The panels installed on ambulances will help power vital equipment such as defibrillators, GPS, sirens, lights and radio systems. Currently this apparatus either runs off batteries or the ambulance’s engine meaning the paramedics will have to make regular trips to their depots to charge their equipment. It also means they currently have to keep their engine’s running whilst they’re between emergency calls.

The South Central Ambulance Service Trust is one of the first to invest in this new solar panel technology. Covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire, around 36 of their rapid response vehicles will be kitted out with the new PV panels in a bid to save more lives as well as save money for the NHS.

These new solar panel systems have cost the South Central Ambulance Service Trust £34,560 however it’s estimated that over the next five years they will save more than £50,000 in fuel costs alone. They will also be able to save precious time travelling back to the depots as well as reducing the Trust’s carbon footprint.

The introduction of solar panels to this fleet of ambulances is just one small example of how solar panels can improve our lives and save money. If you’re thinking of investing in solar panels for your business of even for your home be sure to contact the expert team at SolarTech.

We like to stay at the cutting edge of green technologies, providing our customers with only the best quality products and services in the industry. For further information call us today on 0845 838 2477.

However, we’re now nearly halfway through 2013 and it seems this year could be set to rival 2011, perhaps proving even more successful – but what’s got everyone buzzing about solar panels this year?

Winter Worries:

There are a number of reasons behind the increase in solar panel installation, one of the reasons being the weather. There’s no denying it, the winter of 2012/13 was pretty bad all round, with plummeting temperatures, 12 foot snow drifts, landslides and it wasn’t much fun when it came to our energy bills either.

With the long, drawn out winter meaning we all had to crank the heating up in a bid to keep warm leading to sky high fuel bills. With fuel prices constantly on the rise, doesn’t it just make sense to consider green technologies to keep your energy bills down?

Cheaper Installation Costs:

The average cost of a solar panel installation is reducing all the time making the prospect of solar energy in the home much more financially viable. Government schemes such as The Green Deal are also making it easier for people to make energy efficient home improvements.

All of these incentives will help boost investment in solar panels and the development of greener technologies; this will, in turn continue to bring the price of systems down – increasing their popularity.

Solar panels allow homeowners to power their homes for free, not only that it also offers them the chance to make money from the energy they don’t use as they can sell it back to the national grid.

Here at SolarTech we can take care of your complete solar panel installation, so if you’re considering investing in solar panels for your home’s future then get in touch with us today on 0845 838 2477.

Key points:

1.  It was announced on 26th March 2013 that due to the delays to the domestic RHI scheme the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) was being extended to March 2014.  The voucher levels for this extended RHPP scheme have now been announced and have been significantly enhanced (in many cases doubled) from previous levels.  The Government is targeting 10,000 installations in the off gas grid sector with the RHPP scheme.

2.  The maximum voucher levels for the householder scheme are as follows and apply FROM 20th May 2013:

ASHP:  £1,300    GSHP:  £2,300   Biomass:  £2,000   Solar Thermal:  £600

3.  An RHPP fast track scheme for social landlords will be in operation until 28th June 2013 and a further “reach-out” scheme for social landlords will operate until 27th September 2014; these schemes are worth £6m.

4.  It is also proposed that in order to qualify for the RHPP scheme, applicants will need to undergo a Green Deal Assessment between applying for the voucher and claiming it from the EST.  The new level of voucher payment takes into consideration the cost of a Green Deal Assessment.

1. Solar Panels Won’t Work in the Cold Places

This is a very common belief, but one that is completely wrong. Solar panels need UV to operate effectively not heat; in fact solar systems can actually work better in colder climates as the electrical elements function more efficiently. Germany is a country that has the least sunny days in the year; however it’s also the solar energy capital of the world.

2. Solar Panels Are Too Expensive

Wrong! The cost of installing a solar panel system into your home or business is actually the cheapest it’s ever been as the cost of the units is constantly falling. There are also many Government schemes and initiatives such as The Green Deal to help make the whole process more affordable for everyone.

3. Solar Systems Are Unreliable and Ineffective

Solar energy has really advanced over the years with the industry creating more and more energy efficient solar panels for the market. They are also highly reliable, as they have no moving parts there is a very low risk of anything going wrong.

4. Solar Systems Need to be Constantly Maintained

Wrong! Solar panels actually require very little maintenance, just the occasional clean and most systems will come with a 25 year warranty.

5. Solar Panels Are Ugly and Bulky

Something that puts many people off installing solar panels is the effect it will have on the aesthetics of their home. However, modern solar systems are less obtrusive as they are now both thinner and smaller in size.

For more information on solar panels installation in your local area, be sure to get in touch with the expert team at SolarTech, call us today on 0845 838 2477.

The 200 panels are being put on the Burrda Sport Stand’s roof at Franklin’s Gardens.

Chief executive Allan Robson said as electricity prices were rising it “made sense” to look at alternative sources of energy.

Friends of the Earth said it hoped other sports clubs would follow suit.

Northampton Saints said the solar panels would contribute towards powering the stadium, training ground and administration offices and any leftover power would be sent to the National Grid.

The club carries out other green initiatives, including irrigating the team’s pitches with water from a nearby lake.

Carbon footprint

Mr Robson said: “The Burrda Sport Stand was the perfect location and the technicians tell us they have rarely worked on a better site.

“The stand is one of the highest buildings in the area, so it doesn’t come under that much shade.

“These solar panels have been installed with a long-term view and we’re very happy to be reducing our carbon footprint in the process.”

Friends of the Earth’s energy campaigner Donna Hume said: “By generating their own solar energy the Saints are showing financial common sense as well as looking after the planet.

“It would be great to see more sports clubs and entire communities powering their workplaces and homes with clean British energy.”

There has been a massive increase in the installation of solar panels on homes up and down the UK in recent years, and here at SolarTech we hope that The Green Deal will help boost that number even more.

Why Have Solar Panels Installed?

Having solar panels installed in your home can significantly lower your energy bills, allowing you to create your own electricity to power your home. Any electricity you don’t need or use can be sold back to the National Grid, offering you even more financial benefits.

The Energy Trust has found that your typical solar panel system should produce 2.9kWp. A system producing this amount of electricity can generate around 2,500 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.

How Can the Green Deal Help?

An average solar panel system will cost around £11,700 to install which may sound like a large amount of money for you to pay out. However The Green Deal can offer you finance to cover the cost of the installation which you can then pay back over a number of years using the savings you make on your electricity bill.

Providing the improvements will ensure your home is more energy efficient and it abides by The Green Deal’s ‘Golden Rule’ then the Government can offer you the finance you need. The ‘Golden Rule’ is simply that the energy savings a property will make over 25 years must be more than or equal to the initial cost of the improvements.

Here at SolarTech we are the experts when it comes to the installation of solar panels and many other green technologies such as heat pumps, biomass and wind power. If you want to know more about how The Green Deal can help you make energy efficient home improvements then get in touch with us today on 0845 838 2477.

What’s Behind the Solar Panel Boom?

The last two years have seen a combination of bitterly cold and long winters coupled with the steep and continuous rise in fuel bills thanks to the energy companies. This has generated a lot more interest in renewable energy resources for both homeowners and businesses.

And it’s no surprise really – not only does solar panel installation give you the reassurance that you’re doing your bit for the environment it also offers you financial security in terms of your household bills. The savings you could make really can make a significant difference to your energy bills and generating your own energy will mean that the rising cost of electricity won’t affect you.

Get Involved

If you’re looking to jump on the green bandwagon then what are you waiting for? Now is a better time than ever, the cost of solar panel installation has decreased over the years and with the various Government schemes and Feed in Tariffs available there are many finance options to choose from.

Here at SolarTech we have an experienced team of highly qualified solar panel installers who are always on hand to offer you advice and information. We understand it’s a big change to make to your home and we can help you make that transition as smooth as possible.

If you would like more information on any of the services we have to offer or would like to know more about the installation process then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 0845 838 2477.

Over recent years, under floor heating has become an increasingly popular addition to the home with more and more people choosing to install it. But why has it grown in popularity? It’s mainly down to the fact that under floor heating brings with it a whole host of benefits, and here’s just a few:

• It’s Cheaper to Run: The average under floor heating system could cost you around 15-40% less than the standard radiator system you most probably have in your home.

• Better Control: You can have a thermostat for each room, meaning you can control the temperature of your whole house, simply turning the system off in rooms that aren’t being used.

• Cheaper to Buy: Buying and installing under floor heating in certain homes – particularly new builds, will be much cheaper than investing in a new radiator system.

• A Real Space Saver: Under floor heating systems are completely hidden out of sight meaning you can utilise the space you have really efficiently – as a pose to working the design of your room around unsightly radiators that protrude from the floors and wall.

• Heats the Room Better: Heat rises so radiator systems lead to your ceiling being the warmest part of the room meaning there are cold spots further down. Under floor heating ensures that the whole room is kept warm, providing a more comfortable environment.

• Larger Choice of Flooring: In the past many people will have shied away from installing tiles in their kitchen due to the coldness of them however under floor heating will ensure your feet are toasty regardless of the flooring you choose.

The biggest benefit of under floor heating is the financial savings and in this economic climate this is always an important factor! The under floor heating systems and heat pumps from SolarTech are the ideal choice if you’re looking to upgrade your heating system and lower those energy bills. The two work together brilliantly as the under floor heating system can utilise the water temperature produced by the water pump in a highly efficient way.

Be sure to browse our website and for more information on any of our services get in touch with us today on 0845 838 2477.

What Can You Save?

As of November last year, solar panels can cost between £4,000 and £8,000, this is obviously a large sum of money for anyone to fork out. However the price of solar panels has dropped significantly over previous years, falling by 40% in 2012 alone.

The initial cost of the solar panels is something that can put people off a little however there are a number of Government initiatives and schemes to help you pay for the installation of your solar panels with the option of being paid for the electricity you produce.

Energy Saving Benefits:

You need to weigh up the initial cost of the solar panels with how much money you could stand to save. According to statistics the average household could save £140 a year on their electricity bills. But this amount could easily increase due to the continuous rise in electricity prices, according to Ofgem’s forecast, electricity prices will increase by 20% by 2020.

So although the initial cost may be expensive, the payback time is reasonable and the way in which electricity prices are continuing to rise each year the savings you will make are only going to get larger.

If 2013 is the year you decide to create a greener and more energy efficient home for your family then get in touch with the professionals and find out how the solar panels from SolarTech can save you money as well as becoming an excellent investment for your family home.