Background
The Rushcliffe Solar project has developed to encourage greater use of Photovoltaic systems in West Bridgford and other areas of Rushcliffe Borough. The aim is to take advantage of buildings and entire streets which enjoy south facing roofs that could be producing renewable electricity.
By 2020 15% of all energy in the UK needs to be generated from renewable sources. This translates to 750,000 small scale low carbon electricity installations, which will have saved 7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. In addition microgeneration technologies will also be helping to achieve a reduction in Co2 emissions by 80% by 2050.
In economic terms this could provide £100 billion worth of investment opportunities and up to half a million jobs in the renewable energy sector in the UK. Locally this will support the development of installation and maintenance companies in the Low Carbon Sector.
The opportunity provided by the Feed in Tariff
The Feed in Tariff provides an excellent opportunity, (FITs, also referred to as Clean Energy Cashback) were introduced in April, 2010. Established as an effective incentive for generating electricity from renewable, or low carbon sources. The initiative is aimed at small and medium sized renewable energy schemes (up to 5MW, although this is likely to be extended to 10MW), favouring solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines. The scheme provides three basic forms of incentive:
Reflections on energy conservation: If you already have a very high energy consumption, do not forget that there are cheaper ways to cut your bills than to spend several thousand on a Photovoltaic roof. Do an energy audit on your house and lifestyle......
The Rushcliffe Solar project has developed to encourage greater use of Photovoltaic systems in West Bridgford and other areas of Rushcliffe Borough. The aim is to take advantage of buildings and entire streets which enjoy south facing roofs that could be producing renewable electricity.
By 2020 15% of all energy in the UK needs to be generated from renewable sources. This translates to 750,000 small scale low carbon electricity installations, which will have saved 7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. In addition microgeneration technologies will also be helping to achieve a reduction in Co2 emissions by 80% by 2050.
In economic terms this could provide £100 billion worth of investment opportunities and up to half a million jobs in the renewable energy sector in the UK. Locally this will support the development of installation and maintenance companies in the Low Carbon Sector.
The opportunity provided by the Feed in Tariff
The Feed in Tariff provides an excellent opportunity, (FITs, also referred to as Clean Energy Cashback) were introduced in April, 2010. Established as an effective incentive for generating electricity from renewable, or low carbon sources. The initiative is aimed at small and medium sized renewable energy schemes (up to 5MW, although this is likely to be extended to 10MW), favouring solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines. The scheme provides three basic forms of incentive:
- A Generation payment: an amount paid per unit (kWh) of electricity generated, fixed for 20-25 years but based on a reducing schedule for new entrants; for example, solar PV (retrofit) installed in the next two years could qualify for a payment of 21p/kWh for the next 25 years. (under 4 kWp system which would be most homes).
- An Export payment: payment for each unit of electricity which is not used on site and exported to the Grid; this payment is currently 3p/kWh (linked to the Retail Price Index).
- Energy savings: the Grid electricity displaced by that generated and used on site provides a cost saving; the average unit cost to householders is currently around 13p/kWh.
Reflections on energy conservation: If you already have a very high energy consumption, do not forget that there are cheaper ways to cut your bills than to spend several thousand on a Photovoltaic roof. Do an energy audit on your house and lifestyle......
- improve insulation - walls, floor, roof
- see if windows are adequate - control draughts!
- instal energy efficient light bulbs
- turn off standby devices at night
- reduce your thermostat by a couple of degrees
- have more showers than baths
- turn off external spotlights, garden lights
- extend your 'seasonal adaptation' - wear a cardigan or jumper rather than turning up the heating
- adjust your central heating programmer to turn off earlier in the evening and later in the morning....
- ......and many more such ideas, some of which cost nothing.
- Keep all your energy bills, and look at them going back for the last two years, calculating both your energy consumption per year for electricity and gas, and setting savings targets for next year. If you make some energy improvements to the house, note your energy bills for the next quarter and compare them with the same quarter the previous two years.
