December 25, 2011

Solar Energy Everywhere

Filed under: Solar PV — Tags: — admin @ 11:33 am

It’s always good to hear that students are finding a way to help find solutions for problems in third world countries.  These students are all from Imperial College Business School who have a plan so that retailers in the third world will be able to generate an income by providing a solar mobile phone charging service to those people who live in remote areas.

The students, who won a £10,000 prize for their plan, are putting the money towards further development of the prototype of the phone charger which will then move forward to the manufacturing stage.

It is expected that several mobile phones will be able to be charged at the same time on a sunny day whilst they will all function continuously.  There is a full business plan in place and the winning team expect the charger to be manufactured in China where they already have business partners.

Whether or not it is quite as straightforward as it appears, only the students and their mentors will know; however if there has been a problem which will be resolved by this charger – good luck to them.

Solar energy is useful in many situations and it is only a few short years since small solar lights became available.   These are popular in many gardens where it isn’t convenient or safe to have power cables trailing round.  Many water features are also solar powered and are becoming more increasing found in reception areas of large companies and hotels.

The installation of solar panels to produce energy is gradually becoming more prevalent; however the cost is still out of the reach of many families and businesses.  Obviously, as the demand increases, the cost will come down.  There are smallish grants available; however as a percentage of the overall installation costs it isn’t significant in the majority of cases.  The additional problem regarding solar panels is, although they produce energy in excess of normal usage and which can be sold back to the energy provider, there is still the heating of the property, which would perhaps be gas or oil which would need to be considered.  Many business users who are considering about the installation of solar panels will already be discussing the probability of having a biomass boiler installed which will complement the electricity generated by the solar panels.

Whilst a biomass boiler is obviously, a great step forward, for smaller companies they are a complete non-starter at this time.  The cost of the boiler itself is a considerable investment and in addition to the boiler there will need to be storage facilities for the fuel – pellets, which take quite a large amount of space.  The running costs for the boiler will be considerably lower than for a conventional boiler and these alternative boilers need to have a more realistic price point.   At that time there will be considerably more interest from the smaller business owner and the general public alike.

November 2, 2011

Only You Can Decide

Filed under: Solar PV — Tags: , , , — Newsroom @ 10:41 am

Over the past few weeks the government’s green deal has been mentioned many times, but now it has been confirmed that the FiT (Feed in Tariff) payments are going to be reduced.  The new proposals which are currently out at the consultation stage suggest the following amendments to the scheme.

The present rate of 43.3p kWh (kilowatt hour) will continue to be paid to customers who already have solar panels installed.  Customers who have solar panels installed and accredited before 12th December 2011 will also receive the full payment of 43.3p on a permanent basis.  However, those customers who choose to have solar photovoltaic panels installed, but after the cut-off date of 12th December 2011 will receive the current rate until April 2012 and then the rate will reduce to 21p. These figures apply to all installations under 4kW.  Larger installations of up to 250 kW will also have their tariffs reduced.

The reason for the change in figures is partly as a result of the popularity of the solar panels and the FiT.   The high level of interest and subsequent number of installations has increased dramatically and there now is a requirement to balance the books and also to ensure that the scheme has completely secure financial foundations.

During September of this year there were almost 16,000 installations of photovoltaic panels which is nearly double the June 2011 figure.  From April 2012 there will be a minimum energy efficiency condition for every property which wants to benefit from the FiT payments.

The cost of solar panels installations has reduced considerably over the past few months according to government figures.  In June 2011 the average price was £13,000 whereas at the end of October it was £9,000.  This is obviously excellent news for those homeowners who are purchasing the new technology from their own savings.  However, the reduction in the cost of the panels should also benefit those looking to finance the deal as the monthly repayment costs, which must be lower than the amount of energy which will be saved every month, will also reduce thus leaving larger cash balances for the customer.

The reduction in the FiT payments has been expected, although the proposed figure has only just been given.  Those homeowners who can finance the cost of the installation from savings will possibly decide that, if they are going to go down the route of solar panels, it is wise to do so before 12th December 2011.  This will ensure that they will receive the highest rate of FiT.  This payment for selling excess energy produced back to the national grid will remain constant for at least twenty five years, which is the minimum life expectancy of photovoltaic solar panels.

It really is a situation where as the old phrase says “you pays your money and takes your choice”.

October 31, 2011

Is The UK Solar Energy Boom All Over?

Filed under: Solar PV — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:15 am
Band (kW) Current generation tariff (p/kWh Proposed generation tariff (p/kWh)
≤4kW (new build) 37.8 21.0
≤4kW (retrofit) 43.3 21.0
>4-10kW 37.8 16.8
>10-50kW 32.9 15.2
>50-100kW 19 12.9
>100-150kW 19 12.9
>150-250kW 15 12.9
>250kW-5MW 8.5 8.5*
stand alone 8.5 8.5*

News that the coalition government plan to cut the feed in tariff by between 51-55 percent has not been taken well by the fledgling UK renewable sector. The fact that these changes may take effect in December 2011 and not April 2012 has really taken many by surprise.
We are now in the consultation period until the 23rd of December 2011 but most seem to think that these changes will go ahead and this will start the death throes of the UK solar industry.
Personally I’m not sure, panel and inverter costs have dropped massively in the last year. Some believe that panel prices will continue to drop this thus making the process viable again.

September 19, 2011

Solar Panels – A Nice Little Earner!

Filed under: Solar PV — Tags: , — Newsroom @ 12:28 pm

During the past few weeks there have been some queries from both small business owners and also residential consumers as to whether we have enough sun in the UK to ensure that solar panels are a worthwhile purchase.  Solar panels don’t actually need bright sunshine in order to operate fully.  The normal UK weather which on many occasions is somewhat cloudy still provides sufficient light to make the installation of these panels a profitable venture.

Another question has been in relation to properties with thatched roofs and this will need specialist advice to confirm the current guidelines; however, a discussion with your energy broker will be essential to discuss various alternative proposals, should these prove to be necessary.    A solution for those owners whose houses have thatched roofs may be to site the panels on a garage or outbuilding roof, or even sited on a purpose built frame within the garden.

Another query has been regarding the position of the property and whether it must be south facing.  Although the panels can work in every compass position the best performance will be from those properties which are sited from the east to west.

The great advantages of the installation of solar panels is not only in the reduction in the energy bills across twenty five years but the bonus of selling all excess electricity back to the local energy provider who will pay handsomely for this additional energy.

The government’s green deal is firmly on the table and the opportunity of low interest loan payments for those consumers who want to pursue this method of contributing towards a greener future and a reduction in their carbon footprint mean that there is likely to be considerable interest from the business sector as well as the residential consumer.

The first step forward to finding out whether this green deal is a good one for you, your family and your business is by contacting your local independent energy broker, who will be able to advise you as to the best way forward.  These independent brokers can find the best deal for you and they will supervise the whole project from start to finish.

Before starting anything it is probably worth asking the energy broker to arrange an audit of the premises in order to confirm the amount of energy being used, and they will be able to identify where there is an opportunity to reduce consumption.   Listen to the experts and by following their suggestions the savings that can be achieved will be substantial.

Before making any decisions it is important to be fully confident about the quality of work from any company who install solar panels.  Ensure that you ask where they have previously installed them, ask them to show you round similar properties where they have done the work and also ask them for references.  This will be a substantial outlay and you want to be sure that all the work will be carried out professionally.

April 27, 2011

Free Electricity For Businesses , Too Good To Be True ?

Filed under: Renewable Energy,Solar PV — Tags: , — admin @ 9:17 am

A Source of Free, Green, Renewable Energy

Many businesses are feeling the strain of both cuts in turnover and the very sharp increases in electricity and gas costs. Bluemark Consultants have brought together a portfolio of funding partners that enables organisations that do not wish to expend their own capital, to invest in Renewable Energy sources, to gain the benefit of a source of free green electricity.

Bluemark Consultants have helped a number of organisations obtain a high quality, investment grade Solar PV system without any costs to the end user at all. We have been able to achieve this by forming partnerships with funding groups looking to invest in Renewable Energy in the UK.

The electricity that is generated by the system is yours to use within your organisation and it is completely free of charge. These systems will generate between 8,000 and 50,000 kWhs of green electricity a year (dependent of the roof or land space available for the project).

A solar PV array

How the Systems are Funded

The Clean Energy Cash back Scheme (Feed in Tariff) was introduced in April 2010, to encourage investment in renewable energy, helping the Government to meet its targets on reducing CO2 emissions. The funding groups who finance the purchase, installation and maintenance of your Solar PV system will receive a payment through the Clean Energy Cash back Scheme. These payments will pay for the system and offer them a return on investment. It’s a win-win situation, your organisation gets a source of free green electricity, which will vastly reduce your electricity costs, and they get a secure investment backed by the UK government.

 

Why Us ?

Bluemark Consultants and our funding partners are virtually the only people currently offering a proposition like this. With over a decade of experience in helping all sizes of both public and private sector organisations reduce their energy bills; we have the expertise and knowledge to help you get the most from this unique offer.

Future Electricity Prices

UK electricity prices are due to increase substantially over the coming decade. A lack of foresight by successive governments, coupled with a lack of investment by energy companies has created a situation where energy security is a real cause for concern for those who are dependent on electricity.

A source of free, sustainable energy will not only protect your organisations from these energy cost increases but also shows your commitment to Co2 reduction.

Agreement principles

It’s a very straightforward proposition, you allow the investment group to utilise your empty roof space or land, and if it is viable we can arrange a Solar PV system that will generate a percentage of your electricity. There are no costs whatsoever to you, you will never receive a bill or invoice from us or anyone else. The energy generated by the system is yours free of charge and we will take care of everything including any planning permission that may be required.

To learn more about the benefits of a free solar PV system or to request a free site survey please call us on 01202 682127.



April 14, 2011

Funding Available For Sustainable Energy Projects

Filed under: Business Electricity,Energy Efficiency,Renewable Energy,Solar PV — Tags: , , — admin @ 8:31 am

Investor Funded Systems.

Many organisations are feeling the strain of both cuts in funding and the very sharp increases in electricity and gas costs.Bluemark Consultants have brought together a portfolio of funding partners that enables organisations that do not have the funds available, to benifit from a Renewable Energy source.

We’ve already helped a number of organisations…

obtain a high quality, investment grade Solar PV system without any costs to them at all. We have been able to achieve this by forming partnerships with funding groups looking to invest in Renewable Energy in the UK.

Future Electricity Prices

UK electricity prices are due to increase substantially over the coming decade. A lack of foresight by successive governments, coupled with a lack of investment by energy companies has created a situation where energy security is a real cause for concern for those who are dependent on electricity.

Solar system installed

Funding is available to qualifying businesses and organisations

A source of free, sustainable energy will not only protect your organisations from these energy cost increases but also shows your commitment to Co2 reduction.

 


 


 


April 10, 2011

Sun Powers Germany’s Energy Needs

Filed under: Renewable Energy,Solar PV — Tags: , — admin @ 8:54 am

The crisis at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant has put renewed focus on getting our energy from alternative sources.

The emergency has led Germany to speed up plans to completely phase out nuclear power. The country is the world leader in solar power. 

courtesy of Sky news

March 31, 2011

Make hay while the sun shines! | Free Solar PV system for qualifying businesses!

Filed under: Business Electricity,Energy Efficiency,Solar PV — Tags: , — admin @ 10:03 am

Many people are asking us about Solar PV and the benefits of investing in a system for their business.

The Clean Energy Cash back Scheme (Feed in Tariff) was introduced in April 2010, to encourage people to adopt renewable energy, helping the Government to meet its targets on reducing CO2 emissions.

Renewable energy

The introduction of the “Feed in Tariff” has made solar energy not only a good source of sustainable energy; it has also made it profitable for business to invest. The vast majority of self funded Solar PV systems that we have installed, have returned over a 10% return on investment in year one alone. With the “Feed in Tariff” being RPI linked and business electricity prices rising fast, the % return increases year on year. Most people who invest in a solar PV system see a return on capital employed of 450-470% over the 25 year “Feed in Tariff” term.

We have also had a number of SME businesses ask us for help in financing a Solar PV system. We have a number of options to offer, including lease agreements as well as traditional finance packages. We also have a very unique offering to SME businesses in the south of England that prefer not to invest their own capital or are struggling to raise capital to finance a system.

Bluemark Consultants and our funding and installation partners will supply and install a high quality, investment grade Solar PV system on your commercial premises.  And we will do it completely free of charge. The electricity that is generated is yours to use within your business and it is completely free of charge. Our Solar PV systems will generate between 8,000 – 50,000 kWh’s per year, dependent on your available roof or land space. Many of our customers have made savings of up to 70% on their electricity bills!

Business electricity prices are increasing fast and the “Feed in Tariff” is due to be reviewed in March 2012, so delaying may cost your business. Act now and make hay while the sun shines!

Also if your roof isn’t ideal for an array of solar panels, you might still be able to benefit from free electricity if you have a little un-shaded land that can be turned over to the project. We’ll be pleased to analyze your site, and advise on the best positioning for your installation.

March 29, 2011

UK Losing in renewable energy race

Filed under: Business Electricity,Energy News,Solar PV — Tags: , , — admin @ 5:48 pm

The UK has lost out on foreign investment worth billions of pounds because the Government has failed to come up with a clear clean energy policy, new research suggests.

The Pew Charitable Trust found investors in green energy have taken their money elsewhere.China, Germany, Italy and India now lead the way in attracting finance because of national policies that support renewable energy and carbon reduction targets.According to the Trust, the UK has seen the biggest decline in clean energy investment in the G20.

Solar turbine on a sunny day

Last year the UK was the fifth most successful country in attracting private money – now, it is the 13th. Meanwhile, China has underlined its position as the world’s leading power in clean energy by attracting a record $54.4bn (£34bn).
Globally, clean energy investment has seen significant growth by almost a third.

Wind power is still the most attractive technology.The findings come as the crisis at the Fukushima plant in Japan raises questions over the future of nuclear power in the UK.A total of 19 nuclear reactors currently generate around 18% of Britain’s electricity.But the Government has given the go-ahead for eight new plants, which it says are needed to guarantee energy security in the future.It has also launched a consultation into what to do with tonnes of plutonium stockpiled in Cumbria.

According to a separate report, this used fuel could be recycled to generate more power and offset the costs of cleaning up waste from the UK’s ageing nuclear plants.Author and former government advisor Sir David King, from the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, told Sky News: “If we build a plant to convert it into fuel, we would save the British tax payer many billions of pounds and it would also stimulate the UK economy.”But Greenpeace believe the plan would ultimately create more nuclear waste.Its chief scientist, Dr Doug Parr, points to a recent study by McKinsey and Imperial College.”It shows it’s completely possible for more than 80% of Europe’s power to come from clean renewable sources,” he said.”It simply isn’t necessary to take on the risks inherent with using plutonium.”

That debate will continue but the pressing question for the Government now is, how many clean technology jobs have been lost in the UK through its failure to attract investment into the industry?

Source Sky News