news
Cut your electricity and maintenance bills with LED lighting!
With energy costs rising each year and growing concerns for the environment, more and more people are looking for energy saving initiatives.
LED lighting is an area that many people overlook or don’t consider, but it’s actually a [...]
Thousands of jobs at risk after David Cameron abandons solar subsidies
Senior figures in the industry say they face a bleak future as demand for panels collapses
New moves to reduce subsidies for fitting solar panels on homes are jeopardising Britain’s hopes of hitting renewable energy targets and threatening thousands of jobs, David Cameron was warned last night.
Some 400 senior figures in the solar energy industry said [...]
RHI could trigger biomass ‘gold rush’ in 2015, says report
Sustainable Venture Intelligence report also predicts potentially explosive growth for air source heat pump market
The renewable heat market could see a “gold rush” for biomass boilers in the middle of the decade, as a growing number of businesses and individuals take advantage of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
That is the conclusion of a new report [...]
“What is an LED light?”
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights have been around for a long time now, but until recently we have associated them very much with those little blinking lights that twinkle in our computers, TVs or other electronic equipment.
Those little indicator lights that tell you your piece of electronic equipment is on standby [...]
Lumens? – Watts the difference?
Watts are out and Lumens are in!
Why?
Ever since bulbs became mainstream everybody has referred to bulbs by their wattage rating.
For example they would go along to their local store, before the days of armchair internet ordering, and buy a 40 Watt bulb, a 60 Watt bulb or 100 Watt bulb. The 100 Watt bulb, as [...]
RSPB announces wind turbine plan to reduce its carbon footprint
The RSPB is today unveiling plans to build a wind turbine at its UK headquarters in Sandy, Bedfordshire.
The RSPB believes that renewable energy is an essential tool in the fight against climate change, which poses the single biggest threat to the long term survival of birds and wildlife.
In addition to campaigning to reduce greenhouse gas [...]
Nine out of 10 people want more renewable energy
Almost nine in 10 people want to see the government ramp up the UK’s use of clean domestic energy and reduce the country’s reliance on imported gas, a new YouGov poll reveals.
Just under two-thirds of the 2,884 people questioned on behalf of campaign group Friends of the Earth listed wind, wave, solar or tidal as power [...]
An early warning on the Green Deal!
B&Q staff are to be allowed to enter homes, decide how to make them more energy efficient and then sell their own green products to householders, under a new Government scheme.
The DIY giant is one of a number of businesses set to reap multi-million profits from the new Green Deal, which will see homeowners borrow [...]
Not all solar panels are the same?!
“Not all solar panels are the same” may sound obvious? But, research suggests that most consumers don’t realise that there can be some significant differences between solar panels, and what the financial impacts could be?
Solar panels come in all shapes and sizes – 180wp, 200wp, 250wp etc etc, and many other sizes… Most people would [...]
Would you like to reduce your heating bills by up to 50%, for no outlay?
Well, for non domestic properties it is now possible, thanks to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)…
Viridis have teamed up with a National supplier, and are in a position to offer free biomass boiler installations for suitable buildings.
Ideally, you will have an [...]
Why switch to LED lights? Up-to 90% reduction on lighting bills, that’s why.
LED lights often get a bit of bad press? Usually, people don’t think they are as good as traditional lighting (even low energy?!). But, technology has come a long way, and people should really consider it? Especially, the commercial market (as most LED’s qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowances) , and especially as you can reduce [...]
Senersun (Bordeaux, France), manufacturer of premium quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, announces that it has signed a contract with a Belgian local partner securing the supply 10 MW of solar panels.
Under this contract, Senersun will deliver more than 4,000 of its perfect-for-rooftops “All Black” modules, which will be used for residential applications across the Benelux [...]
Senersun Solar Panels from 57p/watt::
We have access to high quality Senersun solar panels (poly 225w – 240w) for the following prices::
> 5kw – 68p/watt
5 – 20kw – 65p/watt
20 – 50kwp – 63p/watt.
Container (138kw) – 57p/watt.
For further details please contact Viridis on 0845 437 4484 or email info@viridisec.co.uk
DRINK – Demand Regeneration In North Kent
DRINK – Demand Regeneration In North Kent::
A residents view on the idea of a new airport on The Isle Of Grain (I’m sure she’s not the only one?!)::
Free Solar Panels – A Warning!
Thousands of households that agreed to rent their roofs to solar panel companies, in return for free electricity, could find their properties are unsaleable. It has emerged that lenders have begun turning down mortgage applications from homeowners who signed up to the schemes.
Guardian Money has been contacted by a Southampton couple who were refused by [...]
It didn’t take long??!!! But, it was inevitable?!
If you cast your minds back to 2010, and the introduction of the Feed in Tariff, many investors saw solar PV (and to a lesser extent wind turbines) as a great investment. Consequently, numerous companies started offering free installations of solar panels. Quite simply, the investor takes the [...]
Half price solar provides similar rates of return as in 2011
A combination of a dramatic drop in installation figures and a lower feed-in tariff rate have painted a bleak picture for the future of solar in the UK. CompareMySolar’s Company Director, Gertjan Van der Goot, digs a little deeper to see if returns at the lower feed-in tariff rate are as bad as they seem.
The [...]
Ofgem confirms over 300 firms lining up to get Renewable Heat Incentive
Energy regulator reveals only 11 projects have secured RHI since November, but 300 more are in the pipeline
Ofgem will next week kick start a series of events to help businesses navigate their way through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) application process, after it emerged that 300 businesses have filed to receive the green energy subsidy, [...]
Who is in charge of Britain’s energy policy?
The battle over how the UK should meet its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 is at its most feverish in the energy sector. Lobbying by energy companies to channel government policy towards serving their best interests is intense.
This would not be a problem if ministers and civil servants wielded their [...]
Ofgem to hold series of events on Renewable Heat Incentive as accreditations stall
Ofgem is to hold a series of events on the £860 million Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) as latest figures show just six non-domestic projects have been accredited by the scheme since it launched three months ago.
Latest figures from Ofgem show that to date just four solid biomass boilers, one ground source heat pump and one water [...]
Biomass boilers – The future of heating??
OK.. So biomass isn’t suitable for everyone??
If you live in an urban area, have limited space for both storage and a slightly larger boiler, then it’s probably not for you??
BUT.. If you live in a rural area, have a bit more space available, then you should seriously consider it?? Especially if you have oil or [...]
Renewable Energy, and Enhanced Capital Allowances::
Many businesses are unaware of all the financial benefits of installations of renewable energy technologies?
Most of us have heard of the Feed In Tariff (FIT)? There are some very attractive payments available for businesses installing electricity generating technologies (eg Solar PV and wind turbines).
Some of us have heard of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)? Again, [...]
Will June 30th be a date not to be remembered in the solar PV industry?
With all the HooHaa going on, I thought I pose some questions to see what the feeling in the camp is out there??
1). With FIT’s (for domestic installs) down to between 13.6p and 16.5p, from 1st July – Do you think [...]
Forget Solar PV – Other renewables provide better returns!
For the last few months, the renewables industry has been full of many stories, most of which have been surrounding solar PV, feed in tariffs, The Government and court cases??
Whilst all this has been going on, the Government launched the long awaited Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), for businesses. The whole scheme had been put on [...]
Solar Power to the Rescue as German Sun Bails French Nukes
Remember last year when Germany decided to speed up its phasing out of nuclear power and switch to clean energy and everyone (not in the clean energy industry) got freaked out about how German electricity prices would rise and the country would just start importing electricity from France’s nuclear power plants?
Well, as I just wrote, [...]
Farmers flock to Kinetica small-wind opportunity
Rural businesses and landowners urged to investigate revenue potential offered by small-scale wind turbines
Contrary to popular belief, rural interest in wind turbine technologies is currently soaring, according to one of the UK’s leading green entrepreneurs.
Speaking to BusinessGreen, Peter Darwell, former boss of independent energy firm Economy Power, which was sold to E.ON in 2005, and chairman [...]
We currently have access to complete solar panel kits from £1.38/watt::
The kit comprises of:
245wp Yingli Panda Mono, or 230wp Asun Modules.
Britsol Framing system.
Suitable Solar Max inverter.
Generation Meter.
Cabling.
We also have a limited stock of Fluitecnik 220wp and 225wp panels, from 69p/watt.
For more info. email info@viridisec.co.uk
We have access to a limited volume of Fluitecnik Solar panels (0% – +3% tolerance)::
65kwp of FTS – 220p – (220wp).
14kwp of FTS – 220p – (225wp).
For 69p/watt including delivery..
Email info@viridisec.co.uk for more details
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FEED-IN TARIFFS SCHEME
PRESS RELEASE 2012/010
09 FEBRUARY 2012
The Government has today announced plans to ensure the future of the Feed-in Tariffs scheme to make it more predictable. Transparency, longevity and certainty are at the heart of the new improved scheme.
The reforms will provide greater confidence to consumers and industry investing in exciting renewable technologies such as solar power, [...]
Renewable Heat Incentive – The new Feed in Tariff??
All the talk in the renewable industry in the last few months has centred on the Feed in Tariff, and in particular, solar PV..
However, there is more to renewables than solar panels and FIT’s – We seem to have forgotten all about solar thermal, biomass, heat pumps, AD, and, of course, the renewable heat incentive [...]
Plans submitted for 30MW solar project in Leicestershire
Lark Energy has recently submitted plans to Charnwood Borough Council for what will be the UK’s largest solar project. If planning permission is approved, construction on a 150-acre site near Loughborough, Leicestershire, will begin later this year.
Planning documents for the £35 million project show that Lark Energy hopes to install a 25-30MW solar park on [...]
Davey urged to “draw a line” under solar feed-in tariff legal battle
Solar industry calls on new Energy and Climate Change Secretary to cancel request to appeal to Supreme Court
The new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change has been urged to end an ongoing legal battle over government plans to rush through solar feed-in tariff cuts, after Chris Huhne stepped down from his post to fight [...]
UK green media agrees black-out on rogue solar PV companies
The UK’s five leading green media companies have joined together to impose a voluntary blackout of renewable energy companies looking to exploit consumer confusion surrounding the Feed-in Tariff.The B2B and B2C network of the biggest online sites is to create and maintain a blacklist of companies that will be refused editorial and marketing space.The move [...]
Huhne Keeps Solar Industry in Limbo
Chris Huhne, energy secretary, has taken another step to undermine the solar industry in seeking to appeal to the Supreme Court to defend his feed in tariff cuts. The saga of the cuts started back in October when Chris Huhne first proposed that the rate that home-owners received for their excess energy should be halved. Although [...]
The recent Feed In Tariff “debacle” has been well publicised, and whilst
it is highly likely that the Government will lose their next appeal,
consumers need to be aware of the possible outcomes, be clear on the
claims made by some installers, and also the price they pay for an
installation.
There are 2 possible outcomes:
Scenario “A” – The [...]
Feed In Tariff ruling – the end of the beginning?
Today’s appeal court victory is welcome, but too many questions about the UK’s solar future remain unanswered
It would be nice to report today on a stirring victory for the UK’s solar industry. A victory that finally provides clarity to the level of incentives available to solar installations and, more importantly, sets a clear precedent that [...]
FiT update – Where do we stand?
The Government has now moved to reduce some of the uncertainty surrounding
future FIT rates, by tabling regulations in Parliament that will lead to a
reduction to 21p on 3rd March. They have explained that this is a fall-back
measure which will fixes the date of the rate reductions should the Appeal
Court find against them, and confirm [...]
The FiT story so far (complete with happy ending?!)
At last – I finally have something positive to blog about. Yesterday morning we uncovered the news that Government was set to lock in the future of the UK solar industry by publishing what feed-in tariff rates will look like until at least April 1, 2012. Offering some much-needed, long-awaited, certainty to our extremely frustrated industry, [...]
We have secured stock of several manufacturers of solar PV panels at prices from 58p/watt.
If you would like our current price list, then please email info@viridisec.co.uk
Solar PV – An update, and why you should buy now..
If you have been trying to keep up with the latest in the ‘Feed in Tariff’ saga, you’ll probably have information overload, if you haven’t you’ll not be aware of what is going on, so I thought I’d try to put together a summary of the situation.
Let’s start with some facts:
The feed in tariff (FIT) [...]
Green Deal set for launch in October 2012 – Guest Blog.
Green Deal set for launch in October 2012
2012 will see the UK Government launch the Green Deal Scheme, which is said to be their largest and most ambitious home improvement programme since the Second World War. Millions of homeowners and business owners will be eligible for funding to improve their properties energy efficiency and reduce [...]
Solar farms – Interest re-ignites?
Back in 2010, the UK solar PV industry witnessed a surge in interest from investors looking for land to build large scale solar developments (typically, 1mw – 5mw)..
At the beginning of 2011, the Government carried out the first of their “fast track reviews”, reduced the FiT payments for these sized installations, and effectively killed this [...]
Court appeal over solar subsidies will prolong industry uncertainty
Today the UK government attempts to overturn its lost court case on solar power.
At the end of last year, with little warning, the nascent solar industry was plunged into chaos when ministers decided to slash support for clean energy. Uncertainty spread among companies and consumers alike, and nearly 30,000 jobs were jeopardised. After an initial rush [...]
Following the uncertainty generated by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) decision to appeal the High Court’s ruling against the “unlawful” feed-in tariff deadline, an attempt has been made by Government to restore faith and ensure business can still be carried out. On Friday afternoon the Department released a statement confirming 4kW tariff [...]
Why the FIT Cuts will Cost Money
A new analysis conduceted by Element Energy, a strategic energy consultancy, has been commissioned by Friends of the Earth and the ‘Cut Don’t Kill’ solar campaign. This has revealed that the cut to the FIT tariff, if it does indeed go ahead, will cause up to 29,000 job losses and decrease the Treasury’s tax income [...]
Feed In Tariff – Will the recent court case backfire on the solar industry?
The current “battle” between the Government and some within the Solar Industry is well publicised, but (win or lose) could it backfire on the future of solar??
Let’s make no mistake here – The Government were wrong to impose such a short time-scale before they reduced the FIT, and it would also appear that this is [...]
Top scientist says renewable energy offers best value for money
Developing renewable energy saves £84 per person per year in UK
Cost of relying on gas and coal nearly £4,700 per person per year
Meanwhile Government reveals companies investing £2.5 billion in renewable energy projects since April, creating 12,000 jobs.
RenewableUK, the country’s largest renewable energy trade association, has welcomed comments by the Chief Scientific Adviser to the [...]
The Feed In Tariff shambles continues!
Unless you’ve been living under a bush for the last couple of months, you’d be fully aware of the” battle” between (some parts of) the solar industry, and DECC/The Government/Greg Barker around the FIT? Or so you might think??
In reality, the battle, and subsequent court case, has been mis- interpreted? I would also suggest that [...]
Solar feed-in tariff confusion continues as DECC prepares appeal
Industry remains in dark over feed-in tariff rates after Climate Minister Greg Barker confirms appeal against High Court ruling
The government is preparing to appeal a High Court decision that branded its plans to rush through cuts to solar tariff payments as “legally flawed”, leaving the industry in the dark over the current level of incentives [...]
Feed In Tariff Challenge “Victory” – Good news, or bad??
The news today, that the Government’s plan to reduce the FIT tariff earlier than expected is unlawful, has received “mixed” reviews from those in the industry?
Here’s why::
Firstly, I believe that, on the face of it, it is good news – Many of our clients thinking of installing solar panels, had simply decided against it, largely [...]
“Victory”, High Court rules in favour of Feed-in Tariff campaigners
A High Court judge has ruled in favour of an application by Friends of the Earth and two solar companies – Solarcentury and HomeSun – for permission to challenge Government plans to cut the Feed-in Tariff for solar PV.
The appeal ruling now means the organisations can submit a legal bid to block the Government’s decision [...]
UK homeowners do not realise how much the FiT incentive doesn’t cost them!
A shocking 27 percent of survey respondents believe households are paying much more to support the FiT than is actually the case.
results published today by Sharp Solar highlight that almost three quarters (71 percent) of UK homeowners do not know how much the feed-in tariff (FiT) is costing the average household. These results come out [...]
A stuttering start for the RHI?!
An effective launch of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has been thwarted because the Government fears a repeat of the chaos surrounding solar Feed in Tariffs, the UK’s largest supplier and installer of renewable energy equipment has revealed.
Myriad CEG said concerns that scheme could become massively oversubscribed in a similar way to FiTs were understandable [...]
Could this save the solar industry?
Research argues raising premium on energy bills from £2 to £6.50 a year would create solar industry independent of subsidy
Adding as little as £6.50 to annual power bills could ensure electricity from solar panels in the UK drops to the grid average cost within a few years, one of the country’s leading solar installation companies [...]
Why should you use a Solar PV Consultant?
I’ve written about this a couple of times before – Solar Panel Brokerage and Would You Benefit From Independent Advice. But, in the “good old days” of double digit ROI, some people didn’t feel the need?
However, with the recent proposed changes to the FIT (whilst we can all hope that the Government will make a [...]
You’ll like this!!!
Renewable Heat Incentive open for applications on November 28
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme will be open for application for industrial, commercial, public sector and not-for-profit and community installations from Monday November 28, following the approval of the RHI regulation in Parliament this week.
The commencement of the RHI comes after the initial launch date in September was cancelled due to a delay in [...]
FiT cut will cost the Treasury up to £230 million per year
Analysis by strategic energy consultants Element Energy has revealed that the proposed cut to the feed-in tariff level for solar technology will put 29,000 solar professionals out of work and cause the treasury to lose up to £230 million a year in tax income.
The study, commissioned by Friends of the Earth and the Cut Don’t [...]
My Day at Parliament – Lobbying for the Feed in Tariff
Tuesday 22nd November was due to be a very important day for anyone in the Solar industry. It was (quite frankly) a let down?!
Not through lack of support (from people within the industry), or lack of organisation. Far from it – there was a great turn out from some very passionate people (despite many not [...]
The Feed in Tariff review – Who are the real losers??
Much has been written about the Government’s proposal to radically reduce the Feed In Tariff, in a ridiculously short time.
Many people agree with this, suggesting that it is only “for the rich”, and grossly unfair to the masses? However, they are usually mis-informed, don’t understand the “bigger picture”, or maybe somewhat jealous??
So, let’s look at [...]
Ashford pulls the plug on £1m solar panel project
Ashford Borough Council says it has been forced to pull out of a £1million solar panel scheme for its buildings after the Government proposed to slash subsidies for solar electricity production.
The ambitious scheme was due to have been rolled out this month after getting the nod from council chiefs last month. It would have seen [...]
Viridis appears on Radio Kent!
With news that Ashford Borough Council has shelved plans to install solar panels, because of the Governments decision to fast track changes to the Feed in Tariff.
Barry Nutley, of Viridis, was invited to the breakfast show on Radio Kent, to talk about the effects these changes make to the average home owner.
To listen to Barry, [...]
Solar companies to lobby Parliament.
Mass Lobby of Parliament – 22nd November
We have now fixed a date for a mass lobby of Parliament on Tuesday 22nd November. It will begin at 2.30pm, and continue through the afternoon until around 5.30pm. Please get the date in your diary.
This is an opportunity for people across the industry – as well as from [...]
Friends of the Earth confirm court action after Feed-in Tariff deadline passes
Campaign group Friends of the Earth are to go-ahead with planned court action in an attempt to block the December deadline for a cut in the Feed-in Tariff support for solar PV installations.
It is understood that the Department of Energy and Climate Change made contact with the organisation ahead of today’s 4pm time-limit but the Government [...]
Are Commercial/Community Solar projects the thing of the past?
Recent proposed changes to the Feed In Tariff have put the Solar Industry in turmoil!?
Most solar installers are inundated with requests for clients to install their panels before the 12th December deadline. Most homeowners who book an installation in time, will be OK. But, many commercial/community sized projects are unlikely to now happen, due to [...]
What do the proposed changes to the Feed In tariff mean to the industry?
The recent proposals to change the Feed In Tariff have been well documented, and elements of which were not a huge shock??
However, what does it mean for the consumer? And what does it mean for the installers (and others in the industry)?? Let’s discuss??
Let’s, firstly, look at what it means for Mr and Mrs “Average”, [...]
Europe looks to force UK to push back December’s Feed-in Tariff cut
The European Commission is to study the UK’s planned December cuts to the Feed-in Tariff and the likely effects on the nation’s obligations under its Renewable Roadmap.
An application is to be made next week in Brussels on behalf of the ClickGreen SOS campaign to force the UK to detail the likely changes to the forecast [...]
Feed in Tariff review – A disaster!
BARKER: BOOM AND BUST FOR SOLAR MUST BE AVOIDED
PRESS NOTICE: 11/091
31 OCTOBER 2011
New tariffs proposed
Energy efficiency requirement from April
Urgent action is needed to put the solar industry on a steadier, clearer and sustainable growth path, avoid boom and bust and protect the wider Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITs), Greg Barker said today.
Reduced subsidies for domestic solar electricity production [...]
Protest against Solar Feed in Tariff cuts!
Solar power sector to deliver a petition urging prime minister to rethink imminent feed-in tariff cuts
Members of the solar sector are preparing to stage a protest calling on the prime minister to intervene to block anticipated plans to halve feed-in tariff (FIT) incentives for solar installations, which they fear will “kill off” the fast-expanding industry.
The [...]
Solar energy and the FITs review
The last week has seen various rumours circulating about Feed In Tariffs . The Solar Trade Assoc. has contacted DECC and the attached letter, available here, suggests that the situation is unchanged and that the outcome of the comprehensive review of the Feed-In Tariff policy will be implemented on 1st April [...]
“Sunny Medway”- A community discount scheme for solar panels in the ME postcode.
An installation of solar panels is an extremely wise investment (The Sunday Times ranked it one of the top 5 investments of the year!). With guaranteed, tax free, index linked returns (usually in excess of 10%) it is easy to see why?
However, buying solar PV panels can be an expensive purchase?
Group purchase discount schemes are [...]
How our solar panel brokerage service adds value.
Our recently launched solar panel brokerage service has proved very successful, not just for us, but also our clients too!
We give our clients 2 options:
Option 1):
We assess their site, take the necessary details, and take the project to a number of solar panel installers for a quote. We analyse the quotes, and calculate the best [...]
Free solar panels that you actually own!!
Installations of solar panels are becoming extremely popular in the domestic market, with many shrewd home owners realising the financial benefits.
However, the commercial market seems a little slower on the uptake? Which seems a little strange, as the benefits (both financial and from a PR perspective) are usually better?
One of the reasons, perhaps, is the [...]
Viridis opens offices in Norfolk and Suffolk
Viridis Energie Consultants are extremely pleased to announce the opening of 2 new offices in Norfolk, and Suffolk .
The offices will be managed by Jonny Hayes, who has a wealth of experience within the energy field.
Jonny has spent many years within the industry advising clients (both domestic and commercial) on various aspects of energy management. [...]
Heat pumps ‘not on the radar’ for most of the UK, warns Huhne
High demand for Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme sees 1,463 vouchers handed out in first month.
Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has put his weight behind a new set of guidelines designed to boost investor confidence in heat pump technologies, which are “off the radar” for most people in the UK.
Huhne launched a set of updates to [...]
New solar panels bring greater efficiency and improved aesthetics
Solar photovoltaic panels are becoming ubiquitous across the UK. Cast your eyes skywards and you’ll see the predominantly deep, blue-and-silver-veined panels winking back at you (assuming the sun’s shining) from an ever-increasing number of residential and commercial buildings’ rooftops.
The government’s feed-in-tariff has largely driven the uptake. Such has been the level of interest in the tariffs [...]
Businesses investing in renewable energy could generate returns of over 10%
London, 8th September 2011: Carbon Trust Advisory analysis has found that businesses which invest in renewable energy could make average returns of 11-12%, with the potential for returns in excess of 20%. According to the findings, new financial incentives, energy market trends and building regulations are combining to create a compelling case for UK businesses [...]
Sheffield solar power sees city top table for renewable energy installation
Sheffield shines out as the soar-away winner of the solar stakes in the UK, with more solar power generation added in the city per household than in any other British city, according to a league table published on Monday.
Northern cities have been the unexpected winners from the boom in renewable energy that has followed the [...]
Solar panels – Would you benefit from independent advice?
With the scheduled Feed In Tariff review in April 2012 getting closer and closer (I know it’s only September! But…..), the need to have your solar panels (PV for electricity) installed before then, thus gaining the highest tariff payment, is becoming more important?!
However, the “rush” to get them installed could lead you to making snap [...]
Cornish villages trialling green energy schemes
Two villages in mid Cornwall are trialling renewable energy using a £500,000 government grant:
The money has been spent on solar panels and other energy devices at homes and community buildings in Ladock and Grampound Road near Truro.
A number of local residents now receive free electricity and hot water.
The villages received the funding from the government-run [...]
Solar PV edging towards grid parity in Europe
Heading towards grid parity(Photocredit)
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) report predicts that Italy will be the first country in which the renewable energy technology will become competitive with fossil fuels. It assessed France, the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain.
EPIA president Ingmar Wilhelm said that PV is already “cheaper than people think” and is set to [...]
Is time running out for free solar panels??
Whilst we don’t know exactly what changes to the Feed in Tariff the Government will make. One thing I think, it’s safe to say, is certain, is that they will reduce the payments?
By how much, we don’t really know? But, there is a strong feeling that they will (at the least) reduce them back in [...]
Barclays launch £100 million renewable energy fund for farmers
Barclays has launched a ’100 million fund for UK farmers investing in renewable energy, tracking the massive groundswell of interest from farmers seeking to cut energy bills and generate new income.
New figures released by the bank reveal that more than a third (37 per cent)* of the UK’s farmers are expecting to invest in renewable [...]
Brits keen to go green, but don’t know how
Survey finds majority of UK homeowners would consider installing renewable energy generation.
Energy experts have warned that plans to get millions of UK households to take part in the government’s flagship energy efficiency Green Deal scheme are at risk of failing, after a new survey showed a lack of understanding about the scheme.
A YouGov survey of [...]
Are you interested in solar panels?
Have you had some quotes?
Are you confused with the information within these quotes?
Are you sure you have the best quote?
Would you like to get another quote, without (in most cases) another visit from a salesperson?
Are you based in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, or Essex?
If you answer “yes” to these questions, then [...]
Are you over 50? Live in Kent or the surrounding areas?
Then why not visit the Health, Wealth and Happiness exhibition on Wednesday 14th September at the Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury??
For more information visit Hearbase
We’ll be exhibiting too!!
IKEA will install more than 39,000 solar panels across 10 UK stores
Ikea see the benefit of solar panels!!
Home furnishings giant IKEA has revealed plans to reduce its carbon emissions as well as its dependence on fossil fuels. By investing a total of £4 million, the company intends to install more than 39,000 solar panels across 10 of its UK-based stores, providing approximately 5% of each building’s [...]
UK targets 4 million households with renewable heat funding
Householders across the country could get up to £1,250 of government funding to help towards the cost of installing renewable heating systems such as biomass boilers, air and ground source heat pumps and solar thermal panels.
The Government’s new £15 million ‘Renewable Heat Premium Payment’ scheme – which will open for applications on 1st August this [...]
Solar Clubs – A good idea, or just a marketing ploy??
Solar clubs seem to be cropping up everywhere??
If you’re not familiar with the concept, then here it is::
The general idea is that a group of people (within a small area) who are interested in an installation of solar panels “club” together in order to obtain a “group” discount on solar PV..
Discounts of around 20% are [...]
UK’s largest solar farm meets ‘clean energy cashback’ deadline
The solar farm — predicted to generate 1.4 megawatts of power each year, making it the UK’s largest — is the result of a joint venture between Lightsource Renewable Energy and solar panel supplier Solarcentury. The park covers a 2.9 hectare plot at Wheal Jane near Truro and will generate 1,437MWh of power per [...]
Fast-track feed-in tariff fate to be finalised
Members of the Micropower Council, the Building Council for Sustainable Energy UK, the British Photovoltaic Association, the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association and the Combined Heat & Power Association will today appeal to the House of Lords to seriously consider the fast-track feed-in tariff adjustments.
In what may be considered by some as a controversial move, [...]
Special offer on solar panels for Medway and Kent!
There has never been a better time (and possibly never will again after March 2012?) to invest in solar panels (PV for electricity)?
Currently, the FIT tariff price paid is up to 43.3p/unit, and prices can be very competitive.
However, you do need to be careful, as performance of panels can vary significantly, and what appears a [...]
UK’s largest council initiative kicks off in Colchester
In one of the largest council-led solar schemes in the UK, Colchester Borough has begun work on an initiative to install solar panels on the roofs of selected Council owned homes, sheltered housing schemes and corporate buildings. Approximately 2,000 properties are set to benefit from this scheme, which will run until March next year.
Suitable homes will [...]
Labour leader Ed Miliband joins solar FITs fight
Labour party leader Ed Miliband has thrown his political weight behind a campaign to force the Government to rethink its plans for solar Feed-In Tariffs (FITs).
Today (July 1) the Labour leader tabled a motion aimed at triggering a Parliamentary debate on the proposed 70% cuts to FITs scheme’s payments for energy generated through solar panels [...]
WindTurbine MCS Accreditation FIT Deadline Arrives
The deadline for non-MCS accredited wind turbines to be installed and still benefit from the Feed In Tariff, or FIT, passes on July 1st .
Evoco Energy, the specialist in small scale wind turbine technology, has welcomed the changes to Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) regulation that came into force from July 1st. Although the rules changed in January [...]
UK solar company responds to challenge of rogue salesmen in the sector
Last week’s headline “Great Solar Power Con” heralded a Daily Mail story about “rogue salesmen jumping on the green bandwagon.” The story was carried on Sky News and has the potential to do unmerited harm to the UK Solar Power Industry.
The pal is that within 6 months they will have ensured that every one of [...]
The Renewable Heat Incentive – A hot offer for the taking
One thing’s certain: companies are having to pay more than just lip service to the sustainability agenda these days. Research this June from the British Council for Offices, shows that environmental regulation has now become a key concern among commercial property professionals. With the increasing demand for low carbon offices, the worry is that ‘legislative [...]
Feed-in tariff cuts could have been avoided
Independent consultants Ernst & Young have today published an in-depth report focusing on the future of the 50kW to 5MW solar industry after the Government cast yet another shadow of uncertainty over the fledgling market. The UK Solar PV Industry Outlook Report highlights how the deep 70% cuts to feed-in tariff rates could have been [...]
Low Carbon Communities Newsletter:
Energy Bill progress
This week over 50 organisations ranging from Marks & Spencer and B&Q, through the National
Children’s’ Bureau and the Royal Institute of British Architects to Friends of the Earth,
Greenpeace and WWF (and the LCCN) sent a letter to Chris Huhne at DECC expressing concern
about the Energy Bill and the Green Deal.
The key concern is [...]
Generate income from your own renewable energy
Generating and using renewable energy is one way that businesses can potentially save money. The rising cost of fossil fuels and the financial incentives offered by the government are making it increasingly cost-effective for businesses to generate and use renewable energy.
On-site generation options
Could you make your business premises into a small scale energy generator by [...]
Legal bid to rescue Westcountry’s solar gold rush
The Government faces a legal stand-off with the green energy industry after it confirmed deep cuts to subsidies that threatens a Westcountry “solar gold rush”.
Developers of large-scale “solar farms” across Devon and Cornwall have warned of pulling the plug on hundreds of jobs and multi-million pound investment in the region. But a group of solar [...]
Toyota car plant gears up for solar power
Toyota looks set to install a £10m solar array to power operations at its Derbyshire plant after the local authority granted planning approval for the ambitious project.
The company has already started work to fit around 17,000 solar panels on 90,000 square metres of industrial land – an area slightly smaller than four and a half [...]
Low Carbon communities Newsletter:
Here’s an interesting link to The Low Carbon Communities newsletter::
http://lowcarboncommunities.net/newsletters/
Germany to shut all nuclear reactors
Angela Merkel has committed to shutting down all of the country’s nuclear reactors by 2022, a task said by one minister to be as mammoth as the project to reunite East and West Germany in 1990.
Monday’s announcement, prompted by Japan’s nuclear disaster, will make Germany the first major industrialised nation to go nuclear-free in decades. [...]
Free Solar Panels for Community Centres and Charities!
Many Community Centres, Charity Organisations, Sports Halls have large roofs suitable for installations of Solar Panels.
With the introduction of the Feed In Tariff, installations of Solar PV have become very financially attractive.
However, installation costs can be a bit of a stumbling block? Well, help is now at hand!!
Viridis are now in a position to offer [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants are now able to offer both domestic and commercial/community clients a free solar panel option!
After many requests, Viridis have found (what we believe) the best free solar panel offer on the market, which we are now able to offer our clients.
Viridis have a great deal for free solar panels.
Partner, Barry Nutley, said, [...]
The Co-op delves deeper into UK’s community renewable energy industry
With government feed-in tariffs encouraging renewable energy projects that are less than 5MW, self-generation schemes have witnessed a sharp growth since mid-2010.
In this partnership, The Co-operative Group has commissioned Co-operatives UK to work with existing renewable energy generators to examine today’s practices and policy challenge.
Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at The Co-operative [...]
Surge in solar panel installations on UK household roofs
Householders rushing to put solar panels on their roof in order to take advantage of government subsidies have more than tripled the amount of solar power in the UK over the past year, figures published on Thursday show.
The lure of making nearly £1,000 a year has led to a record 11,314 people, largely homeowners, installing [...]
Viridis’s brokerage service saves Surrey Police over 13% on Solar PV Installation!
Surrey Police initially contacted Viridis for independent advice on the viability to install Solar PV to a number of their buildings.
They already have Solar PV installed to their Surrey HQ, but this was installed before the Feed in Tariff, so they do not receive any FIT payments.
They are aware of the FIT, but wanted to [...]
Solar firms file for judicial review against feed-in tariff cuts
Group of solar developers launches legal action, alleging government has trampled over its own processes with feed-in tariff review
A group of 11 solar firms filed a claim in the High Court late yesterday, seeking a judicial review against energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne and his decision to launch a fast-track review of the [...]
UK fails to reach renewable energy targets
As we all try and pick ourselves back up from recent knockbacks in the UK’s renewable energy sector, it’s rather worrying to find out that we actually missed our renewable energy target for 2010 by 3.5%. As a result, the levels of confidence we have in reaching the much larger, more daunting target set for [...]
Free solar PV brokerage for Kent clients!
Are you interested in solar PV? But, not sure of the returns/savings or costs? And don’t want, or don’t have time, for salespeople to call?
Why not take advantage of our special offer for the months of April and May?
We start by doing a desktop calculation of the likely returns and savings you will make.
Then, if [...]
First wind turbines approved for former landfill site
A former landfill is to be fitted with wind turbines as a waste firm uses its first site to generate power.
Waste Recycling Group (WRG) said today (April 11) it had been given the go-ahead to site two wind turbines at its closed Carnaby site, near Bridlington in the east of Yorkshire. The turbines, each capable [...]
Feed-in tariff cuts result in scrapping of government’s own solar project
Stakeholders in project to install solar panels on government estates told project has been cancelled after proposed cuts to incentives
The government has cancelled its own flagship solar energy project because the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) proposed cuts to solar feed-in tariff incentives will make the scheme unviable.
That is the charge from “stakeholders” [...]
Farmers to benefit from low carbon technologies
Even in rich countries, the shadow of food insecurity has returned, threatening to bring to an end a golden era of plenty. It had been quite a success story, with agricultural activity focused almost exclusively on ensuring the provision of cheap and abundant supplies of food and fibre. Only in the last ten years or [...]
Feed-in tariff fight intensifies as developers predict halt to solar projects
DECC says it is in “listening mode” as evidence suggests virtually all mid-sized solar projects will be ditched if incentive cuts go through.
The chilling effect of the coalition’s proposed cuts to feed-in tariff incentives on planned solar projects with 50kW capacity was hammered home last week with the release of new data suggesting that virtually no [...]
Renewable energy is our only option
“Renewable (energy) is just not a viable option at this time,” said Dr. John Luxat, professor and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Industrial Research Chair in nuclear safety analysis at McMaster (Nuclear crisis in Japan will have an effect on us, too, The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday, March 19, 2011).
Actually, renewables are already a [...]
UK targets $1.4 bil ‘world first’ renewable heat incentive
The UK government on Thursday launched a GBP860 million ($1.391 billion) program to support investment in renewable heat technologies, which the Department of Energy and Climate Change billed as the world’s first program to incentivize renewable heat production.The Renewable Heat Incentive will make payments to households as well as industrial commercial and public sector consumers [...]
Ray Kurzweil: Solar Will Power the World in 16 Years
A fanciful dream? Or could it be reality??
Solar power, driven by exponentially-increasing nanotechnology, will satisfy the entire world’s need for energy in less than twenty years.
Currently, solar power supplies less than 1% of the world’s energy needs, which has led many to disregard its future significance. Where they’re wrong is that they fail to understand the [...]
Why we need to create a million climate jobs RIGHT NOW
We face an economic crisis and an environmental crisis in Britain and across the world. We need solutions to both beginning now. Climate activists, and several national trade unions, are launching a campaign to make the government create one million green climate jobs. We have produced a pamphlet that explains how we can do that and [...]
An open letter to Greg Barker, butcher of the feed-in tariff
The shambolic handling of the solar power review by government has sadly demonstrated a shocking level of ministerial incompetence. Caught red-handed in the act of sabotaging the fledgling feed-in-tariffs that pay people for producing solar energy, climate minister Greg Barker has thrashed around wildly for someone to blame it on. “It was them, guv’nor!” he says, pointing a [...]
Feed in Tariff review – Disaster!
Today Gregg Barker announced proposals to reduce the Feed in Tariff (FIT) payments for systems over 50kwp, by up to 70%!
Quite frankly, this has put the whole solar PV industry in turmoil!
Investor confidence has been rocked, and this could put many companies out of business!
All this from “the greenest Government ever” (a Conservative manifesto claim).
How [...]
Viridis chosen to advise on renewables for the Lloyd Webber estate
Peter Moore of Viridis explains how one of the country’s most treasured families have asked Viridis to advise them on a renewable energy strategy for their home. The Sydmonton Estate set in 6,500 acres of fabulous Berkshire country side has some excellent opportunities for the use of renewable energy, which is a passion of the [...]
Viridis are pleased to announce that they representing a client who is offering free solar PV (photovoltaic) panels.
Unlike some companies who will either consider domestic homes, or large commercial premises only. Our client will consider any size from 3kwp – 50kwp.
The benefit to the client is that they will save on their electricity bills, but [...]
Low Carbon Communities Newsletter:
Here’s a link to the Low Carbon Communities March Newsletter::
http://lowcarboncommunities.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/lccn_newsletter_issue_36.pdf
Feed in tariff payments increase
Whilst there’s a lot of discussions surrounding the FIT scheme for large scale applications. What we do know? Is that the FIT’s for <50kwp systems remain unaffected…
What many might not realise, is that come April 2011 the FIT payments actually go up in line with the RPI!
What does this mean?
Well for your average domestic system [...]
“Free solar PV” – Not all deals are the same?
As the market for solar PV grows, more and more companies are offering free solar PV to both the domestic and commercial markets.
Currently, there are (typically) two offers available, with a third (probably?) on it’s way:
1). The investor funds the whole installation – They take the FIT and export payments, and “sell” the building owner [...]
An interesting view on the Government’s proposed review to the Feed In Tariff…
http://www.capitalgreen.eu/blog/uk-fits-review-if-you-think-uk-solar-is-dead%E2%80%A6think-again/
Meet “Power Solutions”-Energy solutions for leisure parks:
“Dealing with energy suppliers and can be incredibly frustrating and time consuming
– since you need to focus on your core business, I can help at no charge since I
claim my costs from suppliers.
I act as an Independent Energy Management Specialist, delivering the best overall
value for your business;
Energy VAT and CCL refunds
Energy contract cost cutting
Carbon control [...]
Community Solar PV panel scheme:
Many of us are aware of the financial benefits of solar PV panels (The Sunday Times 5th best investment of the year!).
But, even though installation costs have come down significantly in the last few months, the initial outlay is still a bit too much for many?
There are of course the “free solar” deals out there, [...]
Farmers set to cash in on solar PV!
If there’s a group that will benefit the most from renewable energy, then it will be farmers!
Firstly, we have large land based developments of solar PV where a farmer can earn a significant amount of money for leasing the land.
We also have the potential for anaerobic digestion/biogas etc.
But, as interest wanes on the land based [...]
With major supermarkets offering solar, does this spell the end for local solar installers??
With the introduction of the Feed in Tariff back in April 2010, we have seen a significant increase in the number of MCS accredited installers – builders, electricians et al have all seen this as a potentially lucrative addition to their services. And why not? It all makes for a competitive market, which is good [...]
Viridis opens new office in Surrey::
Independent renewable energy consultants, Viridis, continue to expand, and are extremely pleased to open their 4th office in Croydon, Surrey.
The office will be run by Charles Nwufoh MSc, MBA, PhD-
Charles has a background in electrical and systems engineering, and business management. He has a special interest in systems performance monitoring and evaluation. He has over [...]
Environment Conference – Canterbury.
Two of the sub-groups of the Canterbury Partnership – the Environment Group and C4B (Canterbury4Business) Environment Sub Group are organising a joint environment conference in February 2011.
This important conference and exhibition will showcase local green businesses, services, assets and initiatives, and look at how the environment currently contributes to the economy. The conference includes presentations on [...]
Consult Viridis for independent expertise for Biomass Heating applications!
Case Study 1
Type of Building: Boiler Size: Fuel Type:
New build office complex 80kW Chip
This boiler is used in conjunction with solar water heating to provide heating and hot water to an eco friendly building.
Timber from the on site woodlands is used and a trailer mounted chipper is used. An open sided barn is used for [...]
Viridis expands with new office in Dorset:
Viridis Energie Consultants are extremely pleased to open their new office in Verwood, Dorset.
The office will be run by Alan Moore (no relation to Peter!). Alan brings a wealth of experience to the team. He has been working as an independent renewable energy consultant in and around the South West region, and is working on [...]
Almost a year after the Feed-in Tariff was launched, Bill Rumble discusses its effect on microgeneration and what the future holds for solar PV.
Introduced in April 2010, the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) is the first step towards creating a mass market for microgeneration. Its main aim is to encourage homeowners and other small-scale power users to [...]
Are you baffled about the benefits of Renewable Energy?
Although most UK households believe renewable energy is important, many are still confused about its actual benefits, according to a new research survey.
And nearly two-thirds of homeowners admitted they didn’t know enough about microgeneration systems, such as solar and wind, to make an informed decision on whether to invest or not.
The report, highlights the dilemma [...]
Portugal increases renewable energy target!
Portugal plans to increase the amount of energy it receives from renewable sources such as solar and wind by one-third over the next 10 years, according to the government’s register, Diario da Republica.
The new guidelines have been put in place so Portugal can reach its goal of becoming a “top five” renewable energy producer in the [...]
Don’t buy solar PV until you’ve read this!
As the solar PV market becomes more and more competitive, it is becoming increasingly difficult for consumers to find the right installers, and products at the right price!
Viridis is offering a unique tendering service for anyone looking at an installation of solar PV, so you don’t have to endure several visiting sales people -
Currently, the consumer [...]
Wanted! – Investors for solar PV installations.
Viridis have a number of community/charity clients looking to “rent” their roofs to investors for installations of solar PV.
With the introduction of the feed in tariff and guaranteed, index linked returns for 25 years, solar PV is being viewed as the “investment of the moment”.
Barry Nutley of Viridis said, “there are several free solar options [...]
Viridis announces new partnership:
Viridis Energie Consultants are pleased and excited to announce a new partnership with GBE Associates:
GBE are specialists in energy cost savings.
Uniquely GBE offers clients a straightforward jargon free, clear to
implement services with an agreed undertaking of activity at an
economic fee level.
There are three principle services on offer :
Site inspections, energy usage assessments, reporting, and recommendations [...]
UK renewable energy supplies up 23% in Q3 2010
Renewable energy now contributes 8.6% of the UK’s electricity supply. Wind power alone, rose almost 37% due to increased capacity, according to the latest quarterly report from theDepartment of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
Overall, coal and other solid fuel consumption rose 13.4%, oil by 0.5%, whereas gas consumption fell 3.6% and primary electricity consumption fell [...]
Press Release – Proposed 5MW solar farm for site in Winterbourne, Gloucestershire
Ambitious plans for a 5mw solar farm, which would be one of the largest in the UK, are being put together for a site in Winterbourne, Gloucestershire.
The site, if successful, will provide green electricity to around 1000 local homes, and reduce carbon by over 1.8m kgs during it lifespan.
Barry Nutley, of Viridis Energie Consultants (project managers [...]
CAN WE REDUCE OUR DEPENDENCY ON ENERGY COMPANIES OR EVEN GO OFF-GRID?
One of the dreams of all of us is undoubtedly to stop paying our energy bills. Especially during winter times, this big outlay is often unbearable.
The reason why we need to pay so much is because we have to buy at least two things we can’t do without: gas for the heat in winter and [...]
Viridis makes community based Solar PV schemes a reality!
Peter Moore of Viridis looks back at one of the ground breaking community based solar PV schemes in the UK based around the Danish model of localised power generation.
“There’s no point doing anything because China’s emissions are growing.” Was a familiar comment from inhabitants of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, by March 2010 they would become part of the [...]
UK businesses seriously undervaluing energy efficiency
Finance directors at large businesses in the UK are undervaluing the financial returns from investments in energy efficiency by more than half, research by Carbon Trust Advisory has revealed.
This undervaluation is one factor leading big businesses to waste at least £1.6bn every year on energy they could easily save through measures including upgrades to heating [...]
Major new investor joins Partnership for Renewables
Partnerships for Renewables has announced that one of Canada’s largest pension fund managers, OPSEU Pension Trust (OPTrust), has joined Carbon Trust Enterprises and HSBC Environmental Infrastructure Fund as a major investor in the company.
OPTrust has committed up to £19million to gain a 33% stake in Partnerships for Renewables (PfR).
Tom Delay, Chairman of Partnerships for Renewables [...]
Chris Huhne, Daily Telegraph article: The biggest electricity reform in twenty five years
Britain’s electricity market faces three challenges. First, our demand for electricity could double by 2050 as we shift from fossil fuels to electricity for our vehicles and our residual home heating. Secondly, around a quarter of our generating capacity is ageing plant that will shut down within ten years, and has to be replaced. Thirdly, [...]
Low Carbon Communities News Letter:
Welcome to the 24th LCCN newsletter! Not so much to report this week: We’re
busy with the conference (see below) and redeveloping our website. Globally
discussions at Cancun are moving forward very slowly… Don’t forget this is
your newsletter, so please do send us material: any reports on new
publications, upcoming events, interesting projects etc. are always welcome.
*Communities and [...]
UK solar installation figures back on the up!
After a fairly disappointing month of solar installations in October, the latest figures from Ofgem show that November has brought the total back up to over 6MW of systems.
During the period 1-30 November there were 2,194 domestic installations (5.718MW), 27 commercial installations (0.264MW), no industrial installations and 47 (0.300MW) community installations, making a total of [...]
Would you like to earn an additional income?
Viridis Energie Consultants are currently looking for dynamic, self motivated individuals who would like to increase their earnings, selling a new product to the domestic market…
Voltage optimisation has been around for years. But, has been only available to the commercial market, with the likes of Sainsbury and Tesco being some of the biggest names who [...]
Viridis partners with Danish consortium!
Viridis are pleased to announce that they are now partnering Danish consortium, Mermaid Energy.
Mermaid are solar farm developers with experience in large scale solar installations in Europe, with the 3rd largest energy supplier in France as one of their installation partners, and it is expected that British Gas will become their Uk installation partner.
Mermaid are [...]
Industry gathers to fight large-scale solar threat
Following the recent media hype surrounding Greg Barker’s statement in the House of Commons on November 11, which alluded to the possibility that large-scale solar installations in the UK could be under threat, a meeting between representatives of the solar industry, including the Renewable Energy Association (REA), the Micropower council and the Minister has been [...]
Viridis and voltage optimisation!
In Viridis’s pursuit of being able to provide our clients with energy efficient solutions, we have teamed up with VPhase.
Voltage optimisation has been around for years. But, has been only available to the commercial market, with the likes of Sainsbury and Tesco being some of the biggest names who use them.
However, now, it is available [...]
Viridis Rocks! UK’s biggest private solar-power plant at Glastonbury
If U2 or the Rolling Stones had been performing on his cow shed roof, the Glastonbury Festival supremo Michael Eavis could hardly have been more excited. “It’s fantastic. This is the best fun I’ve had here for ages,” he said. “We had to make a big statement – and that is what we’ve done.”
Eavis’ statement [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants are acting on behalf of a client who is looking to build a 5mw solar farm.
We are currently in the process of sourcing a suitable EPC contractor to carry out the installation
If you are interested in the opportunity, then please email info@viridisec.co.uk for further details and a PQQ.
Closing date for applications is [...]
Solar Panels – “One of the best investments”
Feed-in tariffs came into being in April, and were introduced by Labour to encourage householders to install solar panels or wind turbines, paying them a tax-free, index-linked income for the energy they produce.
The coalition agreement drawn up by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats promised to honour “the full establishment of feed-in tariff systems in electricity”.
The [...]
Press release – Hayle, in Cornwall, to have one of the largest Solar Farms in the UK..
mbitious plans for a 5mw solar farm, which would be one of the largest in the UK, are being put together for a site in Hayle, Cornwall.
The site, if successful, will provide green electricity to around 1000 local homes, and reduce carbon by over 1.8m kgs during it lifespan.
Barry Nutley, of Viridis Energie Consultants (acting [...]
The Prince of Wales was granted permission today to install dozens of solar panels on his home at Clarence House in the latest move to cut his carbon footprint.
The 32 solar photovoltaic panels, which produce electricity, can now be installed on the south-east roof of the central London residence, which has been a home to [...]
Feed-in-tariff scheme proving to be a big success
The government’s feed-in tariff scheme has already got thousands of people
generating their own green electricity.
When the government launched the feed-in tariff scheme in April it was one of a range of policies aimed at inducing people to improve the eco-credentials of their homes. Now, just five months later, an Ofgem report has revealed that almost 10,000 people have [...]
Why not come to the Tunbridge Wells Energy Fair on Saturday 30th October at the Camden Centre?
Learn about renewable energy technologies such as solar pv, solar thermal, heat pumps, biomass and more!!
Learn about the Feed in Tariff (FIT) – ( a talk by Viridis!)- and the rewable heat incentive (RHI).
For more details about this free [...]
South Africa unveils plans for ‘world’s biggest’ solar power plant
South Africa is to unveil plans this week for what it claims will be the world’s biggest solar power plant – a radical step in a coal-dependent country where one in six people still lacks electricity.
The project, expected to cost up to 200bn rand (£18.42bn), would aim by the end of its first decade to [...]
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)- The DECC’s announcement.
As announced on 20 October 2010, as part of the Spending Review[External link], the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will go ahead in 2011. We believe the RHI Scheme is the first of its kind in the world and will therefore be a world-leading scheme to provide long term support for renewable heat technologies, from household solar [...]
What search terms do you use when using Google??
Since George Osborne made the decision to leave the Feed in Tariff (FIT) and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) relatively untouched. It is expected that the renewables industry will start to really take off??
But… When you are searching the internet, what search terms do you use to find your answers???
For example. If you’re looking for a [...]
The White House to install solar panels!
The Department of Energy announced this month that the White House soon will have solar panels to supply the first family’s hot water and some of its electricity. Obama essentially hopes to set a good example by employing clean energy — and saving money in the process.
The White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy estimates that [...]
Global Wind Energy Council predicts wind will meet 12 per cent of world’s energy demand by 2020
Wind energy has become a mainstream power source in many countries and could meet 12 per cent of global demand by 2020, according to the latest report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and Greenpeace.
Released earlier this week, the annual Global Wind Energy Outlook predicts that with the right political commitments wind energy could meet 22 [...]
Viridis consulting on Anaerobic Digestion plants!
The first anaerobic digestion (AD) plant to inject renewable gas into the National Grid is set to start operating later this summer, it has been confirmed.
The facility will also act as a “mini energy park“, according to Peter Moore of Viridis Energie Consultants, following an agreement with Centrica – the parent company of British Gas [...]
Free solar panels… Why are we so cynical??
The concept of installing free solar PV panels to your roof is not a new concept.. It’s been around for a few months now. But recently (courtesy of The One Show’s Dom Littlewood, and TV advertising), it has been given a fair bit of publicity..
Now, whilst the “PR” leads you to believe that the whole [...]
Letwin talks up Coalition green policy
Oliver Letwin, Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, today talked up the Government’s programme of green measures, including key subsidy schemes rumoured to be under threat of Treasury cuts.
Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Letwin reiterated David Cameron’s pledge to be the “greenest Government ever”, backing among other measures, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) [...]
Green light for UK’s first solar energy plant
The UK’s first solar power plant has been granted planning consent by Cornwall Council amid claims that the project could spark a “solar gold rush” for the county as developers rush to take advantage of the government’s feed-in tariff incentives.
Solar developer 35 Degrees yesterday secured the go-ahead from Cornwall Council to install around 5,000 solar [...]
Make sure you have expert advice on heat pumps!
“it’s essential that anyone considering using heat pumps gets advice on how appropriate the technology is for their project” says Peter Moore of Viridis Energie Consultants.
Government plans to subsidise green heating are challenged today by the largest ever field study of “heat pump” devices in the UK, which reveals 80% perform so badly they would not [...]
Community biomass project video..
Watch the video of a community biomass project….
For more info on biomass boilers, click here
What is biomass? What are the benefits?
The term biomass refers to a living and recently dead organic matter, such as Wood Pellets, which can be used as fuel.
When it is burned, carbon that it absorbed when growing is released into the atmosphere. As this happens over a relatively short time-scale it is considered carbon neutral, as long as organic matter is [...]
Renewable energy consultants
How solar pv (photovoltaic) panels work..
How do solar pv (photovoltaic) panels work?? Here’s a short video to show you…
And here’s a link to some of the other benefits…. Solar pv.
How do solar pv (photovoltaic) panels work?
How do solar PV (photovoltaic) panels work??
Here’s a link to a description of the benefits, and a short video on how they work.
How solar pv works
Both ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps, use the same technology to heat your property. Here’s a video showing how they work::
The Renewable Heat Incentive – More news??!!
More rumours spread about the renewable heat incentive!! The latest one is that it will now not go ahead until 2012!!??
The Environment Agency have mentioned 2012 on their website…http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/114130.aspx
Is this a typo???
But, I’ve heard from other “reliable” sources that this is the case!!
Does anyone know????
If you do, then please let us, and everyone else know!!!
The Renewable Heat Incentive – Will it go ahead?
There’s been much talk around whether the renewable heat incentive (RHI), as planned in April 2011, will go ahead or not?
Recent revelations of heat pumps not “delivering” the promised results, the economy in the way it is etc. has led many to suggest that our “new” Government will “pull the plug”!! But why???
We want your [...]
HSBC predicts low-carbon energy market will treble to $2.2tn by 2020
The global market for low-carbon energy firms will almost treble over the next decade creating a market worth $2.2tn a year by 2020, according a major new report from banking giant HSBC.
The research report maps out a number of scenarios for the world’s emerging low-carbon energy generation and energy efficiency industries and concludes that despite current [...]
Heat pumps-Ground source or air source-Which is best??
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) versus air source heat pumps (ASHP)… Which is best?? A common question…
Each have their respective benefits, so let’s discuss::
1). GSHP’s:
Pros- More efficient, so You’ll save more money, less intrusive, longer lifespan, less noise.
Cons- More expensive to install, you’ll either need a lot of land (or bole holes which add to [...]
The Feed In Tariff – Still confusion reigns!
The Feed In Tariff (FIT) has now been “live” since April of this year, and there is still confusion around the scheme, and how it works. But perhaps the biggest area of confusion is around who pays for it? And this leads to the most asked question we have, which is “with the current state [...]
Electricity meter that goes backwards!
With an electricity meter that goes backwards and a roof covered in green plants, Tony Almond’s house is no normal home. The house in Welwyn village, just north of London, is actually a green “superhome” – the 50th in a UK-wide network of demonstration eco-homes now open to the public.
The scheme, operated by charity Sustainable Energy Academy [...]
Since the announcement from Homesun (and others), that they plan to install free solar PV panels to 100,000 homes, we have received many enquiries as to whether it’s a good idea, or “where’s the catch?”…. Well, to answer those questions, we’ve put together a brief quide/our opinions on the scheme::
1). Is there a catch?- No [...]
£2m of funding available in the South East.
For more information please visit www.financesoutheast.com or contact the
Fund Manager, James Edwards, james.edwards@financesoutheast.com, 01276 608531.
A new £2m fund managed by a subsidiary of Finance South East, South East Sustainability Limited, is now open for business.
The South East Sustainability Loan Fund will provide matching funding to existing sources of publicly funded loan finance including the Accelerator [...]
UK businesses face steep rise in energy bills
Businesses can expect to face a steep rise in energy bills after the government published a comprehensive plan to cut greenhouse gases and end Britain’s dependence on risky oil and gas imports.
Although the individual policies had previously been announced in the coalition policy agreement or by ministers – and many were formerly Labour government initiatives [...]
Would you like to know how much money you could earn with solar PV?
With the introduction of the Feed In Tariff (FIT), an installation of solar PV is now an attractive financial proposition. Have you ever wondered how much money you could save/earn if you installed solar PV?
How much should it cost?
What are the carbon benefits?
We are offering a “desktop ” survey special offer (for domestic clients), for [...]
Why you should use independent renewable energy consultants
“Why should I use an independent renewable energy consultant?”, is a question that we often get asked.
The answer to that can be explained by this case study of a recent project Viridis Energie Consultants have worked on:
Whilst the project included several renewable energy technologies, the main issue surrounded the main house-
The house (around 600m2) is [...]
Viridis can advise you on your Italian Solar PV project!
Viridis partner Peter Moore explains how confidence in the Italian feed-in-tariffs has opened new prospects for Solar PV applications in Italy. The Italian Ministry for Economic Development confirmed its commitment to feed-in tariffs for renewable energy for 2011-2013 on 9 July.
See below for the new renewable energy feed-in tariff, as approved by the Italian Government’s Unified [...]
Funding cuts will finish Britain’s clean energy race
In the 1970s the UK invested about 0.15% of GDP each year in research and development (R&D) into providing cheaper and cleaner energy. Britain was putting more public money into nuclear power and other new sources of electricity than almost any other economy.
From the mid-1980s the amount invested each year has fallen almost continuously. The figure [...]
Solar PV installers- Would you be prepared to work on an “install only” basis, on large projects?
With the concept of solar farms becoming more “popular”, it is possible that a client may look to procure the equipment seperately, and then look to “recruit” a team of MCS qualified professionals, to carryout the installation??
If you are an MCS accredited installer, how do you feel about this? For example, would you be prepared [...]
Spain overtakes US with world’s biggest solar power station
With the new La Florida plant, the nation’s solar power production is now equivalent to output of a nuclear power station
Spain has opened the world’s largest solar power station, meaning that it overtakes the US as the biggest solar generator in the world. The nation’s total solar power production is now equivalent to the output [...]
Overturn ban on councils selling green electricity
“This is great news!” says Peter Moore of Viridis as he examines the impact to Local Governments potential in developing significant income streams from renewables.
A ban on councils selling green electricity into the national grid is to be overturned, Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said that as the carbon footprint of every local council in [...]
Solar PV farms-Do you have spare land??
Owning and working agricultural land can be hard work, with little financial reward?? However, forward thinking land owners seem to be looking at solar power as a more profitable way of utilising their land?
With the introduction of the Feed In tariff (FIT), Many land owners are looking at building solar farms as an easier, guaranteed, [...]
Independent renewable energy consultants advising on solar farm projects:
Viridis Energie Consultants have, and are, consulted/ing on large scale solar PV projects.
Solar PV is, perhaps, becoming the investment choice for shrewd investors? With the introduction of the Feed in Tariff, many large investors are turning to renewable energy for a guaranteed (for up to 25 years), index linked. return (usually in excess of [...]
Independent expert advice for Solar farms
Viridis partner Mr. Peter Moore explains how solar farm projects can get going quicker with the right experience. ” At Viridis Energie Consultants we’re working with an increasing number of entrepreneurs and public sector organisations who can see the exciting prospects of guaranteed income from Solar farms without the nightmare of planning rules that stall [...]
Recently, Viridis Energie Consultants were asked to deliver a presentation at b2campeast, a meeting of key decision makers in the building, architecture, and renewable energy industry, on the benefits/workings on the Feed in Tariff (clean energy cashback scheme). Here is the presentation—- Feed in Tariff presentation.
Heat pumps to replace standard boilers??!!
Are the days numbered for standard gas/oil boilers?? Possibly!
Who’s heard of the “Renewable Heat Incentive“? (or RHI for short). Basically it’s a scheme being introduced in April 2011, where you will be “paid” an annual fee for installing renewable heat technologies such as solar thermal, biomass, and both ground source heat pumps, and air source [...]
Green industry beats recession!
Book of Green, the free eco living directory full of green and ethical businesses, confirms the strength and prosperity of the green sector. Despite the recession Book of Green has launched a larger edition of the paperback eco-directory, doubled its print run, and gone digital, launching an iPhone app.
“In less than a week since the [...]
Biomass is better for older properties!
Ground source heat pumps seem to be a “popular” choice for those who are looking at renewable energy technologies for heating. However, beware, they are not suited for everyone!
Heat pumps (both ground source and air source), are great, but only in the right situations. IE a well insulated property, ideally with underfloor heating.
Whilst they are [...]
UK based Solar farm developments
With very attractive returns on investment here in the UK, Viridis Partner Peter Moore explains how their involvement in grid connected Solar Farms in the UK is pushing forward electrical technology to the limit to meet demands of this growing area of Renewable Energy.
The rapid increase in the construction of photovoltaic (PV), grid-tied solar farms [...]
Calling All Kent Based Charities:
Calling all Kent based charities.
Are you interested in renewable energy? Would you like to install solar PV? Would you like financial assistance?
We have a client (a private investor), who’ s looking to invest in renewable energy, preferably with a Kent based charity.
Ideally they would like to “part invest” in a solar PV project. So, if [...]
£4M worth of funding for North-West renewable projects
The Rural Carbon Challenge Fund (RCCF), which is being delivered by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), aims to help communities achieve renewable energy projects.
It will fund at least five, large-scale renewable energy projects throughout the northwest’s sub regions. The funding will focus on whichever wind, water or wood fuel energy is most relevant to the community and will also [...]
Eco Environments strengthens Board:
June 1st 2010: Eco Environments Ltd, a leading UK Renewable Energy solutions company that designs, installs & commissions solutions across a range of technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Buchanan to the board.
Working with the management team Mark will focus on group growth & strategy, structure and financial reporting.
Mark brings [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter June 2010 Coming soon…. Energy monitoring systems for all office sizes!! Also An exciting business opportunity!!! You can also follow the “Greenenergychap” on Twitter For the latest news, please visit the website – www.viridisec.co.uk 180 Eureka Park, Upper Pemberton, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4AZ. 0845 437 4484
Government Grants for Renewables Closed!
It had [...]
Viridis advising on UK based Solar Farms
Cornwall’s reputation for sun, sand and surf could soon be challenged by silicon if a proposed £40m network of solar farms gets the go ahead.
Next week, public consultation will begin for a 15-acre “energy farm” on a green-field site at St Kew, three miles east of Wadebridge, the market town which acts as the gateway [...]
£1m community hydro share offer launches
Businesses, individuals and social investors are being invited to invest in three new community hydroelectric schemes in the UK.
The £1 million share offer is being launched by social enterprise H2oPE. The hydroelectric schemes – one in Bainbridge, Yorkshire, and two in Stockport, Greater Manchester – together will create 45 kilowatt (kW), 54kW and 76kW of [...]
Many investment funds seem to be “dipping their feet” into renewable energy technologies!?
Rumour has it that private investors (in particular pension funds), have seen the financial benefits of renewable energy.
Barry Nutley of Viridis Energie Consultants (independent renewable energy consultants) commented, “With the recent introduction of the Feed in Tariff, we have had several enquiries around [...]
Half of UK businesses use or plan to use renewable energy
This is one of the key findings of a new survey commissioned by InvestinCornwall, the newly launched inward investment service.
The poll of 523 UK adults working at board level or above also found that UK business leaders believe Britain’s growing renewable energy sector is more important than both the financial and retail sectors for the UK’s long-term economic [...]
Lack of understanding around “Clean energy Cashback” scheme!
Today I attended a seminar run by the REA about the benefits of the Feed In Tariff scheme (FIT) (also known as the “Clean Energy Cashback” Scheme). The audience was largely made up of installers, “would be” installers, and builders/developers.
I was horrified at the lack of understanding in the room, on how the scheme actually [...]
Plans for a new energy bill announced
Householders will be entitled to borrow money from a green investment bank to pay for carbon-reducing measures
The new coalition government promised a raft of green initiatives in yesterday’s Queen’s speech that will see a radical overhaul of the country’s housing stock and loans to allow more households to invest in measures such as solar panels.
Promising a [...]
It had to happen!! The LCBP phase 2 funding has closed! In other words, there are now no central domestic grants available for any of the renewable energy technologies.
Barry Nutley (Viridis Energy Consultants) commented “It was no surprise really! As more and more people realised the financial benefits of renewable energy technologies, it was a [...]
Funding for Rural renewable energy schemes
The Country’s first renewable energy initiative aimed specifically at community groups, small businesses and social enterprises in England’s rural Northwest is open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for just two more weeks.
The Rural Carbon Challenge Fund (RCCF) offers grants from £200,000 up to £500,000 to support community groups, social enterprises and businesses. The fund aims [...]
Biomass shows the way for Domestic renewable heating.
Bioenergy represented 31.7% of the final energy use, compared to 30.8% oil, according to preliminary Swedish Energy Agency statistics presented by the Swedish Bioenergy Association (Svebio).
Svebios says the total share of renewable energy, using the definition in EU:s renewable energy directive (RED), was 46.3% in 2009 – well ahead of the EU target trajectory, and only [...]
Solar PV returns better than expected!
We contacted Eco Environments for a quote on under floor insulation and landed up with solar panels, how did that happen? Easily really. Having a long friendly chat with David Hunt on the ‘phone led to our interest in solar PV being discussed and the offer of a free survey and quotation at the same [...]
Are you interested in renewable energy? Would you like your views to be read? We are looking for guest bloggers for our website.
If you are interested, then let us know by filling in the form below, with a few details such as:
Who you are? What you do? What is the specific subject you wish to [...]
E.ON opens new onshore wind farm in Portugal
E.ON has put another major onshore wind plant into operation in southern Portugal. The Barao Sao Joao wind farm has an installed capacity of 50 MW and cuts CO2 emissions by about 60 tonnes annually.
Frank Mastiaux, CEO of E.ON Climate & Renewables: “With the commissioning of our new wind farm in Portugal we are strengthening [...]
Countryside to sprout solar farms as firms cash in on subsidy scheme
Fields in Gloucestershire’s rolling countryside, immortalised by Laurie Lee in Cider With Rosie, may soon be covered by thousands of solar panels.
Despite the lack of guaranteed sunshine, the solar farms will make a guaranteed profit because of a generous subsidy funded through increases in household energy bills.
The rate of installation of solar panels will increase five-fold [...]
As independent renewable energy consultants we are keen to establish an MCS accredited installer base. Around 80% of our clients ask ”where do we get it?”. We have MCS accredited installers in many places throughout the UK, but are always interested in knowing more. If you are an MCS accredited installer (or [...]
Green spending in UK increases by 5 per cent
As the world looks to a more sustainable future and climate change, it seems that British consumers are taking their own steps towards a sustainable future.
Spending on green products and services over the past year has increased by 5 per cent, with each UK household now spending on average £251 on items such as energy [...]
We want your views on renewable energy..
We really need your thoughts on renewable energy.
For example:
Is it worth it? Why should we do it? Are the financial benefits (from the “clean cash back” scheme) enough?
If you have any questions around renewable energy, then post them here. As independent renewable energy consultants, we will give you totally honest answers…
Energy reports emphasise renewables
Two reports from European energy thinktanks suggest that the EU could be powered by largely low carbon and renewable sources in forty years time. A report by the European Renewable Energy Council explains how the European Union could switch to a 100% renewable energy supply for electricity, heating and cooling and transport by 2050, and [...]
Offshore windfarms to be used for air defence
Offshore windfarms will double as radar defence systems in a pioneering deal involving the Ministry of Defence, which previously opposed the erection of almost 1,000 wind turbines off the UK’s eastern seaboard because of fears over their ability to scramble defensive radar.
Wind energy projects across Britain have been held up for years because of planning disagreements, [...]
UK homeowners rush to take advantage of feed-in tariffs
The introduction of feed-in tariffs this month has led to a record number of inquiries about solar panel installation, as homeowners rush to take advantage of the scheme.
The energy company npower has reported an 80% rise in inquiries for solar panel installation and record numbers are having panels installed in response to the introduction of the Clean Energy Cashback [...]
£10m for renewable energy initiatives by UK communities
Twelve UK communities have received grants to install solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable energy technologies, under a national challenge to reduce carbon emissions.
Communities selected in the first round of the Low Carbon Communities Challenge will use their grant of £500,000 to install a range of green and renewable energy measures to reduce their carbon [...]
Population pressures could make water shortages a UK crisis
We’ve had one of the wettest winters in history, and it would be easy to think that we have no issues with the level of potable water in this country. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that there are other issues that suggest that water (or potential lack of it) is still a problem we need [...]
Wales has great prospects for Renewable Energy!
Wales has the potential to generate twice its electricity demand from renewable energy sources within 15 years, according to environment minister Jane Davidson.
“Wales should be at the forefront of the transition to a low-carbon energy as part of the global fight against climate change,” she said at the launch of the Assembly Government’s ‘Energy Policy [...]
UK’s most generous Feed in Tariff rate unveiled
Ecotricity, the world’s first green electricity company, has confirmed that its new Microtricity initiative, based around the government’s ‘Feed in Tariff’ scheme, is to offer existing home generators the highest rate in the UK.
Microtricity has been created to help people generate their own energy at home, primarily using solar PV panels or mini windmills. Under [...]
Is your French property lying idle? France has introduced new feed in tariffs
France has introduced new feed in tariffs for 2010 with higher geothermal, biomass and intergrated solar PV tariffs.
Media reports of the new solar PV tariffs have overshadowed the significantly higher tariffs for geothermal-electricity generation, and for biomass. Sex sells, and solar PV remains “sexier” than humdrum geothermal power plants and downright old school biomass plants.
Feed-in [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter April 2010 Free seminars for Schools!. In conjunction with our friends at The PA group, and GBE associates, we are planning to run a series of free seminars to Schools, focussing on environmental, and energy issues. Keep an eye out for further details. But, to register your interest, please contact us [...]
Tories plan controversial reform to UK renewable energy incentives
The Conservative Party has responded to rumours that it is preparing a major overhaul of the UK’s renewable energy policy by confirming that if elected it plans to effectively phase out the government’s Renewable Obligation scheme.
The news was met with considerable disquiet from across the renewable energy industry, with insiders warning that any disruption to [...]
More guest blogging for Viridis!
Such was the success of our last guest blog for Sarah Beeny. We have been asked to blog for another extremely popular property website, “My Property Mentor”.
This further confirms our status as one of the country’s leading voices on renewable energy technologies.
Read the blog here
http://mypropertymentor.co.uk/blog/2010/04/green-energy-week-is-renewable-energy-just-for-greenies/
Government incentive schemes confirmed
The introduction today of two carbon cutting Government incentive schemes will see homes and businesses playing a key role in contributing to UK emissions reductions of at least 34% on 1990 levels by 2020 through improved energy efficiency and small-scale low-carbon electricity.
The Government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC EES) for organisations and Feed [...]
Keeping the lights on in Kent.
Local Kent charity Protect Kent are holding a seminar at the award winning Pines Calyx in St Margarets Bay, nr Dover, to discuss issues on energy. The day includes talks from various speakers, including Sir Crispin Tickell, and Peter Harper from CAT.
The afternoon session is a question and answer session with various panellists including Barry [...]
Changes to the Carbon Trust Interest Free, loan scheme.
We are proud to announce that in the last financial year the Carbon Trust has
supported UK businesses through offering over £70m in interest free loans to replace
old equipment with more energy efficient versions. These loans should save a total
of 148,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.
In our continuing effort to support UK businesses move to [...]
Take it from me, Renewable energy is worth it!
This week’s announcement on solar panels is good news for homeowners wanting to install green energy systems, simplifying the procedures and shortening the payback time of renewable technologies, writes Peter Moore of Viridis.
I fitted solar photovoltaic panels on my house nearly three years ago. They are great – we get 90% of our electricity off [...]
Viridis “Guest” Blogs for Sarah Beeny!
At Viridis, we believe in giving independent, impartial advice on renewable energy technologies, such as solar thermal (for hot water), solar PV (for electricity), biomass, wind turbines, and heat pumps (both air source and ground source).
This has been recognised by Sarah Beeny!! As a result, we have asked to contribute to her website as a [...]
Funding Support for Renewable Energy Projects in Rural Areas
Funding Support for Renewable Energy Projects in Rural Areas across the North West of England
What is the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund? Funded through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and managed by the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA), the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund is a £4 Million initiative to support the delivery of renewable energy [...]
Conservatives plan to promote renewable energy.
Conservatives recently announced a 12-point action plan to boost renewable energy and nuclear power. The plan would also entail a substantial change to the energy sector. The plan recognizes the historical abundance of oil and gas in the country as well as the relatively recent rise of concern over pollution, resource depletion, and the green house [...]
Tesco joins the stampede to supply DIY electricity
TESCO will start selling solar panels this week, leading a stampede of retailers aiming to cash in on a controversial new subsidy scheme.
The rush has been triggered by the launch of the government’s new feed-in tariff (Fit) programme. Taking effect on Thursday, this pays homeowners and small firms for generating electricity from photovoltaic solar panels [...]
Households and communities who install generating technologies such as small wind turbines and solar panels will from April be entitled to claim payments for the low carbon electricity they produce.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband today announced the feed-in tariff (FITs) levels and also published a blueprint for a similar scheme to be introduced [...]
March 2010
Making business sense of
climate change
The UK is aiming to cut its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, but these ambitious targets will only be achievable if Government, business, and consumers join forces. Our research shows that 86% of consumers want their favourite brands to help combat the threat of climate change by reducing their [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter March 2010 Homebuilding & Renovations show. Following on from the success we had at Ecobuild, we are now exhibiting at the Homebuilding & Renovations show at The NEC, Birmingham from the 18th-21st March. So why not come along and visit us on stand M62 for a glass of wine, or two!! [...]
Heat is the biggest use of energy in the UK. Just under half of the UK’s CO2 emissions and 60% of domestic energy bills are used on heating space and water. Heat in the UK is currently supplied predominantly by fossil fuels – less than 1% comes from renewable sources. The proposed renewable heat incentive (RHI [...]
EU names and shames renewable energy laggards
The European Commission yesterday confirmed that the EU is on track to narrowly beat its goal of generating 20 per cent of its energy from renewable energy sources by 2020, releasing new figures that predict member states will together generate 20.3 per cent of their power from renewables by the end of the decade.
The data shows that [...]
Buyers of renewable energy technologies beware!!
With the introduction of the Feed In Tariff in April of this year, and the Renewable Heat incentive in April of 2011, one would assume that this is fantastic news for those thinking of installing renewable energy technologies?
It is, but be aware that you will only be eligible for these payments if your installation is [...]
Lack of engineers could scupper renewables revolution
Sunday Times says 60,000 heating engineers are interested in fitting renewable energy devices but are put off by the three-year certification process
The revolution to green the UK’s homes is being held back by a lack of qualified engineers who can fit renewable energy devices.
According to a report in the Sunday Times there are only 500 [...]
UK’s No. 1 self-build & renovation event
NEC Birmingham 18 – 21 March 2010
The UK’s biggest self-build and renovation event is crammed full of all the advice, ideas, inspiration and innovations you need to create the home of your dreams – all under one roof.
Don’t miss your opportunity meet over 450 of the UK’s leading self-build and renovation companies and view the latest products, [...]
Plans unveiled to allow councils to sell renewable energy
Councils across the UK could be allowed to sell electricity generated from renewable sources under new proposals published for consultation last week (March 2) by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Currently, the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 includes a provision preventing local authorities from selling electricity generated from, for example, a council-owned wind [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter
February 2010
Viridis will be exhibiting at Ecobuild 2010!
The World’s biggest show of its kind!
Anyone who’s anyone in the industry will be there! We are!
Come and visit us on stand
To register for
1275 alongside our partners at:- free tickets for this event being held at Earls Court 2nd-4th March, visit:- http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/register.html
For all the latest [...]
Incentives are about to make solar thermal a financial “no-brainer”!
Government incentives are about to make solar water heating panels a financial no-brainer for millions of households across Britain, as long as they have a south-facing roof.
Two weeks ago Guardian Money outlined the attractiveness of electricity generating panels as a result of the introduction of “feed-in” tariffs, which will pay households for the extra energy [...]
New solar cell design could offer flexibility
A new design for solar cell technology could allow the renewable energy source to be used in a variety of different ways.
Advancements in the design of solar panels could make the renewable energy generators easier to install, according to an industry representative.
Researchers from America have devised a way of making flexible solar cells [...]
How will the RHI affect the financial performance of solar thermal?
Now we have confirmation of the “Feed in tariff” payments, and we can work out the finances for solar PV and wind turbines. Perhaps we should look ahead at how the “Renewable Heat Incentive” will affect the finances?
Lets’s start with the most “popular” renewable-solar thermal (or solar for hot water)::
O.K. Let’s take an “average” sized [...]
Liverpool City Council in partnership with Foundation, a climate fund for the North West, has become the first local authority in England’s North West to launch a community renewable power initiative that will deliver measurable carbon savings.
Grants are available to charities, community groups and schools based in the city for micro generation schemes such as [...]
Carbon Trust awards first £500k loan, and calls for more applications
The Carbon Trust today announced that it has awarded its first interest-free loan of £500,000, the maximum amount that can be offered under the government-backed company’s Big Business Refit energy efficiency loan scheme.
The loan was provided to Bedford-based IT support company Blue Chip and has allowed the firm to install energy efficient evaporative cooling technology [...]
Funding awarded to ‘green’ school
An environmentally-friendly school has been awarded funding for renewable energy systems.
An environmentally-friendly school in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire has been awarded a funding boost for its efforts.
Blue Coat Primary School has been granted £7,000 from Scottish Power’s trust to allow the school to install renewable energy technology.
Peter Moore of Viridis, commented: “I believe it [...]
The Feed in Tariff-Some of your questions answered.
The introduction of the feed-in tariff (also known as The Clean Energy Cashback scheme) opens a new and exciting era for microgeneration. Here we aim to answer some of the most common questions on the new scheme. The information below refers to domestic installations of less than 50kW. Other information on the tariffs can be found in our earlier [...]
Why you shouldn’t leave your money in the Building Society!
Yesterday, I was talking to a very good friend of mine, and we got onto the subject of money and savings. Our life is so exciting! Anyway, they were complaining that their small savings in a building society are earning them next to nothing!
For their £4000 savings, they recieved just £4.13 in interest payments in [...]
Tax needed for transition to low carbon economy
A new report from the Environmental Audit Committee claims that carbon prices are not high enough to make the Emissions Trading Scheme effective.
MPs have warned that the carbon market is too weak to make the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) conducive to hitting climate targets.
A new report from the Environmental Audit Committee has found that the [...]
Low carbon towns programme launched today
The UK government is to embark on an intensive green home building programme, which aims to build over 600 homes to the strictest ever environmental standards.
Following on from its recent launch of the compulsory code for sustainable homes, the government will use the areas of Whitehill-Bordon, St Austell in Cornwall, north west Bicester in Oxford [...]
Renewable energy ‘now a viable proposition’
Using renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines, will be a viable option for many UK households and businesses with the introduction of the feed-in tariffs, it has been suggested.
Barry Nutley, of Viridis Energie Consultants, explained that the scheme offering financial incentives to people who install renewable energy technologies means that a [...]
£8 million for community renewables in Wales
Over £8million will be made available to help community organisations in Wales invest in new technology to generate clean, renewable energy, Environment Minister Jane Davidson has announced.
Ms Davidson made the announcement during a visit to the Cwmclydach Development Trust in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where a project is being developed to generate electricity from hydropower, as [...]
1 February 2010 – Press Release – Cash Rewards for Low Carbon Electricity and Heating
Feed-in tariff for small scale low carbon electricity finalised for 1 April introduction
Power from solar panel could earn £900, on top of £140 reduction on household energy bill
Blueprint published for world first incentive scheme for renewable heat
Tariff levels index linked
Micro combined heat and power piloted in the scheme to kickstart the industry in the UK
Households [...]
UK’s biggest wind turbine tower factory planned for Wales
Engineering company Mabey Bridge has unveiled plans to build a £38 million wind turbine tower factory at Chepstow in South Wales, in a move which it claimed will make it the UK’s biggest manufacturer of towers for both on- and offshore wind projects.
The company, which already has its UK headquarters in the town, has submitted [...]
Survey reveals public support for more generous feed-in tariffs
The campaign for the government to increase the proposed level of feed-in tariffs for small-scale renewable energy technologies received a boost today, with the release of a new survey suggesting almost three quarters of homeowners would install renewable energy systems if the financial returns were attractive enough.
The YouGov survey of more than 2,100 adults was [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter
January 2010
Time is running out for solar grant applications!
Don’t forget that the deadline for applying for a grant for solar PV closes at the end of
If you are thinking of installing solar PV then I suggest that you do it now.
You will then be entitled to both a grant of up to
After [...]
Energy feed-in tariff needs a boost
Disappointment at the outcome of climate talks in Copenhagen must not distract from the urgent job of building a low-carbon economy in the UK. We believe at Viridis the generation of small-scale renewable energy can make a substantial contribution to this objective, but are concerned by the lack of ambition of the government’s proposed feed-in [...]
Green energy push planned for UK
As many as a quarter of British homes could be fitted with solar heating panels under new government plans for a “green revolution”.
Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the new proposals are “the most ambitious” such strategy that Britain has seen.
The goal is to meet the EU target of 15% [...]
What to do if you want to live off-grid?
Michael Rea, 64, and his wife Dot retired to the Shetland island of Unst in 2001 and now live in a zero-carbon house. In the past year, the couple have lived near off-grid, with heating costs of just 50p a day for their 180sq m home in the most northerly part of the British Isles [...]
The image problem with renewable energy!
Let’s be honest. Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, biomass and heat pumps, have an image problem! Why? Comments such as “it’s too expensive”, “you never get your money back”, “payback takes forever” tell us one of the reasons why. This seems to contradict many opinion polls that claim that most people would be [...]
Eco-bling and retrofitting won’t meet emissions targets.
Attaching “eco-bling” such as wind turbines or solar panels to buildings will not help the UK cut the carbon emissions from buildings fast enough to meet the government’s ambitious targets, engineers warned yesterday . They also said the building industry will “struggle” to meet requirements to make all new buildings zero-carbon by 2020 because of [...]
Viridis exhibiting at Ecobuild 2010:
Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment.
Combining an 850 exhibitor-strong product showcase with more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions and dozens of interactive educational attractions, Ecobuild connects formal learning with practical experience, and with products and suppliers.
Independent renewable energy consultants, Viridis Energie Consultants, are exhibiting at [...]
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Holds Significant Potential for Jobs Windfall in Hartlepool
Following the Government green light to build offshore wind farms off UK shores, PD Ports is delighted to see Dogger Bank was one of the Crown Estate’s confirmed winners of round three – the process for leasing UK waters for offshore wind farms.
Hartlepool is ideally located to serve the Dogger Bank area of the North [...]
Enecsys Secures £2.5 Million Investment from Good Energies for Groundbreaking Solar Micro-Inverter
Enecsys Limited, a manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) micro-inverters, has attracted further investment of £2.5 million ($4.2 million) from Good Energies, a leading global investor in renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. This new investment adds to the £6M ($10 million) received from Wellington Partners and BankInvest in June 2009 for a total investment of [...]
Investors urge governments to take immediate action on climate change
Over 450 investors controlling $13tn of assets yesterday urged world governments to pre-empt an international climate change treaty and take immediate action on global warming, or risk losing the opportunity to establish a clean and sustainable low-carbon economy.
At a conference at the United Nations in New York, the first gathering of business leaders since the [...]
Households must take action on the security of their Energy supply!
The dire winter weather may have been impossible to predict, but the fact that it forced the National Grid to trigger so-called “interruptible contracts” for scores of large firms, underlines just how short supplies already are.
“The whole situation is very, very difficult and we have got to stop pretending we have got anything other than [...]
Russian energy group with the power to plunge Europe into darkness
The next cold war may well take place in a room that looks oddly like a scene from the last one. Along one wall of a spartan control centre in Moscow, a large map of Europe is projected on computer screens. Visitors have to pass through five rings of security to reach this spot, but [...]
Renewable energy ‘could provide 6% of UK’s needs by 2020′
Small-scale renewable energy could provide 6% of Britain’s electricity needs – equivalent to more than two Sizewell B nuclear stations or the Drax coal-fired plant – by 2020 if the government improves the terms of a new deal for producers due to be launched in April, Friends of the Earth says today.
The environmental campaign group [...]
E.ON welcomes award of South Coast Round 3 offshore wind farm zone
E.ON has today (JAN welcomed the news that it has been awarded the exclusive right to develop a large-scale offshore wind farm off the Sussex coastline by The Crown Estate. .
The company which already has three offshore wind farms in UK waters and is a partner in the London Array, has been awarded Zone [...]
Scottish power line upgrade given go-ahead
Controversial plans for a line of giant pylons from the Highlands to central Scotland have been approved by the Scottish government. .
Ministers said the Beauly-Denny upgrade would unlock Scotland’s renewable energy potential and bring a vital boost to the electricity grid. .
The development, which attracted more than 18,000 objections, will have to meet strict planning [...]
Gordon Brown says climate change agreement possible
LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Sunday he believed a global agreement to combat climate change might still be possible despite the limited results of last month’s Copenhagen meeting.
“I’ve got an idea about how we can actually move this forward over the next few months and I’ll be working on this,” [...]
Europe unites to build renewable energy supergrid
It would connect turbines off the wind-lashed north coast of Scotland with Germany’s vast arrays of solar panels, and join the power of waves crashing on to the Belgian and Danish coasts with the hydro-electric dams nestled in Norway’s fjords: Europe’s first electricity grid dedicated to renewable power will become a political reality this month, [...]
Low Carbon Communities Challenge
Communities in Norfolk, Isle of Wight, London, Nottinghamshire, Pembrokeshire, Cheshire, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Oxfordshire and Devon are the first of twenty communities to benefit from a £10million fund as part of the Low Carbon Communities Challenge.
Around a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heating, lighting and powering electrical appliances in homes. By 2050 [...]
£4 million to help make your business, school or hospital greener through bio-energy
Today further government funding becomes available for business and community organisations, such as schools and hospitals, to help towards the cost of buying and installing biomass-fuelled heating and combined heat & power projects in England.
£4 million is available overall under Round 6 of the Bio-energy Capital Grants scheme, with grants up to £500,000 on offer [...]
Viridis Press Release: “Making Money From Thin Air!”
PRESS RELEASE
MAKING MONEY FROM THIN AIR
Sustainability experts highlight the financial benefits for renewable energy
Kent 23rd December: With Parliament’s Energy Bill given Royal Ascent at the end of 2008 and less than 5 months to go until the Government’s promise to introduce renewable energy Feed-In Tariff’s, Kent sustainability experts Viridis Energie Consultants asks if South East [...]
British Gas is offering 100 households £10k to eco-fit their homes.
How would you like £10,000 to make your home more energy efficient? British Gas is looking for 100 households to take part in a new scheme called Pay As You Save. The trial will help the government decide how it delivers on its pledge to make the UK’s homes more energy efficient.
Although the launch was [...]
New wave of funding moves UK’s first tidal farm a step nearer
British tidal energy company Marine Current Turbines (MCT) announced yesterday that it has raised £3.5m in a new funding round that will allow it to move forward with plans to deploy the UK’s first commercial tidal energy farm over the next two years.
The funding round – which included investment from the Carbon Trust, Bank Invest, [...]
Underground technology could produce a third of UK’s renewable heat needs
A renewable technology that generates heat from below the ground could produce a third of the UK’s renewable heat by 2020, a report from the Environment Agency has found.
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) use energy stored in the ground to heat and cool buildings, and provide hot water. Although the UK is lagging behind other [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter
December 2009
MANCHESTER REGION TO BECOME A LOW CARBON ECONOMIC AREA
Viridis are proud to be assisting the people of Manchester in trying to achieve this.
For further details please visit our website:-
www.viridisec.co.uk/news/
For further information or to discuss your renewable energy needs please contact Viridis on: -
Tel: 0845 437 4484
Email: info@viridisec.co.uk
And lastly – everyone at [...]
Southern Europe photovoltaic markets to help global industry back to growth
With the Spanish market limited by regulatory hurdles, Italy and France are moving the European photovoltaic (PV) industry forward by contributing significant growth in the near term. Meanwhile, southern Europe’s long-term growth prospects, with 38 GW of new projects expected by 2020 are expected to help pull the global PV industry out of its current [...]
Removing red tape in move towards a low-carbon renewable future
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has today launched measures to cut carbon emissions by overhauling the planning system.
In proposals published today for consultation, homeowners, developers and businesses will be able to install their own on-site wind turbines, and air source heat pumps without the expense and red tape of planning permission.
The new rules would [...]
Manchester region to become Low Carbon Economic Area
Greater Manchester has been designated the UK’s first Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) for the Built Environment the Government announced today. Ministers have been working with environment and economic chiefs in the city region to be named as the UK’s fourth LCEA.
The Manchester Built Environment (LCEA) will build on the City-Region’s strong track record in [...]
Copenhagen unites global photovoltaics industry
The leading photovotaics associations are in Copenhagen and this time, rather than all going separately they have gone hand in hand to the “climate capital” as part of an initiative called SolarCOP15. The intention of SolarCOP 15 is to demonstrate that “solar energy is a simple, practical solution that can be quickly deployed for a [...]
Solar panel costs ’set to fall’
The cost of installing and owning solar panels will fall even faster than expected according to new research.
Tests show that 90% of existing solar panels last for 30 years, instead of the predicted 20 years.
According to the independent EU Energy Institute, this brings down the lifetime cost.
The institute says the panels are such a good [...]
Tender for marketing material.
Viridis has just obtained funding for 1 3×3 pop up banner, and 2 roller banners. The contract is worth around £1k. You will have to tender for this, but the link is http://www.envirolinknorthwest.co.uk/Envirolink/News0.nsf/LookupUNID/F1CA5C9563ABDFD280257682004C03B3?OpenDocument
Denmark, climate summit host, tops table of fighting climate change with wind power
In the run-up to the crucial climate change talks in Copenhagen, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has published a league table showing which EU countries are best at exploiting CO2-cutting wind energy.
Top of the table is Denmark, with the highest amount of wind energy capacity per square kilometre of national territory. Germany comes a [...]
Wind turbines and solar panels could be put up without planning
Wind turbines up to 15 metres high could be put up in industrial estates or farmland without planning permission under plans published by the government today.
Changes to the planning system would also make it easier for new solar roofs to go up on stadiums, schools and railway stations or for offices to be re-clad in [...]
Government announces new wave of eco-towns
The emerging green building sector received a major boost yesterday after the government pledged to provide an extra £5m to help support the development of a new wave of eco-towns.
In July four eco-towns received official go-ahead from the government and £5m was pledged to support any further authorities who wanted to develop similar proposals. Now [...]
Fewer than a quarter of homes in England and Wales are rated “above average” for energy efficiency.
Some 23% of homes are rated above the middle rating band (band D), with 21% in the more energy efficient band C and 2% in the second highest energy efficient band (band B). This represents an improvement from the 20% in the “above average” bands recorded in the previous survey in January 2009.
There were no [...]
DECC unveils renewable energy grants
Businesses, charities and local authorities are being urged to bid for government funding to support the development of biomass energy generation.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is offering grants of up to £1.5 million under round three of its Bio-energy Infrastructure Scheme.
Commenting on the initiative, energy and climate change minister Lord Hunt explained [...]
Prices vary hugely between renewable energy installers
Prices for renewable energy installations vary wildly, making buying decisions difficult for homeowners, according to Power from the People, a new study by researchers at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute. In addition, there is little correlation between price and the generation capacity of the installation in many technologies.
Researchers Noah Bergman and Christian Jardine analysed the [...]
Cost of solar energy will drop by half this year and other renewable energy by 10%, says analyst
The levelised costs for solar energy will drop 50% in 2009, while the pre-subsidy cost for other renewable energy technologies will decline by 10%, according to a quarterly research note from New Energy Finance.
Prices for wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable energy equipment fell this year, but the declines were offset by higher financing [...]
Feed In Tariffs close to agreement.
Hopes of having a key government policy on renewable energy in place before the Copenhagen summit have been dashed by internal wrangling over the final levels at which so-called “feed-in tariffs” (FITs) will be set. Officials at Miliband’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have admitted that the announcement – originally due around now [...]
Ecotricity is to offer ‘green gas’
The company, who say it’s the world’s first green electricity company, will source the green gas, or bio-gas as it’s more formally known, from a composting-like process that breaks down food waste and other material that normally gets dumped straight into landfill.
Britain currently wastes around 18m tonnes of food alone a year, which could produce [...]
Developers lead through green example
South West Eco-Homes hopes that its example will spur on more green developments and is urging the government to do more to encourage green building.
The company is aiming to prove that environmentally-sustainable housing is feasible and is to build its first development in Langport, Somerset.
With an estimated 400,000 homes needing to be built [...]
Analysts call time on solar panel glut
The global solar energy industry received an early Christmas present last week, with the news that the end is in sight for the glut of solar panels that has dogged the market for much of 2009.
According to a study from industry analyst iSuppli, higher than expected demand from Germany in recent months means that the [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter November 2009
IT’S RAINING AGAIN!!!
As I write this, the heavens are fully open. Flooding is likely to occur in some areas! Not only can rainwater harvesting reduce the risk of flooding, but can also save you money! Many businesses in particular, could save significant sums if they installed rainwater harvesting systems. It [...]
Climate change to be put at heart of planning system
Peter Moore of Viridis explains about a new campaign has being launched in Parliament to persuade the Government to put climate change at the heart of the English planning system.
A cross-sector coalition of organisations – including leading planners and countryside and environmental organisations – has drawn up draft planning guidance which would transform the system’s [...]
Will Google’s Powermeter help save the planet?
Peter Moore of Viridis has been examining the benefits of Google’s contribution to reducing energy consumption, even though Its searches have been blamed for helping computer users emit as much carbon as a small country, but now Google is trying to give something back to the planet. This week, the US firm launched an online [...]
Up to GBP 1.4bn in new loans for onshore wind farms
Three UK-based banks will start offering new loans to eligible onshore wind farms. Wind farm developers and the banks will have an opportunity to start brokering the deals at a forum in the city hosted by Ed Miliband and Chancellor Alistair Darling. The scheme – supported by HMTreasury and Department of Energy and Climate Change [...]
Exploit new Eco-market opportunities
Funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) (£1.5m) and the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (£1.7m), the Northwest Eco-innovation Programme will help hundreds of businesses exploit new market opportunities for more environmentally sound products and services.
The Northwest Eco-innovation Programme will be launched on 22nd October at 0900 – 1300 at the Museum of [...]
USA-“State-by-state, renewables are taking over”
Across America, coal plants are closing. They’re being replaced by natural gas and – increasingly – renewables. It’s all being driven by some demanding goals from state governments.
New York is shooting for 24% renewables by 2020; California for 33%. Maine is the most ambitious, at no less than 40% – most of which will [...]
Sahara could provide up to 15% of Europe’s energy
Around 15% of Europe’s energy needs in 2050 could be provided by a huge solar project in the Sahara desert, after a consortium of European companies signed up to the $400 billion (£240 billion) venture yesterday (November 2).
The Desertec Industrial Initiative (DII) includes major renewables companies such as E.ON, Siemens, RWE and ABB as well [...]
£2.3M Low Carbon Boost Announced
Businesses in England’s Northwest have been given a further boost with £2.3 million approved for the Low Carbon Market Development Programme.
As the region at the forefront of the UK’s shift to low carbon and with more renewable energy sites than any other part of the country, the programme will be funded with £1 million from [...]
How noisy are wind turbines really?
When discussing noise and wind turbines it is important to be clear what size of turbine you are thinking about. The noise from large, commercial wind turbines is very different to that generated by smaller turbines installed at homes, offices and schools. The rotors on smaller turbines rotate much faster.
Data on noise from small [...]
Scots pilot loan scheme for energy efficiency
Homeowners in Scotland can apply for interest free loans to improve their insulation, replace inefficient boilers or install small scale renewables thanks to a new government pilot scheme.
The £2m Energy Saving Scotland home loans scheme is being administered by the Energy Saving Trust in Scotland. Loans of between £500 and £10,000 are available. They [...]
£18m Investment Boost For UK Clean Tech Sector
“UK clean tech sector a hotbed of innovation” – Carbon Trust Chief Executive Tom Delay
The Carbon Trust is to inject up to £18m in additional funding into the UK clean energy sector, providing a much needed ‘shot in the arm’ for clean tech start-ups and Britain’s move to a low carbon economy. The additional money [...]
Only Renewables can protect against nuclear tax!
Government officials have drawn up secret plans to tax electricity consumers to subsidise the construction of the UK’s first new nuclear reactors for more than 20 years, Viridis has learned.
The planned levy on household bills would add £44 to an annual electricity bill of £500 and contradicts repeated promises by ministers that the nuclear industry [...]
Greenpeace calls for more low carbon funding
The chancellor of the exchequer must support the Department for Energy and Climate Change if the UK is to meet its low carbon targets.
That is according to Joss Garman, a campaigner at environmental group Greenpeace, who said that a “step change” is needed in politics.
Earlier this week, a report from the Committee on Climate Change [...]
Arctic ice cap ‘to disappear in future summers’
The Arctic ice cap will disappear completely in summer months within 20 to 30 years, a polar research team said as they presented findings from an expedition led by adventurer Pen Hadow.
It is likely to be largely ice-free during the warmer months within a decade, the experts added.
Veteran polar explorer Hadow and two other Britons [...]
Europe Leads the way in Solar energy!
Enough solar energy falls on the earth’s surface in twenty minutes to meet our needs for a year. Exploiting this resource is essential in light of our growing energy use and continued battle against man-made global warming.
We can harness the sun’s energy directly for domestic space and water heating, or a proportion of its energy [...]
Government urges businesses to collect rainwater
The government is today calling on businesses to consider installing rainwater harvesting systems on roofs and other open surfaces as a means of cutting their mains water costs.
Government-funded agency Envirowise is seeking to promote wider adoption of the technology and is highlighting the availability of an incentive scheme that allows firms to claim rebates on [...]
UK’s first ‘island’ micro grid goes live in Wales
Viridis Consultant Peter Moore investigates how renewable energy created on-site can now be used instead of being exported to the national grid.
Peter said ” this is a giant leap forward for the use of renewable energy in domestic applications” The UK’s first island micro grid system is up and running at the Centre for Alternative [...]
Welsh renewable energy programme launched
A £34 million scheme to research renewable energy generation in Wales has been unveiled.
The Welsh Assembly government announced the scheme, which is based around the Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) energy programme.
Partnerships with six Welsh universities have been established to look into various environmental issues. Work is expected to get underway by the end of [...]
Energy bills could rise 60%, customers warned
The energy watchdog today said UK consumers faced potentially steep price rises in their gas and electricity bills as supplies become more volatile.
In a review of Britain’s energy market, Ofgem said an investment of up to £200 billion is needed to secure supplies and meet environmental targets.
It lists four possible scenarios for the future and [...]
Solar power for “Smart Grid Cities”
Britain will create up to four “smart grid cities” after the energy regulator set aside £500m from customers’ utility bills to start rewiring the nation’s electricity system. Ofgem wants companies to choose several towns or cities where it will pay for households to have smart energy technologies installed to monitor how it works on a [...]
By 2050 Solar Thermal Energy Could Provide 47% of the UK’s Low-Temp demand
Brussels, 25 September 2009. Since heat accounts for nearly half of the overall energy demand in the European Union, the solar thermal industry will no doubt make a significant contribution to the 20% target of renewable energy set by the new RES Directive. A new Study “Potential of Solar Thermal in Europe” examines the growth [...]
Cumbria’s Renewables Revolution!
Cumbria has been praised by the government for its efforts in working towards a greater use of renewable energy. The county was singled out thanks to its residents pioneering focus on Biomass and wind energy generation.
Viridis has seen a 80% increase in the regions enquiries and surveys to establish what solutions could be viable even [...]
Solar Power in Scotland – it works!
For some reason as soon as Solar Power in Scotland is mentioned we all laugh – Oh we don’t have enough of that here do we? Well, yes we do! Modern solar technology uses radiant light from
daylight whether it is sunny or not. These days solar panels are becoming far more efficient at
making use of [...]
Funding for community carbon schemes
The UK government is offering £10 million to communities around the country that have the best low carbon initiatives.
Entitled the Low Carbon Communities Challenge, regions are being urged to apply for part of the funding to build on existing projects.
There will be 20 communities chosen for the financial injection, with the measures taken being chosen [...]
UK Reveals New Renewables strategy
With three components, the UK Low Carbon transition plan, which was unveiled sets out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the 2009 budget of 34% on 1990 levels by 2020. Also published was the Renewable Energy Strategy, which maps out the UK Governments strategy for reaching the EU target [...]
A 16th Century pub has been crowned Kent’s greenest business
A 16th Century pub has been crowned Kent’s greenest business.
The Rose and Crown, a free house in Selling, near Faversham, was named Kent Environment Business of the Year 2009 at a glittering ceremony at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park last night. (24)
Tim and Vanessa Robinson, who bought the pub just three years ago in their [...]
Government carbon campaign turns attention on water wastage
A Defra campaign set up to persuade the public to curb carbon emissions is now asking people to consider cutting their water use too.
Water shortages are a serious concern for the UK, but convincing people to tackle the issue is an uphill struggle in a country renowned for its damp climate and where water is [...]
Sustainability experts highlight the financial benefits for renewable energy.
Liverpool 14th July 2009 – With Parliament’s Energy Bill given Royal Ascent at the end of 2008 and less than 12 months to go until the Government’s promise to introduce renewable energy Feed-In Tariff’s, Liverpool sustainability experts Viridis Energie Consultants asks if North West businesses and communities [...]
