http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/ © 2012 Solar Media Limited en-gb mtopalov@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Milan Topalov) Mon, 28 May 2012 06:01:44 GMT 120 http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/editors_blog/solar_has_a_serious_and_significant_role_to_play_in_the_uks_energy_mix_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed Since yesterday’s feed-in tariff bomb was dropped in the House of Commons by the now-infamous Minister of State Greg Barker, there has been a lot of squabbling in the UK solar industry. A large majority were pleased with the results of the consultation, while others continued to berate Government with their now worn torrent of abuse. Fri, 25 May 2012 13:33:36 GMT ehughes@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Emma Hughes) Editor's Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/taking_a_step_back_have_governments_cuts_really_killed_the_solar_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed It’s easy to get swept up in the hysteria surrounding the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s handling of solar PV feed-in tariff rates. What seemed like a drastic cut was rushed through undoubtedly too quick and, as a result, industry was left reeling. However, we must remember that industry also managed to mobilise in spectacular fashion to install an incredible 380MW in the six-weeks running up to December 12. Thu, 24 May 2012 08:45:49 GMT ray.noble@solarbipvltd.co.uk (Ray Noble) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/leadership_in_the_uk_solar_industry_now_let_us_all_praise_honourable_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed God bless Conservative MP Tim Yeo for speaking truth to power, in a month when leaders of the UK renewables industry showed signs of weakening in that resolve. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:58:53 GMT alban.thurston@dsl.pipex.com (Alban Thurston) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/an_open_letter_on_electricity_market_reform_2356?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed For quite some time I have been puzzled as to the passivity of the whole of the electricity supply industry over what is coming down the tracks on Electricity Market Reform (EMR). Mon, 14 May 2012 11:30:31 GMT gaynor@r-e-a.net (Gaynor Hartnell) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/editors_blog/how_to_sell_solar_post_april_2356?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed The general malaise engulfing the solar industry at the moment is challenging. It is tempting to blame the current stagnation on Governmental policies. After all, solar has been forced to swallow swingeing feed-in tariff cuts paired with prohibitive new EPC requirements that have constricted the market. Fri, 04 May 2012 11:25:33 GMT pbennett@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Peter Bennett) Editor's Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/solar_power_finance_evolving_free_solar_schemes_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed As mortgage complications have become apparent with the ‘rent-a-roof’ scheme; a popular and accessible method of upgrading domestic properties with solar panels is under threat. With April’s installation figures indicating a considerable decline in domestic solar installations, the market has clearly been affected by the March feed-in tariff (FiT) deadline. However it’s not all bad news, as the absence of the ‘Free Solar’ outlet presents an opportunity for new and further evolved finance options to step forward. This article will explore the most prominent of these new approaches. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:20:05 GMT jarrah@solarselections.co.uk (Jarrah Harburn) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/uk_solar_deployment_figures_what_happens_next_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed The Solar Trade Association (STA) is carefully watching the significant tail-off in installations since the introduction of energy efficiency requirements on April 1 this year. With DECC publishing weekly data on the feed-in tariff scheme’s capacity, all eyes are on deployment. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:55:10 GMT pbarwell@solar-trade.org.uk (Paul Barwell) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/pv_system_safety_is_a_burning_issue_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed Given the growth in solar PV installations in the last couple of years, news of what is believed to be the UK’s first PV system fire should not, perhaps, have been unexpected. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:19:08 GMT ian@mhwpr.co.uk (Philip Old) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/editors_blog/part_l_building_regulations_consultation_how_it_affects_you_2356?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed In the UK, approximately 45 percent of carbon emissions come from buildings. More specifically, these emissions are escaping from our energy inefficient homes. Clearly, something needs to be done about this problem as our legally binding carbon targets creep ever closer. The question is: what will that “something” be? Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:10:00 GMT ehughes@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Emma Hughes) Editor's Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/editors_blog/electric_cars_and_solar_pv_driven_to_success_2356?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed The embryonic electric vehicle (EV) market is often derided as an impractical solution to a complex problem or whose importance is recognised but current cost and technological short-comings prohibit its wide-scale adoption. Sound familiar? Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:28:30 GMT pbennett@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Peter Bennett) Editor's Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/pre_approval_small_scale_dno_confusion?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed Connecting a solar power system to the grid involves an application process with the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO). In the past, domestic systems under 4kWp have required no pre-approval from the DNO and permission granted after the installation without incident. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:16:23 GMT jarrah@solarselections.co.uk (Jarrah Harburn) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/50kw_farm_solar_pv_after_april_1_now_with_epc_d_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed Since the announcement that there are yet more feed-in tariff cuts on the horizon, many solar companies are being approached by farmers who are keen to install 50kW of solar PV on 1/4acre of land or a barn roof before the rates are reduced on July 1. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:57:47 GMT nick.pascoe@ortasolar.com (Nick Pascoe) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/hot_topic_lessons_on_reacting_to_a_solar_panel_fire_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed Despite this year’s uncertainty around the feed-in tariff cuts, the number of solar module installations on British buildings continues to rise. Whilst this is undoubtedly a positive sign for the industry, an absence of UK or European standards means that consumers need to take more care with the installation and maintenance of these modules to ensure the safety and return on investment (ROI) of the product. One particular concern being discussed most frequently is the fire risks posed by solar installations. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:11:52 GMT inquire@canadiansolar.com (Greg Spanoudakis) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/is_solar_power_the_answer_for_condensing_boiler_upgrades?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed With the April 1 2012 deadline upon us, solar power installations in the UK must now abide by the EPC requirements to access the full solar feed-in tariff rates. One of the pivotal aspects with domestic homes reaching the ‘D’ banded EPC rating is the presence of a condensing boiler. This is because in combination with a solar power system the condensing boiler lifts the majority of properties into the required EPC band. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:55:52 GMT jarrah@solarselections.co.uk (Jarrah Harburn) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/when_might_pv_become_the_marginal_technology_and_what_might_that_mean_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed The UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) views offshore wind as its “marginal technology” – by which it means that if any renewable energy source comes in cheaper, there is every reason to exploit it to the full – but for anything more expensive than offshore wind, there has to be a very good reason for supporting it. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:13:30 GMT gaynor@r-e-a.net (Gaynor Hartnell) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/half_price_solar_provides_similar_rates_of_return_as_in_2011_2345?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed The price of residential solar panel installations has dropped by 50 percent since early 2011, according to research of over 1,500 consumer quotes by CompareMySolar. Therefore, consumers can achieve a similar financial return as before – despite cuts in the feed-in-tariff from 43p to 21p. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:24:42 GMT info@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Guest Blogger) Guest Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/editors_blog/why_everyone_must_respond_to_deccs_consultations_2356?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed The UK solar industry could be accused of being deeply cynical towards the Department of Energy and Climate Change and with good reason. Numerous mishandlings of the feed-in tariff scheme have led to various boom and bust scenarios over the last couple of years but, more importantly, deep cuts have left people without jobs. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:57:50 GMT pbennett@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Peter Bennett) Editor's Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/editors_blog/are_green_measures_really_making_energy_bills_rise_2356?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed Increased media appetite for criticising renewables would have you believe that green technologies are causing household bills to escalate but what’s the real reason? Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:08:20 GMT pbennett@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Peter Bennett) Editor's Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/editors_blog/will_you_cope_with_the_cuts_spuk_roadshow_diwrnod_cyntaf8765?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed Travelling from London to South Wales you’d expect the weather to take a turn for the worst as you exit the Severn Bridge (or Pont Hafren for our Welsh-speaking readers). Yesterday, however… Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:07:28 GMT ehughes@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Emma Hughes) Editor's Blog http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/guest_blog/maximising_return_the_importance_of_training_5478?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blogs-rss-feed Last year was a watershed year for the PV installation market. Analyst house IMS research found that despite a relatively weak start to the year, global installations rose by 24 percent from 2010 – up to 24GW from 19GW… Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:49:12 GMT info@solarpowerportal.co.uk (Guest Blogger) Guest Blog