SOLAR BLOG
DECC considers moving FiT cut deadline
The next round of feed-in tariff cuts could be delayed by up to one month as a result of low solar installation figures. This could change the results of the latest consultation, which was due to map out the expected tariff rates from July 1.
Recent installation figures show that demand has decreased from a four-weekly average of 71MW over the past 12 months to a disappointing 17MW. This drop is thought to be caused by a number of factors, including the introduction of energy efficiency criteria, consumer confidence and the fact that the UK has slipped back into recession. As a result of these figures, many have called on Government to delay the July 1 cuts.
BSOLAR to exhibit at Southport FunFest
BSOLAR will be exhibiting at this years Southport FunFest at Victoria Park, Southport on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June 2012.
Summer should finally be upon us and where better to come and meet the BSOLAR team than in the summer sun in Victoria Park, Southport. We will be exhibiting at the show our full range of products, including showcasing our brand new boiler that creates electricity and pays out the Feed-in-Tariff, in the same way that solar panels do.
BSOLAR exhibiting at 2012 Greenbuild Expo
BSOLAR will be exhibiting our range of solar products and services at the 2012 GreenBuild Expo in Manchester. The GreenBuild expo is the UK's premier sustainable building and refurbishment event, covering everything from new and emerging renewable technologies, through to training and sustainable materials and legislation updates.
BSOLAR will have a stand at this year's event, held in Manchester Central, Petersfield on the 9th and 10th May 2012. The event is free to get in, and is packed full of renewable energy companies and information on the renewable energy market.
Maximise your Feed in Tariff rates with a free EPC from Energy Foundation
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) gives information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provides a rating that grades the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from 'A' to 'G'.
From March 31st 2012, every new solar PV installation will require an energy certificate that shows your property is graded at Band D or above.
Our sister company Energy Foundation (LINK) trainers have completed several EPC grading certificates since April 2012, and each one has passed the Band D minimum requirement. With each solar PV installation through BSOLAR, The Energy Foundation will undertake a free EPC certificate to ensure you are at the minimum Band D.
Government's Third Feed-in Tariff Solar Appeal Rejected by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has, for the third time, thrown out the government's appeal against court rulings that branded its plans to cut solar incentives as illegal. On 23rd March 2012, the Supreme Court put an end to this protracted battle and confirmed that any solar installations completed between 12 December 2011 and 4 March 2012 will continue to receive the original 43p/kWh rate as opposed to the proposed 21p/kWh rate from the government.
The solar industry has faced months of uncertainly, waiting for this decision to be made. Companies and households which have opted to have solar panels installed prior to 4th March will now receive the originally agreed tariff.
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Policy Announcements from DECC - What They Mean
Across the UK, domestic and commercial customers have been eagerly awaiting further details on RHI Phase 2 in the hope that there will be financial support for homeowners wanting to install renewable heating systems and the inclusion of technological innovations within the commercial scale scheme.
Unfortunately, many are likely to be dismayed at the DECC'sannouncements stating that the RHI Phase 2 Proposals will not be consulted on until September 2012, with scheme proposals to be live by summer 2013.
RHI Phase 2 was originally set to go live in October 2012 and so the new estimated timescale is a bit of a blow. However, one benefit of the announcement is that as commentators have forecast a delay for a number of months, the confirmation of this and the commitment to a revised timescale may lead to greater industrial surety.
Free EPC certificate with a BSOLAR installation
Have your solar PV installation completed and installed by the 31st March or you will need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on your property that shows it is Band D or above at the time of the Feed-in-tariff's application.
The EPC certificate gives information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provides a rating that grades the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from 'A' to 'G'.
Initial FITs rate installations are over
All installations of solar PV panels are not at a FITs rate of 21p per unit generated. This is still an excellent investment realising 8 to 11% return on investment, tax free and linked to the Rating Price Index (RPI). An equivalent of 15% interest rate for higher rate tax payers.
BUT this will not last. From 1st April 2012 you will only be able to install solar panels on newer more energy efficient homes. Act now if you have an older property.
UK Government loses it's appeal that the Feed-in-Tariff rate cuts were illegal
The UK government has lost its appeal against the ruling that cuts to solar subsidies and the Feed-in-Tariff rates were illegal. The announcement was made today following a hearing 10 days ago. All three judges presiding over the case threw out the governments challenge to the ruling from December that the cuts were unlawful.
The decision is a blow to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, forcing them to introduce the 21p rate for Solar PV on March 3rd , rather than the original date of 12th December.
Do not miss out on Solar Panel installation rewards
Installation of solar PV panels on your home or business provides a rate of return on your investment of at least 8% per year. This figure is guaranteed for a period of 25 years, and is available to all commercial and domestic building owners.
If you have been considering a Solar PV installation, then now is the time to take the plunge, as from April this year the Government intends to restrict new installations to homes that are very energy efficient. This new legislation will preclude installations on houses that are over 100 years old and make it very expensive for installation on houses over 25 years.
Energy Savings Trust – Feed in Tarrif Rate Cut Slip Up
Solar subsidies are likely to be dramatically cut, according to government documents that were prematurely published online by the Energy Savings Trust website. When the error was realised the document was then quickly removed.
The document claimed that the government plan to cut the Feed in Tarrif rate by approximately half for applications received after 8th December 2011 rather than after the originally planned date of 1st April 2012. The cut will almost double the payback period for householders, meaning someone installing a £10,000 solar panel system will only be in credit after 18 years rather than the current 10. The rate will be reduced from 43.3p per kilowatt hour of solar electricity to just 21p, the document revealed, cutting returns from around 7% to 4%.
PRESS STATEMENT – Released today on the EST Website
In response to speculation on our position on the government’s review of Feed-in Tariffs, an Energy Saving Trust spokesperson said...
The BBC's money expert Martin Lewis advises customers to act quickly to beat the Feed in Tariff cuts
The BBC's money saving expert and author of Moneysavingexpert.com discusses the industry rumours considering the forthcoming Feed in Tariff rules changing, meaning potential gain for newbies could be slashed.
Martin goes on to advise potential new solar customers to act now to take advantage of solar, both free and paid for, before the changes in the Feed in Tariff come into effect. These changes are predicted to come into effect March 2012 for those not already signed up, and could be cut by as much as 50% for those who haven't already signed up.
So if you are still considering installing solar panels, now is the time to do it. If you still have queries or are unsure if solar power is for you, give BSOLAR a call today on 0845 009 8642 for a quote and some no-obligation advice.
Roof Renting – A bad idea for the home owner according to BBC Watchdog
The practise of renting out your roof space for the installation of solar panels by a third party energy company gives away money that you could easily earn for yourself.
It is a far better solution to take a secured loan and pay the interest out of the Feed in Tariff payments that you earn from the electricty generated by your Solar PV installation. Definitely never go through a middle man. Roof rental companies such as Eon and British Gas can be contacted direct and would be more than happy to take advantage of a homeowners lack of understanding of the Feed in tarriff system.
Desperate for home solar power? It's time to start spraying
A new breakthrough in solar panels has been announced, aptly, in the Land of the Rising Sun. The Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has developed the technology, which essentially allows solar panels to be sprayed on to any surface. The revolutionary development could well increase the viability of harvesting the power of sun in locations which, until now, have been out of bounds.
Traditionally, solar panel installations have only been possible on flat surfaces, most notably roofs. However, their application could now be possible on surfaces such as industrial chimneys and other curved structures.
For businesses and the public sector looking to exploit solar power, it could prove a great leap forward. However, there is also much promise in the residential sector.
The rewards of solar power
According to the Evening Telepgraph, more people in Peterborough are turning to renewable energy to complement their lifestyle. Across the city, many households are finding that photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installations now represent a cost effective way to slash energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint and generate extra income.
PV panels can be fitted to any suitable roof, which bona fide solar panel suppliers will be able to advise on. Whilst a house roof is naturally the most popular choice, garages, larger sheds and other out buildings are also adequate.
Made from semi-conducting materials, sunlight strikes the PV panels, producing a direct electric current (DC). Through an inverter, this is converted into AC electricity, and so can be used through the mains of a house.
Dragons fire up interest in solar panels
Viewers of BBC2?s new series of Dragon’s Den were encouraged to seriously consider investing in solar panel installations for their home, ahead of most other investments being considered such as ISAs.
The loudest roar was given off by experienced dragon Deborah Meadon, already an investor herself in the technology, who recognised that investments could see an immediate return of 10% or more on an initial investment of between £10,000 and £15,000.
Though it represents a very real prospect for families to reduce their energy bills, generate an additional income and significantly lower their impact on the environment, the UK still remains far behind other countries.
Solar panels becoming increasingly affordable
Recent analysis from Ernst & Young has suggested that there has been a considerable fall in the cost of solar panels over recent years. This, coupled with rising fossil fuel prices could represent significantly greater affordability for homeowners across the UK.
Today, the cost of a solar panel installation has dropped from around £1.20 per viable unit, to about 90 pence. Improvements in the technology available, and the falling prices in raw silicon are largely behind this.
This is said to be excellent news for organisations considering large scale installations, but the attractions for households go a good deal further than this.
More Success For BSOLAR Sponsored Rider
Report from the 2011 BSB National Superstock 1000 Round 7 Oulton Park:
It was good to see the smile back on Geoff Lapworth’s face after a difficult period in the BSB National Superstock 1000 series. Although the weekend was not without its problems, the Heysham Trucks Honda Fireblade was again suffering from serious handling problems throughout practice and qualifying. The issue was eventually resolved when it was discovered the front forks had damaged internals probably due to a crash at Knockhill. As a consequence the local racer fell back into the “shoot out race”.
Fuel bill rises can be fought with the sun
The latest energy provider to announce its fuel bill rises is Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE), whose gas and electricity customers will see increases of 18% and 11% respectively. With fuel bills likely to continue in this upward spiral, solar power is becoming increasingly popular.
SSE’s rises will come into effect at the start of September 2011, a month after similar hikes from British Gas and Scottish Power. The rise in wholesale prices is cited as the cause, but, with consumer prices up by 71% in little over five years, consumer groups are dismayed.
Consumer Focus recently claimed that more than 10% of the UK’s population will be in fuel poverty soon, and the latest news saw chief executive Mike O’Connor claiming:
...although wholesale prices have risen, they remain around a third lower than 2008 [so] consumers cannot tell whether these increases are justified.
He went on to suggest that the lack of trust in the energy providers is building as a result, which gives more reason for the increased popularity of home solar panel installations
BSOLAR at the Cheshire Country Show
We hope that you came to see us at the Cheshire County Show. Despite the weather, we had a great time seeing and speaking to everyone. 80,000 visitors attended and we really enjoyed having the opportunity to demonstrate our solar panels to so many people! We were able to effectively get our message across that our are products eco-friendly and are an long term investment, that will pay for itself in the long run.
Renewable energy could battle rising fuel poverty figures
New figures released by the government have revealed that more than a fifth of all UK households were in fuel poverty in 2009. With energy bills rising all the time, this figure could be set to soar over coming years.
A household is said to be in fuel poverty if more than 10% of its income goes on heating the home. With electricity bills rising by 75% between 2004 and 2009 and gas up by 122% in the same period, the DECC figures could be construed as not being much of a surprise.
Solar power could be solution to rising bills
As the news sinks in that their gas and electricity bills are to rise, many of the nine million British Gas (BG) customers could well start to embrace solar power.
The supplier will apply the increases in August 2011. Claiming the rises come as a result of rising wholesale prices and following several months that the company has effectively been operating at a loss for its consumer supply, this move follows similar increases from Scottish Power.
However, many are saying the BG rises, which will equate to an additional average annual expense of £190, are simply unfair at a time when households are feeling the pinch from every direction.
Coventry Cathedral to worship the sun with solar panels
Coventry Cathedral is set to become the country’s first cathedral to embrace the power of the sun, with a solar panel installation on its roof.
The array will be made up of up to 178 solar panels, which could produce up to 50 kilowatts of power. Covering an area of 200 square metres though, the move is still subject to planning permission being received for the Grade I listed building.
If installed there will be significant savings made on electricity bills, whilst income could also be generated under the government’s feed in tariff. But it is also as a beacon for society’s need to increase the use of renewable energies and help the environment, the project is intended.
Which? Report warns of solar panel caution
Families throughout the country are benefiting from sustained cost savings through solar panel installations on their homes. However, a recent report from Which? is warning consumers to be on look out for con artists and inadequately trained sales people.
The report has shown that a small number of companies could be claiming the benefits of solar power in the home to be better than they are in reality. It also shows that some sales staff have been using pressure selling techniques.
Gateshead pensioner celebrates £0 electricity bill
The national press has been alight recently on the subject of the ever rising cost of electricity bills, though one pensioner could be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss was about.
Grace Quinn moved into a brand new two bed bungalow in September 2010, which had been built complete with a solar panel installation made up of six photovoltaic (PV) panels. Though Mrs Quinn fully expected the solar PV would lower her bills, her first statement amounting to a zero charge came as a bit of a surprise.
“I was shocked,” she said, before continuing, “(I knew), they would save money but I never expected to have nothing to pay.”
BSOLAR to exhibit at Cheshire Show
BSOLAR have an exhibition at the Cheshire Show on Tuesday 21st & Wednesday 22nd June and would be keen to welcome to the stand customers old and new. We would particularly welcome viewers of BBC Countryfile on Sunday 19th June which explained the benefits of solar PV installation, particularly to the farming and country community.
Home energy boosted by ongoing solar innovation
For many years, home solar power has been the subject of a great deal of research, being a major player in helping families to live low carbon lifestyles. Over the course of the efforts, there have been many new emerging technologies.
Most of the work is concentrated on improving the efficacy of the fuel cells, though one of the most interesting lines of development is focussed towards harnessing windows to produce power, and thereby drive down the cost of solar panel installations.
Latest energy price hikes strengthen need for solar power
With Scottish Power (SP) announcing price rises of 10% and 19% on its electricity and gas prices respectively, the arguments for home solar power installations seem to have gained further strength.
The increases will come into effect from August 2011, and the announcement has already kick started a mass use of comparison websites to look for better deals. However, with all energy suppliers soon to introduce similar increases, significant savings look unlikely.
BSOLAR Sponsored Rider Makes Progress at Thruxton
BSOLAR sponsored BSB rider Geoff Lapworth again qualified 23rd at Thruxton, this time finishing 22nd in an incident packed and red flagged race. Having narrowly escaped a flying bike on the first lap the race followed the pace car for three laps. Upon the restart Geoff lost a place but regained it and caught the group in front.
Solar advances with first solar UK town
The Cornish town of Wadebridge looks set to become the first in Britain to be harnessing the full potential of solar power installations.
The region has set out ambitions plans that will see 33% or more of its total electricity consumption through renewable sources. With production on this scale in excess of 15,000MWh per annum, the savings to homes, businesses and schools will be huge.
Council looks to home solar panelling
In a scheme that looks set to be replicated throughout the UK, Colchester Council has announced plans for thousands of solar panel installations across council homes and other council owned buildings.
The plan is set to be delivered by spring of 2012, and early indications have shown that more than 85% of tenants will sign up to the scheme. With many other council buildings earmarked too, it is a venture that is likely to be closely watched.
Climate Change Secretary announces penalty points for household energy bills
The UK government has revealed its plans to change energy production processes and reduce greenhouse house gas emissions in the country’s fourth carbon budget. Though higher household bills are likely, solar panel companies could be in for a bright summer.
The announcement by Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne has slowed down the emphasis on British business, but asked for an accelerated response from the nation’s homeowners.
Solar PV in the news again
Chris Huhne speaking on behalf of the DECC says that we can expect energy bills to rise by £50 a year.
It would clearly be advisable to start to make your own electricity where possible which is easiest and best done by installing BSOLAR photovoltaic panels on your property
BSOLAR Sponsored Geoff Lapworth matches best result at Croft
Lancaster rider Geoff Lapworth competes in the British Superbikes Superstock 1000 championship and is sponsored by solar PV panels installation company BSOLAR.
Door to door warning over solar panel suppliers
A huge success since its launch, the government’s feed-in-tariff has propelled the popularity of household solar panels in the last 12 months. Today, more than 32,000 UK homes are now producing solar power.
However, rogue trading by a small number of companies has seen the industry’s regulator, Real Assurance, issue a warning.
The warning relates to those solar panel companies employing home pressure selling techniques. Such techniques are particularly targeted at families, and those who have recently retired, who are likely to have a keener eye on the ever rising power costs.
The best April on record
The BSOLAR customers who invested in solar PV panels before April have been laughing all the way to the bank. Whilst May is traditionally the brightest month of the year, in 2011 April broke all records for the UK and it shows in the earnings from solar panels. Mr L from Chorley reported over 1000 units from his 10kW system paying him £450 whilst Mrs D from Kirkham told us on over 400 kWh from her 4kW system bringing in £200.
Here is to an equally profitable May.
Household solar power trebles in less than a year
As a direct result of the UK Feed In Tariff (FIT) scheme, the amount of power generated in the UK by home solar panel installations has increased threefold, according to figures released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
BSOLAR sponsors British Superbike race team
The motorbike racing season has begun well for Geoff Lapworth of Lancaster Racing which is sponsored by BSOLAR. After a steady start at Brands Hatch two weeks ago, the second round at Oulton Park in Cheshire saw rising star Geoff secure his first top twenty finish in the Superstock class at the top level of British bike racing.
BSOLAR are supporting local team Lancaster Racing financially and BSOLAR Managing Director Peter Bladen is pictured here with rider Geoff Lapworth and the race bike at Oulton.
Becoming carbon neutral gains momentum
With a recommendation from the Climate Change Committee to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint by 60% within 20 years, solar panel installers could be in for a hectic period.
As the need to live a greener life becomes ever more important, it appears that residents across the UK are really beginning to take things more seriously.
Keeping up with the Jones’ goes green
A Stanford University study reveals even solar panel installation is contagious.
All around the globe neighbours historically compete to have the best of everything from houses to cars, holidays to careers and even to their kids education. It could be argued that it is almost the way of the world.
UK homeowners urged to reach for the sun
Although there has been some uncertainty over the government’s Feed in Tariff (FIT), home solar panel installations are still on the increase. The reasons for this are clear, as whilst changes to FIT will limit the uptake of solar PV on a commercial scale, homeowners remain largely unaffected.
BSOLAR install new cutting edge SANYO solar panels
On Monday this week BSOLAR installed one of the first SANYO HIT panel installations in the UK.
The panels arrived on Friday after being on order for over 2 months.
The latest Sanyo solar panels are the highest efficiency panels yet produced and are really 2 panels in one combining both thin-film and conventional solar cells in one frame.
Latest solar power innovation could attract more users
A recently announced innovation in solar panel installation may mean that many people who have reservations about altering the ‘look’ of their home can enjoy the benefits of solar power without changing the its appearance.
Solar Thermal advice
BSOLAR Managing Director Peter Bladen is an established and qualified renewable energy consultant whose company BSOLAR endeavours to maintain an ethical position on the solutions that they will offer to the UK market. His open advice in the Liverpool. Daily Post on 30th March has recently been dismissed by a Director of a competitor company.
Peter would like to reaffirm his statement that Solar Thermal hot water systems are only ever financially viable in very limited/exceptional circumstances in the UK*.
Government in move to boost solar PV for homes and small businesses
The Government have outlined proposals to shore up support for smaller developments of solar panel installations. The news comes amid concerns that a reduction in the tariff could stall the take up of solar PV across the country. Under the proposals, financial support will be protected for installations of below 50kW, empowering homes and communities to continue invest in the technology. A reduction in the rate of Feed In Tariffs (FIT) to larger projects, also ensures the allowed subsidy will not get diverted to finance private organisations.
Bright investors should look to solar panels
Understanding how solar panels for your home work is something which many people do not fully understand. However, with the uptake of installations across the UK increasing all the time, it is becoming an area which many young and environmentally conscious families are looking to. There tend to be two main types of solar panels; thermal and photovoltaic (PV). Thermal panels work primarily to heat water supplies, though they can also be used to provide heat throughout a home. Solar PV panels on the other hand can be used to provide electricity and, are one of the leading solutions to moving away from the reliance on fossil fuels.
UK Coalition finally reveals its Renewable Heat Incentive plans
After months of waiting, the UK Coalition Government has finally revealed its Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) plans. The scheme, which is integral to reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, sets out the plans for paying for the generation of greener alternatives.
However, for those families looking to invest in greener energy alternatives, payments will not be forthcoming until late 2012. Payments will also be made to those who have had eligible installations since July 2009, but the exact tariffs are not known and the schedule for back payments in this regard also remains unclear.
Smallholders increasingly encouraged to go green in light of rocketing oil prices
With much being done to heighten the awareness of the importance of being green, the smallholders of Britain are being urged to harness renewable energy sources in order to hit targets set by the Government. Though the focus is clearly on positively affecting the environment, families up and down the country can benefit from great financial benefits too. The cost of oil has seen a sharp rise in recent weeks due to unrest in Libya, and the coalition Government’s plans to introduce a fuel duty increase in April will affect the size of energy bills and general cost of living in households all over the UK. With this in mind, the popularity of home solar panel installations is on the increase.
The dawn of smaller panels sees the rise of solar homes
Domestic solar panel technology is advancing all the time; more so than any other home renewable energy solution. Strengthening the industry further, a recent development has seen mass production commence on significantly smaller panels than has been available previously.
The news is one that many young environmentally conscious homeowners have been waiting for. Opening up the possibility for solar energy to power more homes than ever before, those living in bungalows, cottages and new builds could start to benefit.
Rates paid for solar PV electricity set to increase from April
Homes that have solar panels installed to provide clean, efficient energy will soon benefit from an increase in the amount paid for the electricity that they generate.
The Feed –in Tariff (FIT) scheme was introduced in April 2010 by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to encourage small scale production of low carbon energy.
Housing developers promoting solar PV as an incentive
Sustainable housing and the climate are two hot topics affecting the UK today. Hoping to provide a solution to both issues, housebuilders are beginning to offer first time buyers and young families the chance to purchase solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with their new home.
What does the FiT review mean for green investors?
Following the announcement by Energy Secretary Chris Huhne that there will be a comprehensive review of the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) scheme, many environmentally conscious investors are wondering what the implications will be for them.
The announcement comes amid concerns that some large-scale solar farms, many operated by companies outside the UK, risked exploiting the scheme. Primarily designed to help communities, homeowners and small businesses generate their own electricity, this is one area that will come under review.
Government scheme to encourage earning through solar panels
A recently announced government backed scheme is encouraging green living homeowners to save and make money through solar panel installation.
Despite the initial set up costs, the projected income from solar panels installation is likely to exceed this in little more than a decade, meaning a 10+ return on the initial investment per annum. This is something that thousands of couples and families have signed up for, and numbers are increasing.
BSOLAR – Avoid the VAT Increase
With the VAT rate rising to 20% on the 4th January 2011, almost all goods and services are now that little bit more expensive. With many households already feeling the squeeze in this turbulent economic period, a further tax increase could not have come at a worse time.
With Energy bills set to rise even further anyway, and a VAT increase combined with the extremely cold winter that is gripping the UK, people now more than ever will have to face the reality of huge electricity bills for the foreseeable future.
BSOLAR – Energy Bills set to soar
Energy Bills in the UK are set to soar even higher in the New Year. British Gas prices are set to rise by over 7%, with some predictions that bills will increase by up to 25% across the sector! With many households already paying record high prices for their electricity, this news will come as a further blow particularly for those who are already struggling to cope with the cost of energy.
BSOLAR – BBC Radio Lancashire 24.11.10
The Managing Director of BSOLAR Peter Bladen will be being interviewed by Sally Naden of BBC Radio Lancashire on Wednesday 24th November between 11am and 1pm.
The topics which will be explored and discussed in depth will include Energy Saving techniques, Energy Efficiency measures for the home and of course the major benefits of Solar PV Panel installation.
BSOLAR – Radio 4 ‘You and Yours’ 3 November 2010
The topic of discussion on Wednesday’s ‘You and Yours’ programme was that of Solar energy, and the generous returns that can be gained from such renewable technologies. In particular the focus was on farmers, and how they can benefit from using their land for large scale solar systems.
BSOLAR – Feed In Tariffs and the Government Spending Review
Following the government’s comprehensive spending review on the 20th October, it is apparent that the Feed In Tariffs at this moment will remain at their current rate. Please see below for the key points to emerge from today’s proceedings:
The Department of Energy and climate change have stated that: “Feed-In Tariffs will be refocused on the most cost-effective technologies saving £40 million in 2014-15. The changes will be implemented at the first scheduled review of tariffs unless higher than expected deployment requires an early review”. DECC spending review
BSOLAR at The Green Power Forum
BSOLAR exhibited at the Green Power Forum on Thursday 14th October. The event was held at Liverpool John Moores University, and there was a large number of attendees from both the public and private sector. Representatives and delegates from right across the renewable energy sector contributed to what was ultimately an extremely informative and key knowledge event.
Daily Mail Article – Solar PV and Solar Thermal, What You Need to Know
A recent article in yesterday’s Daily Mail could have misled many readers in terms of the perceived merits of installing solar panels on your roof. There is a distinct difference between solar PV panel solutions (which generate electricity) and solar thermal panels (used for the sole purpose of heating water).
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Panels convert the natural sunlight into electricity for use throughout the home. Generating your own power means therefore that you significantly reduce the amount of power needed to be drawn off the national grid.
Solar PV Payment Tariff Incentives Set For Review
You may or may not be aware of recent press coverage last weekend about a potential government review of the FIT system. The Managing Director of BSOLAR Peter Bladen has provided the following response for people who are still undecided about Solar PV installation.
BSOLAR at the Hesketh Park Green Exhibition
BSOLAR were once again out in the community on Saturday 11th September as part of Sefton Council’s Green Energy Fayre, which was hosted in Hesketh Park in Southport. Despite the weather being somewhat dubious, there was still plenty of interest and enquiries about the company and the host of renewable energy solutions on offer.
BSOLAR at the Southport Flower Show
BSOLAR will have a stand at the Southport flower show from 19th – 22nd August. We will be showcasing solar technology for lesiure activities aswell as larger scale grid connected solar pv installations.
We hope to introduce the application of Green technologies to some of our Green fingered friends in Merseyside and the North West. With solutions including solar pond pumps, water features to trickle charge systems for caravans, camper vans and narrow boats BSOLAR promote solar panel usage for a large range of lesiure activites.
BSOLAR speaks to BBC radio Lancashire
Peter Bladen of BSOLAR is due to take a seat with Sally Naden of BBC radio Lancashire to discuss energy efficiency and the role of renewable energy for householders and local communities. BBC Radio Lancashire 95.5FM/ 103.9FM June 30th 11am till 1pm. http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/programmes
