A recent survey conducted by Farming Futures has found that 80% of farmers in the UK want to have solar photovoltaics installation on their roofs within the next three years. These results prove that farmers’ interest in generating renewable electricity has increased dramatically since the launch of the feed-in tariff (FiT), which was launched in April this year.
Recent press coverage has concentrated on the issue of solar installations on farmland and open fields; however the survey’s findings indicate that just under 20% of farmers considering solar want it at this scale, with the majority considering the technology for large farm buildings.
However, while the survey did outline the success of the FiT, it did also highlight farmers’ relatively poor understanding of how the subsidy mechanism works. Only 55.2% understood to what extent they could actually earn from the FiT while 25.4% thought payment was only for generation, or export (19.4%).
Dr. Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Advisor, Renewable Energy and Climate Change at the National Farmers' Union said, "These findings certainly reflect what our members have been saying. Agricultural and horticultural buildings present ideal platforms for solar PV, and small-to-medium sized roof-mounted systems are likely to be an attractive investment. It's hugely encouraging to see our farming industry become stronger through the generation of power, and helping this country reduce its reliance on fossil fuels."
Stephen Frankel, a farmer from Wadebridge said, "We installed solar PV on our barn roof this year, and immediately starting saving on our bills and earning extra income thanks to the FiT. Traditionally, farming revenue is quite seasonal, but now we’re making money by creating clean energy we have the peace of mind of another income, and we’re doing our bit reducing our carbon footprint. I’d recommend any farmer to consider this – our land brings us so much value, so why not our roofs?”
Sustainable farming is at the core of a healthy future for the UK, and it’s great to see farmers recognising the opportunity they now have with solar. Urban Energy welcome the opportunity to help UK farmers get maximum return from their property. Solar power is a sophisticated active industrial building product designed to work with business.
The main findings of the survey are:
*88.1% of Farmers are currently considering renewables on their farm
*Since the introduction of the FiT in April 2010, 83.2% of farmers have considered renewables; as the financial incentive secures a return on investment for 25 years
*Of those considering renewables, an overwhelming 93.3% are interested in solar PV, with wind energy as the second choice
*Of those who have already invested in renewables, only 28.6% have done so in PV; but 85.7% are now considering it
*82.2% of farmers are considering solar PV (93.3% of those interested in renewables (88.1%)
*80.6% of those surveyed are considering solar on a roof
*89.8% of those interested in investing in renewables are planning to do so within the next two years, which would enable them to take advantage of the FiT
*However, only 55.2% understood to what extent they could actually earn from the FiT; being paid for all electricity generated and consumed, as well as that exported. The remainder (25.4%) thought payment was only for generation, or export (19.4%)
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 incentive schemes 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/
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Further energy bill hikes expected
Households are braced for a fresh round of energy bill hikes after Scottish & Southern Energy raised its gas prices by 9.4%.
SSE, which owns Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro and Swalec, blamed the price hike, which will come into effect on December 1, on a 25% increase in the wholesale price of gas this year.
It means the average annual household gas bill for an SSE customer will increase by £5.60 a month to £782. A dual fuel customer's annual bill will rise to £1,226 from £1,159 a year ago.
The timing of the hike could hardly be worse for consumers as it will come at the start of winter when gas consumption soars, and just weeks before Christmas and a planned hike in VAT to 20%.
Mark Todd, director of Energy Helpline, said SSE is the first major supplier to hike gas prices for two years but others are likely to follow suit.
"This is a grim Christmas present for millions of customers before what's predicted to be a very harsh winter," he said.
"We expect there to be a response from the other suppliers, and it's likely there will be at least a few that move before Christmas. UK consumers are in the last chance saloon for cheap energy deals and must act now if they want to keep their costs down."
He also warned the price hikes may not be restricted to gas after EDF became the first major player to put electricity prices up, when it implemented a 2.6% rise on October 1.
Watchdog Consumer Focus said wholesale gas prices are still 40% below their peak in 2008, whereas SSE's prices are just 2% below their 2008 peak.
Audrey Gallacher, head of energy at Consumer Focus, said: "We are worried this could be the start of some serious bad news for all consumers."
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 incentive schemes 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/
SSE, which owns Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro and Swalec, blamed the price hike, which will come into effect on December 1, on a 25% increase in the wholesale price of gas this year.
It means the average annual household gas bill for an SSE customer will increase by £5.60 a month to £782. A dual fuel customer's annual bill will rise to £1,226 from £1,159 a year ago.
The timing of the hike could hardly be worse for consumers as it will come at the start of winter when gas consumption soars, and just weeks before Christmas and a planned hike in VAT to 20%.
Mark Todd, director of Energy Helpline, said SSE is the first major supplier to hike gas prices for two years but others are likely to follow suit.
"This is a grim Christmas present for millions of customers before what's predicted to be a very harsh winter," he said.
"We expect there to be a response from the other suppliers, and it's likely there will be at least a few that move before Christmas. UK consumers are in the last chance saloon for cheap energy deals and must act now if they want to keep their costs down."
He also warned the price hikes may not be restricted to gas after EDF became the first major player to put electricity prices up, when it implemented a 2.6% rise on October 1.
Watchdog Consumer Focus said wholesale gas prices are still 40% below their peak in 2008, whereas SSE's prices are just 2% below their 2008 peak.
Audrey Gallacher, head of energy at Consumer Focus, said: "We are worried this could be the start of some serious bad news for all consumers."
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 incentive schemes 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, 20 October 2010
Comprehensive Spending Review Summary
Chancellor George Osborne stood up in the House of Commons at 12.30pm today to detail the coalition Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. Some key points:
The efficiency of feed-in tariffs will be improved at the next formal review, rebalancing them in favour of more cost effective carbon abatement technologies. This will save £40 million in 2014-15. Support for lower value innovation and technology projects will also be reduced, saving £70 million a year on average over the Spending Review period.
Therefore feed-in tariffs will be refocused on the most cost-effective technologies in 2014-15. The changes will be implemented at the first scheduled review of tariffs unless higher than expected deployment requires an early review.
The Renewable Energy Association’s (REA) PV Specialist Consultant, Ray Noble said of the review, “This is excellent news for the UK solar industry. It’s exactly what the market needs in order to fulfill its fantastic potential. The outcome of today’s review could not have been better.”
The review also outlined that over one billion pounds will be set aside for the Green Investment Bank, however the Chancellor said that he hopes much more will be invested from private sector and future government asset sales. By injecting such an amount into this bank, the coalition hopes to create jobs and reduce carbon emissions in order to meet the country’s 2050 emissions targets.
The government will also go ahead with the planned Green Deal, which has no upfront cost to homeowners, thus scrapping Warm Front, which spent £280m a year on improving energy efficiency for poorer households.
The Renewable Heat Incentive, funded from AME, will be introduced as planned from 2011-12. This will ensure the UK meets its 2020 renewable energy targets while making efficiency savings of 20%, or £105 million a year, by 2014-15 compared with the previous Government’s plans.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) settlement includes:
- Up to £1 billion of investment to create one of the world’s first commercial scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration plants;
- Over £200 million for the development of low carbon technologies including offshore wind technology and manufacturing at port sites;
- Increased incentives for low carbon energy generation through the Renewable Heat Incentive;
- Enabling households to improve the energy efficiency of their homes at no upfront cost through a Green Deal; and
- Overall savings within DECC’s core resource budget of 30% in real terms by 2014-15, including through cutting lower value projects and focusing on key priorities.
The Spending Review settlement enables DECC to prioritise spending in areas where it can have most impact. For example, new low carbon technologies have the potential to contribute to growth as well as to emissions reductions. The Chancellor also announced that next month, the DECC will outline its reform plan for the next four years.
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 incentive schemes 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/
The efficiency of feed-in tariffs will be improved at the next formal review, rebalancing them in favour of more cost effective carbon abatement technologies. This will save £40 million in 2014-15. Support for lower value innovation and technology projects will also be reduced, saving £70 million a year on average over the Spending Review period.
Therefore feed-in tariffs will be refocused on the most cost-effective technologies in 2014-15. The changes will be implemented at the first scheduled review of tariffs unless higher than expected deployment requires an early review.
The Renewable Energy Association’s (REA) PV Specialist Consultant, Ray Noble said of the review, “This is excellent news for the UK solar industry. It’s exactly what the market needs in order to fulfill its fantastic potential. The outcome of today’s review could not have been better.”
The review also outlined that over one billion pounds will be set aside for the Green Investment Bank, however the Chancellor said that he hopes much more will be invested from private sector and future government asset sales. By injecting such an amount into this bank, the coalition hopes to create jobs and reduce carbon emissions in order to meet the country’s 2050 emissions targets.
The government will also go ahead with the planned Green Deal, which has no upfront cost to homeowners, thus scrapping Warm Front, which spent £280m a year on improving energy efficiency for poorer households.
The Renewable Heat Incentive, funded from AME, will be introduced as planned from 2011-12. This will ensure the UK meets its 2020 renewable energy targets while making efficiency savings of 20%, or £105 million a year, by 2014-15 compared with the previous Government’s plans.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) settlement includes:
- Up to £1 billion of investment to create one of the world’s first commercial scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration plants;
- Over £200 million for the development of low carbon technologies including offshore wind technology and manufacturing at port sites;
- Increased incentives for low carbon energy generation through the Renewable Heat Incentive;
- Enabling households to improve the energy efficiency of their homes at no upfront cost through a Green Deal; and
- Overall savings within DECC’s core resource budget of 30% in real terms by 2014-15, including through cutting lower value projects and focusing on key priorities.
The Spending Review settlement enables DECC to prioritise spending in areas where it can have most impact. For example, new low carbon technologies have the potential to contribute to growth as well as to emissions reductions. The Chancellor also announced that next month, the DECC will outline its reform plan for the next four years.
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 incentive schemes 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/
Reaction to George Osborne's Spending Review (FiTs & RHI)
George Osborne announced today continued support of the Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) and the planned start of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
The Government will maintain FiTs at their current level until the planned review date of 2013. These tariffs are essential in driving up renewable energy generation amongst consumers and businesses.
FiTs have a vital role to play in reaching the Government’s commitment to achieving at least a third of energy generation from renewable energy by 2020. Producing and using energy locally and making it a visible part of the local community means that people will value their energy more and use it less.
He also announced that the Government has chosen to support and incentivise renewable heat generation through the RHI scheme. Currently, only 1% of total heat demand comes from renewable sources which the Government clearly recognises needs to rise if the UK is to meet its renewable energy targets. The RHI scheme will significantly boost this volume.
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/
The Government will maintain FiTs at their current level until the planned review date of 2013. These tariffs are essential in driving up renewable energy generation amongst consumers and businesses.
FiTs have a vital role to play in reaching the Government’s commitment to achieving at least a third of energy generation from renewable energy by 2020. Producing and using energy locally and making it a visible part of the local community means that people will value their energy more and use it less.
He also announced that the Government has chosen to support and incentivise renewable heat generation through the RHI scheme. Currently, only 1% of total heat demand comes from renewable sources which the Government clearly recognises needs to rise if the UK is to meet its renewable energy targets. The RHI scheme will significantly boost this volume.
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, 15 October 2010
Urban Energy: dispelling solar myths
Myth 1: Photovoltaics are expensive:
Solar photovoltaics are reaching grid parity and are expected to provide electricity as cheap as the National Grid by 2012. Solar PV reaching grid parity is fueled by a number of factors including:
Analysing the cost of photovoltaics should not be considered solely in terms of ‘upfront costs’, since they have many additional benefits:
Myth 2: PV’s cost makes it the least popular renewable energy:
In October 2006, St James homes surveyed almost 100 potential buyers for their new ‘envirohome’, Kennett Island in Reading. They found that solar thermal and PV were the priority requirements for those considering this new type of home. The BBC also found similar statistics in 2006. PV was rated above a wind turbine, grey water recycling, and other energy saving features. As a maintenance free, long lasting technology, many consumers are attracted by its unique ‘fit and forget’ potential.
Myth 3: PV can’t provide all of my electricity
Individual cases differ according to the energy efficiency of a building and energy consumption, however evidence has shown that it is certainly possible to get a household’s electrical needs out of a PV system. According to Energy Savings Trust, the average household consumes 4,000 kWh per year.
An example of PV producing more electricity than used in a home is presented by the Garside Family: Since their system was installed the Garside family have become suppliers of electricity, consuming just 2,600 kWh a year, which is less than the 2,930kWh they produce. This has allowed them to sell their excess production back to their electricity supplier and feed it into the national grid.
Myth 4: PV uses more energy to produce than it gives back:
There is a common but mistaken notion that solar cells never produce more energy than it takes to make them. The term ‘energy payback’ captures this idea. Reaping the environmental benefits of solar energy requires using energy to make the PV system, but the investment is small. Specifically, paybacks for standard, crystalline modules are two to four years (depending on where they are installed). For new, thin-film modules, ‘energy payback’ times of just one year are anticipated.
Myth 5: Solar thermal is less expensive than PV, so a better option:
Solar thermal systems and solar PV are very different technologies. Solar thermal heats water, while PV creates electricity. Both are excellent means of reducing carbon emissions, and it is possible to have both. However, in terms of reducing carbon emissions, PV avoids more carbon emissions as it displaces grid electricity, which (in the UK) is three times more carbon intensive than gas.
Myth 6: The UK does not receive sufficient sun to make PV worthwhile:
Electricity is produced with daylight, not intense sunlight. Although most effective in sunny climates, the UK is still a suitable market. UK irradiance levels stand at 1000W/m2 for London, with a range of 750W/m2 to 1100W/m2 across the UK. There is little difference between solar irradiation in the Scotland and the south coast of England. In fact, solar electric (PV) panels are routinely used in the polar regions to supply power for test equipment. The UK has similar irradiance levels to Germany and the Netherlands.
Myth 7: It’s hard to get planning permission for PV in the UK:
Local government has taken the initiative to encourage the use of renewable energy. In June 2006 Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning said:
“It is patently absurd that you should be able to put a satellite dish up on your house but should have to wrestle with the planning process for small scale microgeneration which is no more obtrusive. We want far more microgeneration to be treated as permitted development.”
She added:
“We need to seize on new development as an opportunity not a threat. It is time to rethink the way we build. It is time to rethink the way we design our homes and communities, if we are to build communities for the future that are truly sustainable. Our long term ambition should be zero carbon development and we believe the Thames Gateway offers a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in environmental improvements for new developments. We do not know yet how fast we can get there, but the development industry should be clear about our aims and should start planning now for new investment and innovation to meet our goals.”
Solar has been installed on listed buildings in the UK and in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Previous restrictions can be overcome with technologies such as discrete solar PV and solar thermal tiles that sit flush with the roof, blending seamlessly into the natural roof line.
Myth 8: PV will only work if it is south facing:
The optimal orientation is south facing, however south west and south east orientations are also effective and produce about 70% as much energy as a south facing installation. It is also important to consider inclination: a 35 degree inclination is optimal, but over 90 percent of the maximum annual energy can be created at 10 degree and 50 degree tilts from the horizontal.
Myth 9: PV is unreliable, and its value will diminish over time:
With no moving parts PV does not require any routine maintenance. Its ‘fit and forget’ nature is one of its main appeals. A visual inspection of the panels and the inverter is recommended every year and after 15 years the inverter may need to be replaced but this is only 5% of the system price.
PV is a very low risk technology, with no ongoing engineering costs associated with servicing unlike all other renewable technologies. The longevity and reliability of PV is one of its key strengths as a renewable energy source. PV comes with a 20 to 25 year warranty to produce at least 80% of its optimal production. Manufacturers claim it has at least a 60 year life-span, the very first Sharp module installation in Japan in 1963 is still working today, over 40 years later.
URBAN ENERGY
Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care.
"Urban Energy is an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economic and environmentally sound solar powered energy systems for commercial property (private and public) and domestic dwellings. Our expertise in the field of Government sponsored funding programmes and solar power products will provide individuals and organisations with an excellent opportunity to overcome capital cost barriers, save money on energy bills, increase profit margins, increase the value of their property and reduce their carbon footprint.
Urban Energy employ the very best engineers in this field, all of which are fully qualified, MCS certified and Government approved to carry out this task, complying with strict guidelines and are members of the Solar Trade Association.
For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
Solar photovoltaics are reaching grid parity and are expected to provide electricity as cheap as the National Grid by 2012. Solar PV reaching grid parity is fueled by a number of factors including:
- Rising global energy prices
- The rise in local and national legislation, and international commitments designed to reduce carbon emissions
- An increase in subsidy support for PV from national governments
Analysing the cost of photovoltaics should not be considered solely in terms of ‘upfront costs’, since they have many additional benefits:
- The inclusion of PV has been shown to increase house value.
- PV also ‘future proofs’ homes or commercial property against rising fuel prices
- Excess electricity can be sold back to the National Grid, the rate for which varies according to your supplier
Myth 2: PV’s cost makes it the least popular renewable energy:
In October 2006, St James homes surveyed almost 100 potential buyers for their new ‘envirohome’, Kennett Island in Reading. They found that solar thermal and PV were the priority requirements for those considering this new type of home. The BBC also found similar statistics in 2006. PV was rated above a wind turbine, grey water recycling, and other energy saving features. As a maintenance free, long lasting technology, many consumers are attracted by its unique ‘fit and forget’ potential.
Myth 3: PV can’t provide all of my electricity
Individual cases differ according to the energy efficiency of a building and energy consumption, however evidence has shown that it is certainly possible to get a household’s electrical needs out of a PV system. According to Energy Savings Trust, the average household consumes 4,000 kWh per year.
An example of PV producing more electricity than used in a home is presented by the Garside Family: Since their system was installed the Garside family have become suppliers of electricity, consuming just 2,600 kWh a year, which is less than the 2,930kWh they produce. This has allowed them to sell their excess production back to their electricity supplier and feed it into the national grid.
Myth 4: PV uses more energy to produce than it gives back:
There is a common but mistaken notion that solar cells never produce more energy than it takes to make them. The term ‘energy payback’ captures this idea. Reaping the environmental benefits of solar energy requires using energy to make the PV system, but the investment is small. Specifically, paybacks for standard, crystalline modules are two to four years (depending on where they are installed). For new, thin-film modules, ‘energy payback’ times of just one year are anticipated.
Myth 5: Solar thermal is less expensive than PV, so a better option:
Solar thermal systems and solar PV are very different technologies. Solar thermal heats water, while PV creates electricity. Both are excellent means of reducing carbon emissions, and it is possible to have both. However, in terms of reducing carbon emissions, PV avoids more carbon emissions as it displaces grid electricity, which (in the UK) is three times more carbon intensive than gas.
Myth 6: The UK does not receive sufficient sun to make PV worthwhile:
Electricity is produced with daylight, not intense sunlight. Although most effective in sunny climates, the UK is still a suitable market. UK irradiance levels stand at 1000W/m2 for London, with a range of 750W/m2 to 1100W/m2 across the UK. There is little difference between solar irradiation in the Scotland and the south coast of England. In fact, solar electric (PV) panels are routinely used in the polar regions to supply power for test equipment. The UK has similar irradiance levels to Germany and the Netherlands.
Myth 7: It’s hard to get planning permission for PV in the UK:
Local government has taken the initiative to encourage the use of renewable energy. In June 2006 Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning said:
“It is patently absurd that you should be able to put a satellite dish up on your house but should have to wrestle with the planning process for small scale microgeneration which is no more obtrusive. We want far more microgeneration to be treated as permitted development.”
She added:
“We need to seize on new development as an opportunity not a threat. It is time to rethink the way we build. It is time to rethink the way we design our homes and communities, if we are to build communities for the future that are truly sustainable. Our long term ambition should be zero carbon development and we believe the Thames Gateway offers a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in environmental improvements for new developments. We do not know yet how fast we can get there, but the development industry should be clear about our aims and should start planning now for new investment and innovation to meet our goals.”
Solar has been installed on listed buildings in the UK and in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Previous restrictions can be overcome with technologies such as discrete solar PV and solar thermal tiles that sit flush with the roof, blending seamlessly into the natural roof line.
Myth 8: PV will only work if it is south facing:
The optimal orientation is south facing, however south west and south east orientations are also effective and produce about 70% as much energy as a south facing installation. It is also important to consider inclination: a 35 degree inclination is optimal, but over 90 percent of the maximum annual energy can be created at 10 degree and 50 degree tilts from the horizontal.
Myth 9: PV is unreliable, and its value will diminish over time:
With no moving parts PV does not require any routine maintenance. Its ‘fit and forget’ nature is one of its main appeals. A visual inspection of the panels and the inverter is recommended every year and after 15 years the inverter may need to be replaced but this is only 5% of the system price.
PV is a very low risk technology, with no ongoing engineering costs associated with servicing unlike all other renewable technologies. The longevity and reliability of PV is one of its key strengths as a renewable energy source. PV comes with a 20 to 25 year warranty to produce at least 80% of its optimal production. Manufacturers claim it has at least a 60 year life-span, the very first Sharp module installation in Japan in 1963 is still working today, over 40 years later.
URBAN ENERGY
Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care.
"Urban Energy is an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economic and environmentally sound solar powered energy systems for commercial property (private and public) and domestic dwellings. Our expertise in the field of Government sponsored funding programmes and solar power products will provide individuals and organisations with an excellent opportunity to overcome capital cost barriers, save money on energy bills, increase profit margins, increase the value of their property and reduce their carbon footprint.
Urban Energy employ the very best engineers in this field, all of which are fully qualified, MCS certified and Government approved to carry out this task, complying with strict guidelines and are members of the Solar Trade Association.
For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
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