Page last updated at 15:03 GMT, Thursday, April 12 2012
Photovoltaic Solutions
The Council has embarked on an exciting programme of
installing Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on some of its buildings
to generate electricity and reduce carbon emissions.
The first building to benefit from solar panels was Fleming Park
Leisure Centre. 288 solar panels were installed on the leisure
centre roof and are on target to generate over 62,000 kWh per
year - this equates to around £23,000 - £25,000 of income
to the Council. To put this into context the average home
uses 3,300 kWh per year so this scheme is expected to generate
enough electricity to power around 18 homes for a year.
By producing energy in this renewable form, the scheme will avoid
producing approximately 34,000 kg of CO2 per year which is
equivalent to an average car travelling over 102,000 miles.
PV solar power is amongst the fastest growing renewable energy
source in the UK. This is due in part to Government subsidies or
'Feed in Tariffs' (FITs) that are currently available. Effective
from the 12/12/2011 the feed in tariff has reduced and further
reductions are expected for installs after
31/03/2012.
The Feed in Tariff rates for solar power have been subject to
review and from March 3rd 2012 the rates have been
substantially reduced. Further changes were made in April 2012 that
link the tariff eligibility to energy efficiency and, for the
higher rates applicants now need to show that the building has
attained an Energy Performance Certificate of
Level D or above. The proposed new rates can be found on the
Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) website.
Even though the feed in tariff rates reduction has
impacted both the viability of some smaller schemes and the
industry as a whole, the picture is still very positive for the
industry. One of the reasons the reduction in tariffs went ahead
was the reduction in the costs of materials. Early indications are
that many of the Councils intended schemes will still produce a
good return.
The tariff rates are expected to drop again in July 2012 and
then every 2 - 6 months after that depending on rates of take
up.
FIT rates for other technologies will now also be reviewed. See
DECC website for details.
'Rent-a-roof' schemes:
Many companies are offering free installations to householders and
businesses whereby the building owner gets the benefit of the
electricity generated and the installation company claims the
Feed-in-Tariff payments. These are often referred to as
'rent-a-roof' schemes.
It is very important to read the terms and conditions carefully as
some are unfavourable. For example you may have to pay to have the
equipment removed after the agreement finishes or may be liable for
costs of any damage.
The Energy Saving Trust provides advice about 'rent-a-roof'
schemes:
Energy Saving Trust - Consumer guidance on free solar PV
offers
Solar Thermal
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
The Renewable Heat Incentive is a similar scheme to the
Feed-in-Tariff but rewards technologies that provide heat rather
than electricity. The RHI is being introduced in two phases and
Phase 1, which is targeted at non-domestic consumers, opened for
applications on 28 November 2011.
The RHI supports a range of technologies including biomass, solar
thermal, ground and water source heat-pumps and biogas. Tariff
levels have been set at a level that should ensure that renewable
heat costs no more than conventional fossil fuel based heating.
Payments are issued on a quarterly basis and will last for 20
years.
Phase 1 also includes some support for householders through the
'Renewable
Heat Premium Payment'.
The second phase of the RHI scheme will see householders moved to
the same form of long-term tariff support offered to the
non-domestic sector. This transition should align with the Green
Deal * planned for October 2012.
Read more about the RHI on the DECC website:
* The Green Deal will provide a way to finance domestic energy
efficiency improvements without the up front costs. Improvements
will be paid for in instalments via household energy bills.
Renewable Heat Premium Payment - Phase 2
This Government scheme is designed to make renewable heat
technologies more affordable for householders. Any householder can
apply for a grant towards solar thermal heating. Householders who
are not connected to the gas grid can get financial help for heat
pumps (air, ground or water source) and biomass boilers.
The second phase of the scheme is running from 1st May 2012 with
pre-registration possible from 2 April 2012. Successful applicants
will be issued vouchers with the following values:
- Solar Thermal Hot Water £300
- Air Source Heat Pump £850
- Ground Source or Water Source Heat Pump £1250
- Biomass boiler £950
Applications can be submitted to the Energy Saving Trust and further information on
the scheme can be found on their website or by calling 0800 512012.
There are minimum energy efficiency criteria and householders must
agree to monitor the performance of their heating system.
The second phase has also introduced a competition for funding
aimed at community groups and social landlords with further details
to be announced.
More information can be found on the Department of Energy &
Climate Change website:
www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/Renewable_ener/incentive/incentive.aspx
The Council will be looking for opportunities to work in
partnership with neighbouring authorities and other public
organisations to share knowledge, experience and provide support to
other agencies wishing to embark on installing PV panels on, for
instance, other community or public buildings.
If you are interested in finding out more about installing
photovoltaic panels or other renewable energy systems onto your
home, please visit our Renewable Energy for Homes page.
If you represent a business or community group and are
considering solar energy for your building/s, please visit our
Solar
Energy for Business and Community page.
Find out more
To find out more about the project, or to discuss partnership
opportunities, please contact:
Jeb Farrah Project Manager, Eastleigh Borough Council
Telephone: 023 8068 8818
Email: jeb.farrah@eastleigh.gov.uk
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