You'll have your house assessed for the necessary improvements that will reduce the energy you use, and you'll get the work done without paying upfront. Instead, you'll repay the cost over the long term (20 years) using the amounts you're saving on your bills.
Although the scheme's far from perfect, it does make sense on several fronts: it's an attempt to address the issue of making our ageing housing stock more energy efficient, and crucially, it's trying to address how we pay for it. If the bill passes through Parliament, the scheme should start running in 2012.
So if you're caught in an energy bill Catch-22, shelling out hundreds to heat a draughty old house but unable to pay out now for the necessary improvements, there could be light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Get your walls done
The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) fund is something every British household has been indirectly paying into for several years, through a levy on energy suppliers — and now it's time to get your money back and save on heating as you do!
This means means grant money towards helping the country meet its CERT by giving you a big helping hand towards the cost of a better insulated home. More efficient, for most homes, means better insulated. If you have solid walls, cavity walls with no insulation, or a loft space with less than 270mm insulation, you're a prime candidate. The benefits are obvious: a warmer home, smaller bills, and much less to pay out for the work.
Better still, if you’re a family with children under 16, if you're in receipt of certain state benefits, or are over 70, you’re in the priority group and should get your insulation done for free.
To take advantage of CERT, contact your existing energy supplier (or your new one after you've switched — see point 4!)
4. Switch and save
If you're not ready to do any of the above (for example — if you're renting), are there other ways green energy could save you money?
Yes. If your gas and electricity bills are still with 'heritage' companies (i.e. British Gas for gas, and one of the local electricity board successor companies for electricity), you will save money by switching supplier — and this can be your chance to go 100% green on electricity too.
Look beyond the 'green' tariffs every company offers and opt for one of the companies promising 100% renewable energy sourcing (Good Energy and Ecotricity are two examples). Unlike the mainstream suppliers' green tariffs, which persuade customers to buy in to green power sourcing that they are duty bound to achieve anyway, switching to one of the specialist suppliers is meaningful contribution to extending Britain's renewable power generation.
You can use our energy supplier comparison calculator to work out what your likely savings will be, and initiate your money-saving switch online.
Reference: Modified from original article on moneyhospital.co.uk, author Mark Churchill
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/
Friday, 5 March 2010
Solar Aid: enabling some of the poorest communities on the planet to receive clean, free energy!
Urban Energy actively supporting Solar Aid, enabling some of the poorest communities on the planet to receive clean, free energy:
Hi all at Urban Energy!
During my recent trip to Kenya and Tanzania last month, my colleagues and I made a series of short films about our work on the ground and how our donors and supporters are having a real impact on the lives of thousands of people. I’d love you to watch this short film. Please simply type: urbanenergy.mysolaraid.org into your web browser to view the special web page and to watch the short film. I hope you enjoy it! I look forward to catching up soon.
All the best,
Anna
Marketing Manager
SolarAid
http://defaultrecord1.mysolaraid.org/links/Microsites/8f9a5b31_fe4c_4056_9c05_a40fed929aa8/www/index.html?enc=5e6zaFEYMp2YYTDybwVAt/nvcnURQhK020/eECFlH6vHCX/dRH3w/7znXH9cNDzs7AXY3ug2BgQxdW4PJBfuXIQfcydyvoufunwoibyzTHVEFiTrvbTTS/wLZOLuXyksTG0Ny5VpY4SN93RY4Bdy9BMZxNmDnaqRzjrWh6UQIwURLCOWTnyEbxNJy4CyrxRq2KaLM4RjAAwcUpIXk1FRsEdpdTay7BxtU5BgR3uDJces0KJeluvdKGd2a8ArhEKSRyRzfTE3W1OhJDePILJzabs4I27GE7QGhBOhcJooibg=&
For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
Hi all at Urban Energy!
During my recent trip to Kenya and Tanzania last month, my colleagues and I made a series of short films about our work on the ground and how our donors and supporters are having a real impact on the lives of thousands of people. I’d love you to watch this short film. Please simply type: urbanenergy.mysolaraid.org into your web browser to view the special web page and to watch the short film. I hope you enjoy it! I look forward to catching up soon.
All the best,
Anna
Marketing Manager
SolarAid
http://defaultrecord1.mysolaraid.org/links/Microsites/8f9a5b31_fe4c_4056_9c05_a40fed929aa8/www/index.html?enc=5e6zaFEYMp2YYTDybwVAt/nvcnURQhK020/eECFlH6vHCX/dRH3w/7znXH9cNDzs7AXY3ug2BgQxdW4PJBfuXIQfcydyvoufunwoibyzTHVEFiTrvbTTS/wLZOLuXyksTG0Ny5VpY4SN93RY4Bdy9BMZxNmDnaqRzjrWh6UQIwURLCOWTnyEbxNJy4CyrxRq2KaLM4RjAAwcUpIXk1FRsEdpdTay7BxtU5BgR3uDJces0KJeluvdKGd2a8ArhEKSRyRzfTE3W1OhJDePILJzabs4I27GE7QGhBOhcJooibg=&
For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
Monday, 1 March 2010
The Clean Energy Cashback, or Feed-in Tariff, explained in video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvRf1yw659w&feature=player_embedded
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/
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/
Sunday, 21 February 2010
OFGEM WARNS HOUSEHOLDS COULD FACE 25% INCREASE TO BILLS IN 10 YEARS TIME!
In a report out 03.02.2010, Ofgem has given its biggest indication yet that bills will rise dramatically over the next decade. It has announced that bills could rise by up to 25% in the next ten years due to factors such as the global financial crisis, tough environmental targets and increasing gas import dependency. Based on today’s average bill size of £1,239, this will mean bills could hit £1,549 in ten year’s time[1].
However, uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service, is warning that Ofgem could be underestimating the increases. It says that ongoing pricing trends coupled with required investment could see household energy bills hit as high as £4,733 a year by 2020[2], nearly four times higher than they are today. The additional cost of investment alone is expected to add £548 a year onto household bills[2].
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch, says: “Today’s report is one of many recent announcements from Ofgem, which have gradually lifted the lid on what household energy bills are expected to look like in the future. When you add the pieces together it’s a big wake-up call and raises serious concerns about the ongoing affordability of our energy. While investment in the sector is crucial, there can be no doubt that it will have a big impact on household energy bills and this has to be explained to consumers now so that they can start taking action to protect themselves in the future.
"The £5,000 a year energy bill may seem like an outside possibility, but we have to remember that energy bills doubled in the last five years alone and that the huge investment needed to keep the lights on in Britain will alone add £548 a year onto our bills. The fact is we are entering a new era of high cost energy and households will have to adapt their behaviour accordingly by paying the lowest possible price for their energy and reducing the amount they use.”
£233.5 billion investment – what are the key costs?[2]
Renewable energy generation - £112.5 billion
Power plants (including gas-fired, coal-fired and nuclear) - £52.1 billion
Upgrading pipes, networks and gas storage - £39.8 billion
Roll-out of smart metering - £13.4 billion
Carbon emissions reduction target - £15.7 billion
Total = £233.5 billion
Reference: uSwitch.com
URBAN ENERGY
Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care”.
The Feed in Tariff (FiT) announced earlier this month, for introduction in April 2010, means that every household installing solar electric photovoltaic (PV) panels could earn over £1000/year for 25 years.
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 (approx.10% return on your initial investment), they will also allow you to do your part in tackling climate change.
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/
1. Based on a medium user consuming 3,300 kWh electricity and 20,500 kWh gas, on a standard plan, paying on receipt of bill with bill sizes averaged across all regions. In 2004, the average annual dual fuel bill was £580. At present it is £1,239.
2. Based on a medium user consuming 3,300 kWh electricity and 20,500 kWh gas, on a standard plan, paying on receipt of bill with bill sizes averaged across all regions. The £4,733 figure takes into account pricing trends over the last 5 years and investment costs required by the energy industry. According to Ernst & Young, reported in The Times on Monday 25th May, 2009 in an article written by Robin Pagnamenta, these investment costs total £233.5 billion and imply a total bill of £8,977 or £598 a year for the next 15 years for every household. However, Ernst & Young factored in £112.5 billion for renewable generation and £15.7 billion of Carbon Emission Reduction Targets (CERT) investment. Consumers are already contributing for these items on their bills: according to Ofgem, in 2006/07, the Renewable Obligation cost each domestic consumer about £10 a year plus, under the CERT scheme we are all paying an extra £19 a year on gas and £18 on electricity to provide funding to support energy efficiency measures. Therefore, to reflect these costs across all domestic energy accounts we have added £548 a year onto household energy bills instead of the £598 a year predicted by Ernst & Young.
However, uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service, is warning that Ofgem could be underestimating the increases. It says that ongoing pricing trends coupled with required investment could see household energy bills hit as high as £4,733 a year by 2020[2], nearly four times higher than they are today. The additional cost of investment alone is expected to add £548 a year onto household bills[2].
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch, says: “Today’s report is one of many recent announcements from Ofgem, which have gradually lifted the lid on what household energy bills are expected to look like in the future. When you add the pieces together it’s a big wake-up call and raises serious concerns about the ongoing affordability of our energy. While investment in the sector is crucial, there can be no doubt that it will have a big impact on household energy bills and this has to be explained to consumers now so that they can start taking action to protect themselves in the future.
"The £5,000 a year energy bill may seem like an outside possibility, but we have to remember that energy bills doubled in the last five years alone and that the huge investment needed to keep the lights on in Britain will alone add £548 a year onto our bills. The fact is we are entering a new era of high cost energy and households will have to adapt their behaviour accordingly by paying the lowest possible price for their energy and reducing the amount they use.”
£233.5 billion investment – what are the key costs?[2]
Renewable energy generation - £112.5 billion
Power plants (including gas-fired, coal-fired and nuclear) - £52.1 billion
Upgrading pipes, networks and gas storage - £39.8 billion
Roll-out of smart metering - £13.4 billion
Carbon emissions reduction target - £15.7 billion
Total = £233.5 billion
Reference: uSwitch.com
URBAN ENERGY
Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care”.
The Feed in Tariff (FiT) announced earlier this month, for introduction in April 2010, means that every household installing solar electric photovoltaic (PV) panels could earn over £1000/year for 25 years.
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 (approx.10% return on your initial investment), they will also allow you to do your part in tackling climate change.
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/
1. Based on a medium user consuming 3,300 kWh electricity and 20,500 kWh gas, on a standard plan, paying on receipt of bill with bill sizes averaged across all regions. In 2004, the average annual dual fuel bill was £580. At present it is £1,239.
2. Based on a medium user consuming 3,300 kWh electricity and 20,500 kWh gas, on a standard plan, paying on receipt of bill with bill sizes averaged across all regions. The £4,733 figure takes into account pricing trends over the last 5 years and investment costs required by the energy industry. According to Ernst & Young, reported in The Times on Monday 25th May, 2009 in an article written by Robin Pagnamenta, these investment costs total £233.5 billion and imply a total bill of £8,977 or £598 a year for the next 15 years for every household. However, Ernst & Young factored in £112.5 billion for renewable generation and £15.7 billion of Carbon Emission Reduction Targets (CERT) investment. Consumers are already contributing for these items on their bills: according to Ofgem, in 2006/07, the Renewable Obligation cost each domestic consumer about £10 a year plus, under the CERT scheme we are all paying an extra £19 a year on gas and £18 on electricity to provide funding to support energy efficiency measures. Therefore, to reflect these costs across all domestic energy accounts we have added £548 a year onto household energy bills instead of the £598 a year predicted by Ernst & Young.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
The Sun’s Abundant Energy
It is often underestimated the amount energy which can be harnessed from the sun’s radiation. In the UK, we receive a vast amount of solar energy. In an average year we receive as much as 60% of the solar energy which is received on the equator. In other words, this can be compared to the yearly output of 1,000 power stations. It is often argued that solar technologies can only be used within the summer months, this is untrue. In fact, the UK has a large number of clear spring, autumn and winter days, where the Sun’s radiation can be harnessed, meaning that solar technologies can contribute to energy consumption for the whole year.
The total average solar irradiation falling on a one square metre surface on the horizontal (the sun's rays falling on the ground), measured in kilowatt hours (kW-h) ranges from more than 1200 kW-h m2 in the far south west of the UK, to less than 900 kW-h m2 in central and northern Scotland.
By tilting a surface to an angle the amount of solar radiation falling on it will be greater than that falling on a flat surface. Fortunately, in this country, the average tilt of a UK house roof is about the optimum for receiving solar energy.
By using the Sun’s abundant energy, we can reduce our consumption of conventional fuels thus reducing our emission of harmful greenhouse gases, as well as gaining enhanced fuel security and cost effective savings.
Reference: The Solar Trade Association
WATTS? & KILOWATTS?:
A human climbing a flight of stairs is doing work at a rate of about 200 watts.
A typical passenger car engine yields a power output of 25,000 watts while cruising.
A typical household bulb has an average power rating of 60 watts.
The kilowatt (1 kW) is equal to one thousand watts (1000 w). It is typically used to state the output power of engines and the power consumption of tools and machines. In old money, a kilowatt is approximately equivalent to 1.34 horsepower.
The average annual electrical energy consumption of a household is about 8,900 kilowatt-hours (kW-h = see below explanation), equivalent to a sustained average power use of about 1 kW.
The kilowatt hour (kW-h) is commonly used by power companies for purposes of billing, since the monthly energy consumption of a typical residential customer ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand kilowatt hours.
One kilowatt hour = 1 kW-h = 1000 watts per hour, is the amount of energy used if work is done at a constant rate of one thousand watts for one hour.
Megawatt hours (MW-h), Gigawatt hours (GW-h), and Terawatt hours (TW-h) are often used for metering much larger amounts of electrical energy to industrial customers and in power generation.
kilo = thousand: 1000 watts = 1 kilowatt = 1kW
mega = million: 1000,000 watts = 1 megawatt = 1MW
giga = billion: 1000,000,000 watts = 1 gigawatt = 1GW
tera = trillion: 1000,000,000,000 watts = 1 terawatt = TW
URBAN ENERGY:
"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. Their 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 SOLAR HEATING:
Solar panels are typically located on the roof of your house or commercial property. These panels are able to convert everyday sunlight into heat energy stored within a cylinder, where it can be used to provide hot water for your home or business.
URBAN ENERGY SOLAR ELECTRICAL POWER:
Photovoltaic (PV) panels can be installed ‘on’ or ‘within’ the roof of your commercial property or home and are designed to convert day light into usable solar electricity. The solar electricity generated will be able to power any electrical device within the building without compromising quality of delivery. Their Photovoltaic panels have been designed to work within a grid system to permit the sale of redundant electricity to power suppliers, eradicating the need for unnecessary and costly battery systems found on other types of installations. Please visit our website for more information: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
The total average solar irradiation falling on a one square metre surface on the horizontal (the sun's rays falling on the ground), measured in kilowatt hours (kW-h) ranges from more than 1200 kW-h m2 in the far south west of the UK, to less than 900 kW-h m2 in central and northern Scotland.
By tilting a surface to an angle the amount of solar radiation falling on it will be greater than that falling on a flat surface. Fortunately, in this country, the average tilt of a UK house roof is about the optimum for receiving solar energy.
By using the Sun’s abundant energy, we can reduce our consumption of conventional fuels thus reducing our emission of harmful greenhouse gases, as well as gaining enhanced fuel security and cost effective savings.
Reference: The Solar Trade Association
WATTS? & KILOWATTS?:
A human climbing a flight of stairs is doing work at a rate of about 200 watts.
A typical passenger car engine yields a power output of 25,000 watts while cruising.
A typical household bulb has an average power rating of 60 watts.
The kilowatt (1 kW) is equal to one thousand watts (1000 w). It is typically used to state the output power of engines and the power consumption of tools and machines. In old money, a kilowatt is approximately equivalent to 1.34 horsepower.
The average annual electrical energy consumption of a household is about 8,900 kilowatt-hours (kW-h = see below explanation), equivalent to a sustained average power use of about 1 kW.
The kilowatt hour (kW-h) is commonly used by power companies for purposes of billing, since the monthly energy consumption of a typical residential customer ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand kilowatt hours.
One kilowatt hour = 1 kW-h = 1000 watts per hour, is the amount of energy used if work is done at a constant rate of one thousand watts for one hour.
Megawatt hours (MW-h), Gigawatt hours (GW-h), and Terawatt hours (TW-h) are often used for metering much larger amounts of electrical energy to industrial customers and in power generation.
kilo = thousand: 1000 watts = 1 kilowatt = 1kW
mega = million: 1000,000 watts = 1 megawatt = 1MW
giga = billion: 1000,000,000 watts = 1 gigawatt = 1GW
tera = trillion: 1000,000,000,000 watts = 1 terawatt = TW
URBAN ENERGY:
"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. Their 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 SOLAR HEATING:
Solar panels are typically located on the roof of your house or commercial property. These panels are able to convert everyday sunlight into heat energy stored within a cylinder, where it can be used to provide hot water for your home or business.
URBAN ENERGY SOLAR ELECTRICAL POWER:
Photovoltaic (PV) panels can be installed ‘on’ or ‘within’ the roof of your commercial property or home and are designed to convert day light into usable solar electricity. The solar electricity generated will be able to power any electrical device within the building without compromising quality of delivery. Their Photovoltaic panels have been designed to work within a grid system to permit the sale of redundant electricity to power suppliers, eradicating the need for unnecessary and costly battery systems found on other types of installations. Please visit our website for more information: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
Solar Thermal (Hot Water) Systems
Solar thermal (hot water) systems can be extremely efficient, reducing costs and energy consumption. For a solar system to work, all they need is daylight as they can collect both direct radiation, direct sunlight on clear days, and diffused radiation, light which is present on cloudy days.
Both flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors have selective and non selective surfaces. In terms of which collector has best efficiency, it is dependant on your domestic use. At low temperatures the efficiency for all the collectors is very similar, but as temperatures increase all the collectors show a slight reduction in efficiency. For lowest temperatures an unglazed non-selective surface flat plate collector can be seen as most effective, hence they are commonly used to heat swimming pools, however for highest temperatures there is a very marginal difference between selective surface evacuated tubes and selective surfaces flat plate collectors, with the former being the most efficient.
In terms of costs you would expect to save between 50 -70% on your annual heating costs, as the more hot water used the greater the saving. For a family of four, a well designed solar water heating system should contribute around 1,500 kW-h and 2,000 kW-h, which will be equivalent to 50 to 65% of the household’s water heating energy needs.
Reference: The Solar Trade Association
Urban Energy
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.
We can provide systems eligible for grants of between 50% up to 100% through arrangements in place with our partners.
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/
Both flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors have selective and non selective surfaces. In terms of which collector has best efficiency, it is dependant on your domestic use. At low temperatures the efficiency for all the collectors is very similar, but as temperatures increase all the collectors show a slight reduction in efficiency. For lowest temperatures an unglazed non-selective surface flat plate collector can be seen as most effective, hence they are commonly used to heat swimming pools, however for highest temperatures there is a very marginal difference between selective surface evacuated tubes and selective surfaces flat plate collectors, with the former being the most efficient.
In terms of costs you would expect to save between 50 -70% on your annual heating costs, as the more hot water used the greater the saving. For a family of four, a well designed solar water heating system should contribute around 1,500 kW-h and 2,000 kW-h, which will be equivalent to 50 to 65% of the household’s water heating energy needs.
Reference: The Solar Trade Association
Urban Energy
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.
We can provide systems eligible for grants of between 50% up to 100% through arrangements in place with our partners.
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/
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Employment in Renewable Energy Sector Could Rise to 500,000!
Energy minister David Kidney has claimed that the Renewable Energy Strategy, combined with a growing market for renewable energy globally, could increase UK employment in the renewables sector by up to a further 500,000 people by 2020.
The statement was made in the House of Commons earlier this month when Mr Kidney was asked to provide details of how many people have been employed in the renewable sector since 2003 and what recent assessment he has made of the potential for the creation of new jobs.
Mr Kidney replied that although there will be some displacement as the UK restructures its economy, the Renewable Energy Strategy would create significant job opportunities. He estimated that in 2007/08 up to 390,000 people were employed in the sector and that this could increase by up to a further 500,000 people by 2020.
URBAN ENERGY
Urban Energy employ the very best engineers, all of which are fully qualified, certified and Government approved to carry out installation of solar energy system, complying with strict guidelines and are members of the Solar Trade Association. Urban Energy are always looking to employ the best quality MCS accredited installation engineers, for further information please contact Urban Energy:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
The statement was made in the House of Commons earlier this month when Mr Kidney was asked to provide details of how many people have been employed in the renewable sector since 2003 and what recent assessment he has made of the potential for the creation of new jobs.
Mr Kidney replied that although there will be some displacement as the UK restructures its economy, the Renewable Energy Strategy would create significant job opportunities. He estimated that in 2007/08 up to 390,000 people were employed in the sector and that this could increase by up to a further 500,000 people by 2020.
URBAN ENERGY
Urban Energy employ the very best engineers, all of which are fully qualified, certified and Government approved to carry out installation of solar energy system, complying with strict guidelines and are members of the Solar Trade Association. Urban Energy are always looking to employ the best quality MCS accredited installation engineers, for further information please contact Urban Energy:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
Thursday, 4 February 2010
The Prospect of a Power Cut!
When the energy regulator sounds the alarm over the risk of national power failure we should all listen. Yesterday Ofgem released a report warning of "reasonable doubt" over the security and sustainability of Britain's power supplies. It points to a combination of dwindling domestic gas reserves, a reliance on unstable foreign suppliers and a shortage of infrastructure investment. The regulator also reiterated a previous warning that without drastic action to expand supply many homes will soon find energy prices unaffordable.
The regulator rightly argues that the energy sector needs an overhaul if we are to meet this challenge. But what, precisely, is to be done? The solutions to the shortage of infrastructure investment already exist. The problem is that they are not being implemented speedily enough. Greater government support for wind, solar and wave generation would address the challenge of energy security and carbon emissions at the same time.
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/
The regulator rightly argues that the energy sector needs an overhaul if we are to meet this challenge. But what, precisely, is to be done? The solutions to the shortage of infrastructure investment already exist. The problem is that they are not being implemented speedily enough. Greater government support for wind, solar and wave generation would address the challenge of energy security and carbon emissions at the same time.
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/
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Energy bills set to reach £2,000 a year!
Energy bills will skyrocket to unaffordable levels by 2015 unless the Government acts now, says a new report.
The Government may soon be completely in charge of the energy market in the UK, with far reaching changes needed to prevent energy bills skyrocketing to £2,000 a year, energy watchdog Ofgem has warned.
The regulator has concluded its Project Discovery report, with some shocking findings. Chief among them is the suggestion that unless the infrastructure behind the energy market is completely revamped, we will face energy costs spiralling out of control.
For many of us, gas and electricity will be simply unaffordable - and that could mean the lights going out across the country.
Nab a Feed-in Tariff:
This week, the Government finally unveiled its plans for feed-in tariffs (FiTs), and they should definitely be on your radar if you want to keep your energy expenditure as low as possible, over the long-term.
Basically, homeowners will be paid for generating their own power, through measures like rooftop windmills and solar panels.
And doing so could prove pretty lucrative - according to the Department for Energy and Climate Change, fitting a typical 2.5kW well sited solar photovoltaic (PV) installation could see the homeowner handed up to £900, as well as savings on their electricity bill.
In fact, any surplus energy created can then be sold on to the National Grid, earning you even more cash!
Reference: lovemoney.com
Urban Energy:
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.
We provide systems eligible for grants of between 50% up to 100% through arrangements in place with our partners.
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/
The Government may soon be completely in charge of the energy market in the UK, with far reaching changes needed to prevent energy bills skyrocketing to £2,000 a year, energy watchdog Ofgem has warned.
The regulator has concluded its Project Discovery report, with some shocking findings. Chief among them is the suggestion that unless the infrastructure behind the energy market is completely revamped, we will face energy costs spiralling out of control.
For many of us, gas and electricity will be simply unaffordable - and that could mean the lights going out across the country.
Nab a Feed-in Tariff:
This week, the Government finally unveiled its plans for feed-in tariffs (FiTs), and they should definitely be on your radar if you want to keep your energy expenditure as low as possible, over the long-term.
Basically, homeowners will be paid for generating their own power, through measures like rooftop windmills and solar panels.
And doing so could prove pretty lucrative - according to the Department for Energy and Climate Change, fitting a typical 2.5kW well sited solar photovoltaic (PV) installation could see the homeowner handed up to £900, as well as savings on their electricity bill.
In fact, any surplus energy created can then be sold on to the National Grid, earning you even more cash!
Reference: lovemoney.com
Urban Energy:
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.
We provide systems eligible for grants of between 50% up to 100% through arrangements in place with our partners.
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/
Monday, 1 February 2010
FiT SCHEME ANNOUNCED TODAY!
FiTs have at last been announced for the UK. Coming in April 2010, this at last brings us in line with Germany, Spain and other European Countries. Systems will pay for themselves approx 4 times faster than at present.
- 36.5p/kWh for small solar photovoltaic systems up to 4kW and 28p/kWh for systems up to 10kW.
Customers who have an installation between now and April 2010 will benefit from the current Low Carbon Grant of £2,500 and next April will get the Feed in Tariff.
Urban Energy:
Urban Energy can provide both public and private sector organisations with both solar thermal and photovoltaic systems eligible for grants of between 50% up to 100% through arrangements in place with our partners.
For further information on Urban Energy products and services please call us on 0800 232 1624, email us on info@urbanenergy.org.uk, or visit our website at http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
- 36.5p/kWh for small solar photovoltaic systems up to 4kW and 28p/kWh for systems up to 10kW.
Customers who have an installation between now and April 2010 will benefit from the current Low Carbon Grant of £2,500 and next April will get the Feed in Tariff.
Urban Energy:
Urban Energy can provide both public and private sector organisations with both solar thermal and photovoltaic systems eligible for grants of between 50% up to 100% through arrangements in place with our partners.
For further information on Urban Energy products and services please call us on 0800 232 1624, email us on info@urbanenergy.org.uk, or visit our website at http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
Sunday, 31 January 2010
What is a Feed in Tariff (FiT)?
WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT GETTING FiTs IN THE NEW YEAR?:
The UK Government is to support a new era of small-scale renewable electricity with the announcement on Monday 01.02.2010 of the final structure of Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) for small-scale generators.
FiTs are a per-unit support payment (p/kWh) for electricity generation and are already widely in operation in other EU Member States to support renewables.
The Government claims the introduction of FiTs on April 1 2010 will signify a major departure from how small low-carbon generators in the UK are currently rewarded.
The new FiT scheme, to be unveiled on Monday morning by Energy Minister Ed Miliband is designed to “provide the right level of simplicity” to encourage non-energy professionals to invest in small-scale generation.
It will provide non-taxable, cash-linked incentives to encourage those generators to consume the electricity they generate and become more energy efficient while they do so.
The scheme will operate on two levels and allows fixed payment from the electricity supplier for every kilowatt hour (kWh) generated, known as the “generation tariff”.
Another payment will be made additional to the generation tariff for every kWh exported to the wider energy market, to be called the “export tariff”.
The renewable technologies that will qualify for FITs payments are anaerobic digestion, biomass, hydro, Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and wind.
Only small-scale generators with a capacity of up to 5 megawatt can be considered for inclusion and both the installer and the equipment must be accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
According to the proposals, generators will be guaranteed a market for their exports at a long-term guaranteed price. The generator may choose whether to sell exported electricity to the supplier at this guaranteed export tariff, or negotiate a price for exported electricity in the open market.
In addition, generators will benefit because they will have the opportunity to use that electricity on-site to offset some or all of the electricity they would otherwise have had to buy.
He will also reveal details of a renewable heat scheme (RHI), which will be launched following a similar FiT-style consultation next year. Reference 'Click Green' 31.01.2010
URBAN ENERGY:
“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. Their 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.
URBAN ENERGY SOLAR HEATING:
Solar panels are typically located on the roof of your house or commercial property. These panels are able to convert everyday sunlight into heat energy stored within a cylinder, where it can be used to provide hot water for your home or business.
URBAN ENERGY SOLAR ELECTRICAL POWER:
Photovoltaic (PV) panels can be installed ‘on’ or ‘within’ the roof of your commercial property or home and are designed to convert day light into useable solar electricity. The solar electricity generated will be able to power any electrical device within the building without compromising quality of delivery. Their Photovoltaic panels have been designed to work within a grid system to permit the sale of redundant electricity to power suppliers, eradicating the need for unnecessary and costly battery systems found on other types of installations.
Please visit our website for more information: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
The UK Government is to support a new era of small-scale renewable electricity with the announcement on Monday 01.02.2010 of the final structure of Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) for small-scale generators.
FiTs are a per-unit support payment (p/kWh) for electricity generation and are already widely in operation in other EU Member States to support renewables.
The Government claims the introduction of FiTs on April 1 2010 will signify a major departure from how small low-carbon generators in the UK are currently rewarded.
The new FiT scheme, to be unveiled on Monday morning by Energy Minister Ed Miliband is designed to “provide the right level of simplicity” to encourage non-energy professionals to invest in small-scale generation.
It will provide non-taxable, cash-linked incentives to encourage those generators to consume the electricity they generate and become more energy efficient while they do so.
The scheme will operate on two levels and allows fixed payment from the electricity supplier for every kilowatt hour (kWh) generated, known as the “generation tariff”.
Another payment will be made additional to the generation tariff for every kWh exported to the wider energy market, to be called the “export tariff”.
The renewable technologies that will qualify for FITs payments are anaerobic digestion, biomass, hydro, Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and wind.
Only small-scale generators with a capacity of up to 5 megawatt can be considered for inclusion and both the installer and the equipment must be accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
According to the proposals, generators will be guaranteed a market for their exports at a long-term guaranteed price. The generator may choose whether to sell exported electricity to the supplier at this guaranteed export tariff, or negotiate a price for exported electricity in the open market.
In addition, generators will benefit because they will have the opportunity to use that electricity on-site to offset some or all of the electricity they would otherwise have had to buy.
He will also reveal details of a renewable heat scheme (RHI), which will be launched following a similar FiT-style consultation next year. Reference 'Click Green' 31.01.2010
URBAN ENERGY:
“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. Their 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.
URBAN ENERGY SOLAR HEATING:
Solar panels are typically located on the roof of your house or commercial property. These panels are able to convert everyday sunlight into heat energy stored within a cylinder, where it can be used to provide hot water for your home or business.
URBAN ENERGY SOLAR ELECTRICAL POWER:
Photovoltaic (PV) panels can be installed ‘on’ or ‘within’ the roof of your commercial property or home and are designed to convert day light into useable solar electricity. The solar electricity generated will be able to power any electrical device within the building without compromising quality of delivery. Their Photovoltaic panels have been designed to work within a grid system to permit the sale of redundant electricity to power suppliers, eradicating the need for unnecessary and costly battery systems found on other types of installations.
Please visit our website for more information: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
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