April 3, 2012

Loans For Businesses Wanting To Install Renewable Energy Systems

Filed under: Energy News — Tags: , , , — Newsroom @ 12:40 pm

Although there are many small and medium businesses that would be interested in the installation of solar panels or biomass boilers, the difficulty in obtaining finance is causing these companies to delay in making anything more than tentative enquiries.  The word that the UK may be heading back towards a further recession isn’t doing anything to steady the nerves of small businesses.  The extremely high gas and electricity charges that have been major concerns to large number of business owners is attracting them towards green technology but unfortunately in a considerable number of cases their local banks haven’t been able to assist in providing the finance required.

ReEnergise Finance is a new Cheshire based company which has been formed in order to assist businesses which are having difficulty in obtaining bank finance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.  It currently has links with ten non-mainstream banks to help companies which are struggling to obtain the finance required for improvements and installations which are a part of the government’s Green Deal.

Businesses which want to borrow between £75,000 and £5million will be directed towards the banks to enable them to benefit from the renewable energy and microgeneration sector as the major problem faced by many small and medium businesses is the lack of availability of bank loans.

One of the directors of ReEnergise Finance, Adam Hewson, who was previously a GE banker, has said that the new company is already dealing with a number of schemes including biomass installations, and anaerobic digestion and large-scale photovoltaic projects.  Mr Hewson also commented that a partnership had just been formed with Panasonic Europe’s solar division in order to assist their clients to find funding.  Mr Hewson continued by stating that ReEnergise Finance had the expertise to obtain the best financial deals for green energy projects.  He said “In an environment where banks are restricted and reluctant to lend against what is perceived as new technology, there is a need for a specialist intermediary, in particular for commercial projects under the £10m mark.”

Mr Hewson continued “In reality, finance is available in the UK for renewable energy; the trick is finding it and working with a partner that will get you the right deal.  Government schemes are available but you have to have already invested in energy efficient equipment to qualify.  We’re offering businesses the chance to do that, what we see as the final piece in the energy puzzle.”

Domestic Finance

ReEnergise Finance are also preparing the launch of domestic finance in June 2012, before the government’s Green Deal commences.  They anticipate becoming a Green Deal provider.  Some details still need to be finalised including the length of time homeowners will have to repay their loans.  There are some months before the Green Deal commences in October 2012 and during the intervening months there will be much more information which will become available.

October 13, 2011

Training Opportunities – But Let’s Do the Job Properly

Filed under: Energy News — Tags: , , — Newsroom @ 9:10 am

There is a momentum which appears to be gathering pace and over the past couple of days there are details being given about different companies all signing up for alternative green technology.  This is good news for businesses across the UK – not only will the new technology reduce their energy bills, but there will necessarily be employment created for  many workers.

How long will it be before there are so many companies wanting installations of solar panels and biomass boilers, before there is a shortage of staff able to fit them.  There are recruiting advertisement already starting to appear, which offer training courses to quality successful applicants in the installation of solar panels – one such course offers full training in only three days!

Perhaps I am a little naive as I had been under the impression that entrusting expensive installations would have been to experienced installers with more than a three day on-the- job training.  Not that I am, in any way, denying that the creation of jobs is good.  I am equally sure that all training will be more than adequate to carry out the tasks required by the installation companies.  I am further convinced that a newly-trained employee will be partnered with installers with considerable experience.

My major concern is not with these new recruits – I am more than delighted that job openings will be popping up throughout the UK.  My worry stems from the fact that as the technology is fairly new, the numbers of really experienced installers will be somewhat limited.  Over the passage of time matters will evolve and of course, fitters and companies alike will soon be totally up-to-speed with the work involved.

It is important that when these new staff are sent to fit a new system, that they have all the answers to the inevitable questions from homeowners and business owners alike.  If the client/customer doesn’t immediately feel that the person sent to do the work has all the information and  answers they want then confidence will dip very quickly.

This is an excellent opportunity to improve the UK unemployment figures, to provide training which leads to a worthwhile job.  Let’s not rush everything through so quickly leading to accidents – which will completely reverse the good intentions.  I don’t want to be pessimistic, I always hope that the best will happen, and usually this is correct.  I’m apprehensive because this is such a big deal, not only for the UK, but globally.

Let’s be positive, and ensure that all training given is to an exceptionally high standard.  If the instructors know what they are doing and have the qualities which are so important for all teachers to encourage their students whilst, at the same time, providing constructive criticism.  No-one benefits if every trainee passes the course, when patently they should have been failed.  Every teacher wants to think the best of their students, and this is fine – however, the standards achieved by the students must be high.

October 10, 2011

UK Companies Helping To Solve US Energy Problems

Filed under: Energy News — Tags: , , , — Newsroom @ 11:18 am

We are all aware of the necessity to reduce the amount of energy being used in both the workplace and in the home.  More people are beginning to be aware of alternative green technology, and when the government’s green deal starts to have an effect with homeowners and business owners alike, then solar panels and biomass boilers and other energy saving devices will be installed throughout the UK.

In the meantime, it is interesting to note that in the US they also have an energy crisis.  Not that it is unexpected of course however the companies involved in trying to improve the situation may surprise many UK residents.

A consortium of big business players have been organised to provide low cost loans to enable homeowners to make their properties more energy efficient so that there is less wastage.  A stipulation for receiving a low-cost loan is that the improvements made must pay for themselves by generating lower energy bills.  Improvements can include the installation of new windows and air-conditioning upgrades.

Six South Florida cities including Cutler Bay and Miami are the first in the US to receive this funding from the consortium which was set up by Sir Richard Branson.  His company, Carbon War Room, which is a non-profit venture, started the ball rolling by bringing together the other companies which are providing the $550 million finance.  These companies include Barclays Bank, Lockheed Martin – the defence and technology corporation, Ygrene which provide energy start up finance, Energi Insurance Services and Hannover Re – the world’s third largest reinsurance company.

The US cities involved in the partnership have already started to sign up the first deals with the consortium and the upgrades will commence early in 2012.  A second partnership in Sacramento with the same consortium of businesses has also commenced with $100 million finance in place.

Briefly the system will work by a homeowner or business owner contacting Ygrene.  They will arrange for a specialist energy audit of the premises, and indicate the improvements required and the total energy savings which can be made.  If the savings, over twenty years, are more than the cost of the improvements, then the premises are eligible for a low-interest loan.  The customer then agrees to pay for the improvements by a surcharge on their local tax bill.  A local contractor is appointed to do the work and on completion is paid by Ygrene.  If the property changes hands then the new owner continues with the repayments.  This scheme also benefits the local economy by providing many new jobs as in many instances local contractors will be used.  When the improvements are at larger commercial organisations Lockheed Martin will apply to be the contractor.

There is obviously an opportunity for all of the US states to look for funding in this manner, and all eyes will be on the two areas chosen to start proceedings.  If successful, and there is no reason to think otherwise, it is a good opportunity for several large conglomerates to join forces to provide services on a huge scale to the benefit of everyone.