Solar

The growth in the world population, and the fact that we are living longer, have placed an unsustainable increased demand on our energy sources and reserves. This increased demand in the production and use of gas, fossil fuels, petroleum, etc. is threatening the environment and the availability of energy supplies to future generations. The release of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as a result of increased industrialisation is blocking out sunlight and causing world climate temperatures to rise. This is a situation we have come to know or refer to as "The Greenhouse Effect" or "Global Warming".

To protect our environment and create a supply of energy for future generations we have to look for more sustainable sources of energy. Solar energy is an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy source.

What is solar energy?

There are no supplier organisations involved in the production, distribution or delivery of solar energy. Solar energy is produced by natural sunlight and is 'free'. Installation of a solar system enables the natural production of solar energy to produce heating and hot water, all year round.

Benefits

Solar energy:

• Is a renewable and sustainable energy source
• Reduces CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases
• Protects our environment and atmosphere from pollution
• Produces hot water and heating
• Is economical and affordable
• Is available throughout the year

Solar system

Simply put, solar systems are made up of a number of panels that are fitted to the roof of your home or business premises. These panels are what attract the energy from the sun's rays. Skilled engineers connect the solar panels to your water system enabling the production of hot water/heating.

Solar systems:

• are designed to supply up to 70% of hot water throughout the year
• are estimated to produce as much as 95% of hot water during summer months
• can, depending on geographical location, save up to 25% of energy bills during winter months
• installations can be completed within one day
• are known to increase the value of your home
• reduce your carbon footprint

If you are producing more energy than your home or business is currently using, there are options to sell energy back to the energy supplier companies, so even greater opportunities for savings!

Feed-in Tariffs (FITs)

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has used powers in the Energy Act 2008 to introduce a system of feed-in tariffs (FITs) to incentivise small scale (less than 5MW), low carbon electricity generation.

As a small-scale low-carbon electricity technology solar photovoltaics (solar PV) is eligible for FITs. FITs provide financial incentives for people and businesses to install electricity-generating technologies such as solar electricity panels and wind turbines.

Through the use of FITs the DECC hopes to encourage deployment of additional low carbon electricity generation, particularly by those not traditionally engaged in the electricity market (production, distribution, wholesale, etc.), for example:

• Organizations
• Businesses
• Communities; and
• Householders / Individuals

The FITs scheme went live on 1st April 2010.

'Clean Energy Cashback'

This "clean energy cashback" will allow many people to invest in small scale low carbon electricity, in return for a guaranteed payment for the electricity they generate (and export).

Householders / Individuals

Householders considering generating their own electricity should look at the Energy Saving Trust's Clean Energy Cashback web pages for more information on energy efficiency measures as well as independent advice on the technologies concerned.

Further information is available from the following websites:

Department of Environment and Climate Change:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/feedin_tariff/feedin_tariff.aspx

Office of gas and electricity markets:www.offgem.gov.uk
Energy Saving Trust:www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

To find out more about how a solar system can benefit you:

Tel: 020 8502 2250
Email: enquiries@gracelandscms.co.uk

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