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Readers' tips of the month - December
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 20 December 2013 at 10:16 am
"Cut energy first by improved insulation, air tightness and appliance energy efficiency, then install renewables," is the tip from chartered building services engineer, Gary Bennett. "You will spend less overall to acheive a better end result," he adds. He practices …
Can I get RHI for my biomass boiler if it's not recommended by the green deal?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 19 December 2013 at 12:20 pm
Q: I have just taken a call from a lady who is considering installing a biomass boiler to replace her current LPG boiler. A couple of green deal assessors have told her that she will only be eligible for domestic RHI (renewable heat incentive) if her green deal assessment report recommends …
Is my boiler stove eligible for the renewable heat incentive?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 19 December 2013 at 9:20 am
Q: I own and am having installed a Aquatherm ECoF34V boiler stove which seems an extremely substantial piece of Italian kit that should meet MCS criteria but the machine is not MCS certified. There is a considerable amount of money at stake for me personally, and I'm sure the machine wil…
Solar allowances to change in Northern Ireland
Posted by Andy Baird on 18 December 2013 at 12:01 pm
The size of solar installations allowed without applying for permission will reduce from 1 March next year. Under the G83 rules Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) currently allows people to insall arrays of up to 6.5 kWp and 20 kWp on single- and three-phase supplies respectively. This generous a…
Ground source heat pump warms guests at country house hotel
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 16 December 2013 at 10:10 am
A newly-installed ground source heat pump is set to save an Elizabethan country house hotel £10,000 a year. Historic Soulton Hall in Wem, Shropshire, has replaced traditional fossil fuels with two Stiebel Eltron ground source heat pumps, generating green hot water and heating for …
If I install a biomass boiler now will I definitely get the RHI?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 13 December 2013 at 11:50 am
Q: I have had my green deal assessment done and have an EPC and report with my heat requirements. I want to install a log gasification boiler. I seem to be stuck in that the installer wants a 20% deposit to go ahead but I can't seem to get a firm guarantee that I will receive £x for my …
How to make your windows more energy efficient
Posted by greentomatoenergy . on 10 December 2013 at 12:59 pm
Windows and doors typically account for 20% of all heat loss in a home according to National Insulation Association figures. A leaky single glazed window also has a big impact on comfort thanks both to draughts and the cool temperature adjacent to the window. This is frequently borne out in our e…
When can I apply to the domestic RHI?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 9 December 2013 at 10:30 am
People with renewable heating systems installed since 15 July 2009 may have to wait to apply for the domestic renewable heat incentive (RHI). Last week the government announced its plans to phase the process. Phasing will enable those who installed without support from the renewable hea…
Community groups can get the feed-in tariff and grant funding (sometimes)
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 6 December 2013 at 9:54 am
Q. We are a community group who have received a grant to install some solar PV panels on the roof of our village hall. I understand that receiving a grant disqualifies you from receiving feed-in tariffs – but I’ve also heard that there are some exceptions to this rule. Can you please …
Green deal advice to be made easier to understand says Government
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 5 December 2013 at 11:34 am
For anyone who has been baffled by the amount of technical information available on their green deal advice report, help may be at hand. The government has announced plans to make green deal advice reports clearer and easier to understand, and to contain more information about what support there …
DIY solar PV installation - is it a good idea?
Posted by Paul Hutchens on 4 December 2013 at 9:13 am
Q. I am thinking of building a solar PV system as a project and doing the install myself. I have been told that I would not be able to claim the FIT (feed-in tariff) unless the system was installed by an approved installer, but that as long as the inverter had G83/1 approval I would be able to bu…
Politics wins the day as Government waters down green levy
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 2 December 2013 at 10:41 am
The government has just announced a series of measures that it claims will reduce the average energy bill by £50, without slashing the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) which adds about £47 to every energy bill. While we're glad that they haven't done away with ECO t…
Readers' tips of the month - solar PV
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 29 November 2013 at 9:33 am
We always advocate a bit of rigour in choosing a renewable energy installer and we're not surprised to find that also being recommended by a a retired environmental scientist and chartered town planner. Steven Shuttleworth installed 16 x 250KWh solar panels last month. They are in t…
Watch a solar PV installation in double quick time
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 28 November 2013 at 10:47 am
If you've ever wondered what's involved in a solar PV installation, these timelapse videos made by GenFit will give you a good idea of the process and some of the situations that they can be installed in: Solar PV on a timber shelter at Upton Heath Primary School 4…
Insulating under the floor - a photo case study
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 27 November 2013 at 10:16 am
When insulation is mentioned we tend to think about lofts and walls, but insulating under the floor can make a significant difference too. When we did up our house, we didn't do anything to most of the floors - except lift the carpets and sand them. Since then, annoyed by the howling drau…
Worried about energy prices? Take control!
Posted by greentomatoenergy . on 22 November 2013 at 10:02 am
According to the department of energy and climate change's (DECC) public attitudes tracker, 28% of us are giving a lot of thought to saving energy at home and 84% of us are concerned about energy price rises in the future. This 84% of us are right to be concerned as the majority of the …
10 cheap and easy ways to make your home warmer this winter
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 21 November 2013 at 4:08 pm
The start of this winter's first cold snap really contentrates the mind on ways to keep warm. While you can just turn the heating on for longer, or turn the thermostat up, that's a very expensive way of managing the problem. Luckily, there are other ways of improving the energy efficiency…
Can I pre-register for domestic RHI?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 20 November 2013 at 9:26 am
Q. We have had solar thermal and a biomass heating system installed. I have two questions: firstly can we pre-register for the domestic renewable heat incentive, and secondly I have read that you need to be in full time employment to qualify, which seems a bit bizarre. Is that true? A. Provid…
How closely should the input of an inverter match the output of a solar array?
Posted by Chris Rudge on 18 November 2013 at 10:31 am
Q: How important is it to match the Max DC input of the inverter, to the maximum possible output of the solar array? Some companies have given me quotes where the output/input are miles different. A: It is standard procedure to install an inverter that is up to 20% lower in power rating than …
Research reveals key opportunities for selling energy efficient improvements
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 15 November 2013 at 10:16 am
The challenge for green deal providers and installers is to "sell or package" energy efficiency measures as a solution to the trials and tribulations of domestic life according to research published earlier this year by the UK Energy Research Centre. Researchers debunked the i…
What is collective switching?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 13 November 2013 at 11:01 am
Q. What is collective switching and should I get involved? A. Collective switching is where a group of individuals club together to negotiate a better deal on their energy bills. While there is no set model for how such a scheme operates, it usually involves a third party such as a local coun…
How to check that you are getting the most out of your solar panels
Posted by EvoEnergy . on 11 November 2013 at 9:48 am
Q: I am not sure if we are getting the benefit of the solar panels we had fitted in 2011. In short, we appear to be using the same amount of units as we did before the panels were installed. I understand it may be different appliances in the house which are responsible for the increase in ex…
Building integrated solar panels help power new office block
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 8 November 2013 at 8:53 am
A new office block built to exacting environmental standards aims to improve the productivity of its tenants by up to 18 per cent. The Future Business Centre in Cambridge is a 35,000sq.ft. facility intended to provide a mix of office and workshop units and hot desk facilities for up to …
Can I get the feed-in tariff for more than one renewable technology
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 7 November 2013 at 11:41 am
Q: I have already have installed a solar PV system for which I get a feed-in tariff payment. If I install a micro CHP (combined heat and power) unit, I can get the feed-in tariff for that too? A: Yes, you are eligible to apply for the feed-in tariff for as many renewable energy technologies a…
Community hydro power project close to realisation
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 5 November 2013 at 12:20 pm
The water that is regularly let out of the Dove Stone reservoir used to tumble, unchecked, into the River Tame. The so-called compensation flow was simply part of United Utilities obligations in maintaining the reservoir and was of scant interest to local residents so long as the water …
Will I get the same feed-in tariff rate if my solar panels are storm damaged?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 4 November 2013 at 10:01 am
Q: Following on from the 'storm', I was wondering what would happen if any existing registered solar panels were damaged and needed to be replaced. Would they slot into the existing feed-in tariff (we got on to the higher rate before it was changed), or would they be under the new lower r…
What help can I get with heating under the Affordable Warmth scheme?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 1 November 2013 at 9:21 am
Q: I have a typical 60s semi. Unfortunately I don't have a central heating system (warm air broken down). I am now retired and on pension credit. I have tried to get something done via the Affordable Warmth scheme but all they seem interested in is replacing boilers which I don't have! …
How to find an energy efficient alternative to American-style fridge freezers
Posted by Amanda Harvey on 31 October 2013 at 9:43 am
American-style fridge freezers are often prized as a must-have appliance for a modern kitchen – and the bigger the better it seems! But should you choose a supersized fridge to complete your kitchen or opt for something more energy efficient? Whether you’re planning an entire kitc…
How do I find a recommended installer on YouGen?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 29 October 2013 at 12:47 pm
One of the key barriers to investing in renewable energy that I identified before I started YouGen is finding an installer that you trust to do a good job. How do you evaluate what they are saying, and compare them. Our response is to invite installers to become YouGen members. This means they ca…
Are green deal providers quoting on reports from independent advisors?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 29 October 2013 at 10:59 am
Getting a green deal assessment is meant to be like getting a new prescription for your glasses. Once you have the prescription you can shop around for the style of frames you want and have your prescription made up by any provider. So, the idea is that you invite a green deal advisor r…
New solar thermal calculation for domestic RHI increases returns
Posted by Stuart Elmes on 28 October 2013 at 9:26 am
MCS recently published a new calculation method for predicting the energy benefits from solar water heating. The announcement has been eagerly awaited by the solar industry because it will be the way payments are calculated under the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive. As we’ll see, the …
SMA goes zero carbon - how green are your suppliers?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 25 October 2013 at 9:21 am
While the empasis on selling solar panels over the past few years has been on the financial benefits, I also find it very satisfactory to think about the environmental benefits. It's great that I'm generating free electricity, but I also like knowing that I've reduced the carbon emiss…
Tansor village hall: a case study of a solar-powered heat pump in a community building
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 24 October 2013 at 9:27 am
A village hall which is using a lottery grant to install an air source heat pump partially powered by solar panels has come up with a way of still qualifying for the government's feed-in tarrif (FiTs). Under FiT rules, installations that are funded by public money, includin…
What happens to the feed-in tariff if I move energy supplier?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 22 October 2013 at 11:31 am
Q: If I choose to change my present energy supplier (dual fuel), will I be able to leave my feed-in tariff (FiT) payment liability with my original supplier or must I take it with me to the new supplier. In either case will I still receive the same FIT rate as I currently receive. A: Th…
MCS deadline for registering legacy renewable heat systems - an update
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 21 October 2013 at 10:29 am
Tomorrow is the deadline by which people who have installed a renewable heating system since 15 July 2009 must ensure that it is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) if they want to receive the renewable heat incentive. Yet, a quick check this morning reveals th…
Green gas takes a step closer to your home
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 18 October 2013 at 10:41 am
The possibility of being able to buy truly green gas from the grid, has taken a step closer to realisation thanks to the arrival on the market of a second, certified supplier of 100 per cent green gas. Ceres Energy has signed up to become the second registered supplier of biomethane und…
Do self builders need a green deal assessment to claim RHI?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 17 October 2013 at 9:55 am
Q: We have had a single new house built for us this year and have an air source heat pump. Naturally we would like to apply for the renewable heat incentive when it comes in next year. You said in your blog of 25 July 2013 that you need a green deal assessment to apply unless you are a self-build…
Volunteers wanted for trial of heat pump controls
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 15 October 2013 at 11:17 am
Is it just me, or are heat pumps the most confusing of beasts? I had a Daikin Altherma air source heat pump installed by an MCS registered installer in 2012 to replace a hopelesssly out-of-date storage heating system in a 1950s chalet-style house. Last winter we received electricity bills…
Installers: would you support a level 3 NVQ in renewable technology?
Posted by Ged Ennis on 14 October 2013 at 10:34 am
Five years ago I approached our local college about developing a level 3 NVQ in renewable technology. My company has worked with them for the past 20 years, taking a variety of apprentices through a range of building-related trade qualifications. I knew the staff well and thought would do somethi…
I've got RHPP - is it worth applying for RHI?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 11 October 2013 at 10:07 am
Q: I am trying to calculate whether it is going to be worth us applying for RHI (renewable heat incentive) since we have already obtained RHPP (renewable heat premium payment). Am I right in thinking that those with a high efficiency construction, requiring a smaller boiler, will we get less…
Is all my solar electricity being exported?
Posted by Chris Rudge on 10 October 2013 at 9:22 am
Q: I suspect that all the generation from my 3.12 kW Solar photovoltaic panels is being exported as since installation almost 2 years ago my electricity bills have increased rather than reduced despite over 5,000 kWh being generated. How can I check this is the case? A: Any power be…
Will solar panels affect the warranty on my new build home?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 8 October 2013 at 9:10 am
Q: I have a question relating to solar panels and the NHBC warranty on our new build property. We have recently moved in to a new, two bedroom bungalow in Scarborough and thought that we would get a few quotes for solar panels on the roof. On contacting NHBC regarding the 10-year warranty pr…
How good a deal are solar panels from Ikea?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 7 October 2013 at 10:46 am
Famous for flat-pack furniture and its clean, Scandinavian design, Ikea is a surprise entrant into the solar PV market. With 18 massive stores in the UK it's known for value for money household goods (some would say cheap) and jokes about Allen keys. So would you trust it to sell you solar pa…
Will installing a wind turbine affect my RHI application for a heat pump?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 4 October 2013 at 9:36 am
Q: We have installed a ground source heat pump and will be applying for the renewable heat incentive (RHI). We are now considering installing a wind turbine. How will this interact with our heat pump RHI application, if at all? Our EPC rating will improve with a turbine and as I understand it RHI…
Beat the RHI deadline for MCS registration of renewable heat systems
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 2 October 2013 at 3:31 pm
If your renewable heating system is not registered with the microgeneration certification scheme (MCS), there are still a few things you can do, to ensure that you meet the 22 October 2013 deadline for registration. If your heating system is not registered on the MCS installation databa…
Will solar panels affect the sale of my house?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 1 October 2013 at 12:40 pm
Q: I recently purchased a buy to let property with a mortgage and would like to know my options for solar panels. I would be buying the panels outright but I am unsure as to whether I can benefit from the feed in tariff as my property has a mortgage. Also would there be issues with re-selling the…
Smart meters: too smart for our own good?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 30 September 2013 at 10:15 am
A survey by the Energy Saving Trust has found that almost three quarters of respondents support the installation of smart meters in their homes. But commentators are warning that the meters pose risks to individual privacy and national security. The survey, conducted ahead of …
Are there really brand new boilers available free of charge?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 27 September 2013 at 9:22 am
Q: I have had a phone call from someone offering me a brand new boiler, absolutely free. Is this a scam? A: The phone rings and someone on the end of the line offers you a brand new boiler - absolutely free. Naturally you are sceptical. After months of unsolicited calls offering you…
How is the seasonal performance factor of my heat pump calculated?
Posted by Graham Hazell on 26 September 2013 at 9:09 am
Q: I am still unclear how the seasonal performance factor (SPF) of my heat pump is calculated for the purposes of making tariff payments under forthcoming domestic renewable heat incentive (RHI). Is it simply based on the manufacturers' claims or is there some way of calculating it from real …
How to make the most of bio-energy
Posted by Stewart Boyle on 25 September 2013 at 9:18 am
Bio-energy (or biomass) tends to divide a generally pro-renewables audience. Fed by countless images of rainforest destruction, ‘Fuel vs Food’ slogans, and general suspicion of anyone who chops down trees, bio-energy has its fans but its detractors. ‘Do we have enough fuel?&rsqu…
Deadline to register your renewable heat installation looming
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 24 September 2013 at 9:15 am
The government has issued a deadline for registering renewable heat installations under the microgeneration certification scheme (MSC). The deadline, of 4pm on October 22, 2013, applies to all renewable heat installations made since July 15, 2009. If you believe your installation has yet …
How to choose internal solid wall insulation
Posted by Chris Newman on 23 September 2013 at 9:37 am
10 million properties in the UK which are solid walled. This accounts for slightly less than half of the total properties. Energy loss through the walls accounts for around one third of all wasted energy in solid walled properties and with rising energy costs and tougher building regulations …
Is YouGen on the right track? We'd like to know (good or bad!)
Posted by Gilly Jones on 23 September 2013 at 8:02 am
YouGen has been up and running for more than four years now and we’re drawing up exciting plans for YouGen mark two, which we hope to build next year. We want to make sure that it delivers all the help and support you need both before and after you tackle an energy project. And, of cour…
How to choose low energy lightbulbs
Posted by greentomatoenergy . on 20 September 2013 at 9:20 am
Somewhere between 16 and 19 per cent of global power consumed is used for lighting so it makes sense to look at how efficiencies can be made. Traditional lightbulbs, also known as incandescent bulbs (for the purposes of this blog this includes halogens), work by passing electricity through a …
Another gong for YouGen!
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 19 September 2013 at 9:01 am
It's not like us to blow our own trumpets but - PARP! - we did just want to say how proud we are to have been named Green Business of the Year at an award ceremony for women in business. Our founder Cathy Debenham also reached the finals of the Inspirational Woman category of this year's …
Biomass 'best heating solution' for businesses
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 18 September 2013 at 9:23 am
Converting your business to biomass heating has the potential to deliver some of the most significant and cost-effective carbon savings of all renewable heating technologies, The Carbon Trust has claimed. In its guide, Biomass heating: A practical guide for potential users, the Carbon Trust s…
Big businesses to undergo compulsory energy assessments
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 17 September 2013 at 8:50 am
The average big UK business could save £56,400 a year on energy bills under a government scheme to force businesses to undergo energy assessments. At least that’s the bold claim of the department of energy and climate change (DECC) who are consulting on proposals they hope will en…
How do I claim the domestic renewable heat incentive?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 16 September 2013 at 9:08 am
Q: I have recently installed an air to heat system in my home. What do I have to do to claim the renewable heat incentive payment? A: First, I'm assuming you are talking about an air to water heat pump. If you have an air-to-air heat pump then you are not eligible for the renewable heat i…
Should I buy a device to store my solar generated electricity?
Posted by Chris Rudge on 13 September 2013 at 10:18 am
Q: I have solar PV panels on my roof. There are now some devices becoming available that enable one to store the surplus electricity to use at another time, for example after dark. They are expensive to purchase though. How do they work; are they a good investment; and are there any models y…
Why is my EPC rating so poor with my new biomass boiler?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 12 September 2013 at 9:58 am
Q: Following the installation of a super-efficient biomass boiler, my energy bills dropped but my energy performance certificate (EPC) rating plummeted 26 points to a G. I’m convinced that the report is incorrect but where do I turn to get this corrected? We removed a 20-year-old boiler…
The UK's most energy-efficient period properties throw open their doors
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 11 September 2013 at 11:01 am
If you’re considering refurbishing your energy-guzzling period property to make it run more efficiently then here’s a chance to see how others have done it first. SuperHomes Open Days is a countrywide open house scheme where owners of 54 older, retrofitted homes throw open their d…
What is the greenest way of heating our new studio?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 10 September 2013 at 10:46 am
Q: We have planning permission to replace existing garage with a fully insulated garage and studio. What is the greenest / most efficient way of providing hot water and heating to the studio? We have mains electricity; access to plenty of wood; oil (which we use as sparingly as possible); and…
Devon businesses can check out biomass heating at open day
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 9 September 2013 at 11:50 am
Devon biomass businesses are throwing open the doors of more than 20 installations to the public on September 18. 11 businesses and their customers have come together for the Renewable Heat at Work open day to show where the fuel comes from, and let visitors get hands-on with wood-powere…
Can I get the domestic RHI if I'm replacing a renewable heating system?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 6 September 2013 at 9:43 am
Q: I installed a stove type pellet boiler back in 2006 - which is great. But last year we extended our house and the boiler is probably a bit on the small side. Also as we get older we will find it easier to have a boiler with a bulk store. If I install a bigger output boiler now will I qualify f…
Why we should build renewables into new homes
Posted by James Page on 5 September 2013 at 9:20 am
When the government proposed a 'bonfire of red tape' I never seriously thought they would want to stop renewable energy requirements for new buildings. One of the few levers local authorities have over builders is to make planning permission conditional on provisions, such as solar panels…
How do I know if my solar thermal panels are working correctly?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 3 September 2013 at 9:55 am
Q: We have had solar PV and solar thermal installed in 2010. While I'm very happy with the solar PV, the solar thermal has never worked particularly well. But as the boiler makes sure there is hot water mornings and evenings when we need it, we haven't really looked into it until now. …
Is the solar industry being held to ransom by DNOs?
Posted by Rupert Higgin on 30 August 2013 at 10:19 am
There appears to be little synergy or common ways of working between the seven main Distribution Network Operator companies (DNOs) in the UK, with each one having its own charges and processes. To get the best results, solar installers need to understand their business and develop relations…
Consumer group finds the brightest energy saving light bulbs
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 29 August 2013 at 10:19 am
LEDs light bulbs are getting brighter and cheaper to buy according to the latest Which? tests. The consumer organisation identified 14 best buy LED light bulbs, three of which are as bright as a traditional 60w bulb, and five more that match the brightness of a 40w incandescent bulb for brightnes…
How to choose a green deal advisor
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 23 August 2013 at 9:41 am
Choosing a green deal advisor is the first step on your journey to participating in the green deal scheme. It is important to choose an advisor in whom you have confidence as it is their findings that will inform the energy saving measures your provider is able to install in your home. There …
What to do if you want a green energy tariff
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 22 August 2013 at 10:16 am
Npower announced in July that it was scrapping its domestic green electricity tariff for new customers, while EDF, E.ON, SSE and Scottish Power are also no longer offering a domestic green tariff for those wishing to switch. This is a side effect of the government's attempts to crack down…
How do I find a local green deal advisor or provider?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 19 August 2013 at 9:31 am
Q: I've had a green deal advice report done, and am trying hard to find a provider in Devon. Hope you can help. A: To find a green deal provider go to www.greendealorb.co.uk/consumersearch and enter your postcode. You can also search for green deal assessor organisations at the same …
Will the green deal pay for a boiler replacement in my kitchen extension?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 16 August 2013 at 9:36 am
Q: I'm planning on extending the kitchen and updating the boiler. We live in a 20s house with no cavity and a gas Aga running the heating. Can I access money from the green deal? I spoke to the energy efficiency people as well as British Gas and they said I'd have to wait to complete the …
Heat pumps can be an efficient alternative to electric, oil or LPG heating says EST field trial
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 15 August 2013 at 9:12 am
Heat pumps can provide an efficient alternative heat source for householders currently heating using electricity, oil, LPG or solid fuel according to phase two of the Energy Saving Trust's (EST) heat pump field trial. Well installed heat pumps, in homes which have adequate insu…
Will my Immersun qualify for RHI payments?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 13 August 2013 at 10:58 am
Q: We have recently installed an Immersun to compliment our solar PV. This is using between 4 and 6 Kw hours per day to heat our water. It was simple to install and much cheaper than our solar thermal panel in our last house. Does the Immersun (or equivalent) qualify for a renewable heat incentiv…
5 top tips for choosing a biomass boiler for your home
Posted by Gabriel Wondrausch on 12 August 2013 at 9:23 am
Q: I am going nuts about installing a modern biomass boiler. We are committed to renewables for our stable conversion and have planning permission for a boiler house especially built for a biomass pellet boiler. However, I am struggling to find quotes and advice (eg. how the pellets will be deliv…
Will the green deal really make my home overheat?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 7 August 2013 at 9:06 am
You’ve got to pity the poor department for energy and climate change. No sooner have they announced a flagship green deal scheme to beef up our home insulation and make us all cosy and energy efficient then the weather goes and gets all hot and we all start opening the windows and swit…
What's in a brand when choosing solar panels?
Posted by Chris Jardine on 6 August 2013 at 12:04 pm
In the latest of my series of blogs looking at what makes the ‘best’ solar panel, I thought I’d look at the importance of brand name in determining product choice. Perhaps you’ve bought a new TV lately? How did you choose what one to get? Perhaps you’ve just pi…
I have heard that a green deal provider can increase my repayments by two per cent a year. Is this true?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 5 August 2013 at 9:49 am
Well, yes, it is. It has been widely publicised that a green deal plan offers a fixed rate of interest, meaning that in most cases, your repayments will remain the same throughout the course of your loan. But a little bit of digging has revealed that there could be circumstances in which your…
LED lighting system to save more than £15,000 over five years
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 2 August 2013 at 9:22 am
A new lighting system is set to save thousands and cut carbon usage by 85% at a high rise scheme in Harpurhey, Manchester. Kingsbridge Court, which is managed by Northwards Housing, now benefits from sensor controlled LED lights that this year alone are expected to save £2,725.43 in el…
My experience of staying in a Passivhaus
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 1 August 2013 at 10:31 am
Having lived in a series of draughty old houses over the years, I've always wondered what it would be like living in a Passivhaus. So when i discovered there was a Passivhaus bed and breakfast in the South of England where I was due to attend a conference, I booked in. The B&B is one …
What will my electricity bills look like with a green deal plan?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 30 July 2013 at 9:30 am
So, you’ve had your green deal assessment and you’ve chosen a green deal provider with whom you’ve agreed the terms of your loan. You know the cost of the work proposed and how much energy you are predicted to save over the course of your loan. And you’ve reassur…
Reader's tip of the month - July 2013
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 29 July 2013 at 9:29 am
Mark Boulton is just completing his self-build eco-house: a timber frame / hemcrete construction on a passive slab near Chipping Campden. The house has a 9.8kW solar PV system and solar thermal panels feeding into an 800 litre thermal store. It has a bespoke energy management system wit…
Green deal to be delivered street by street with DECC funding
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 26 July 2013 at 10:26 am
Plans by the government for energy efficiency experts to go street-by-street to encourage people to make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat have met with suspicion on Twitter. Concerns expressed are mainly about conmen and pressure sales. But how likely is that in reality? The local c…
Mortgage lenders give tentative thumbs up to Green Deal homes
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 25 July 2013 at 10:38 am
If you’re considering taking out a green deal loan on a house you’re planning to sell in the future, your prospective buyers will not find it harder to secure a mortgage. At least that’s the message the body which represents mortgage lenders is keen to get across. …
Estimated RHI payments on a solar thermal installation
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 23 July 2013 at 2:59 pm
Domestic hot water generated by solar thermal panels will be eligible for the renewable heat incentive (RHI) when it starts in spring next year. The tariff rate will be at least 19.2p/kWh of heat generated (although it may be a higher - we should find out in the autumn). The RHI payments will…
Why buyers should take care when investing in renewable heat
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 22 July 2013 at 9:41 am
Let me set my stall out: I'm a fan of renewable heat technologies if they are installed well in suitable buildings. I'm also delighted that details of the domestic renewable heat incentive scheme has finally been announced, and that the rates are higher than expected. But, and g…
7 questions to ask a heat pump installer before you buy
Posted by Graham Hazell on 19 July 2013 at 11:52 am
With the details of the domestic renewable heat incentive now published, and renewable heat premium payments still available to help with the upfront cost, now is a good time to install renewable heat. But make sure you choose a good installer. Here are seven questions to help you choose a he…
How to choose your biomass boiler installer
Posted by FairEnergy . on 18 July 2013 at 9:35 am
A biomass boiler is unlike any other type of boiler and there some very important considerations that your installer should understand and be able to explain to you. 1. Ask how long the company has been installing biomass boilers. 2. Find out how many installations the company has done an…
RHI stands for really happy industry
Posted by Jennifer Arran on 16 July 2013 at 8:20 am
The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has finally been unveiled, and the industry couldn’t be happier. This is the end of the beginning – the RHI represents the first step on the path to meeting the UK 2050 carbon targets. The tariff rates and the inclusion of hybrid systems…
What the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive means for heat pumps
Posted by Chris Davis on 15 July 2013 at 11:06 am
After nearly 4 years of waiting, the Government has finally confirmed the details of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for domestic properties. Cathy has already summarised the key details in her blog. This is great news for home owners looking to install renewable heating systems…
Usability testers wanted for RHI accreditation system
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 12 July 2013 at 11:55 am
Ofgem has recently begun to build the IT system for accreditation on to the domestic renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme and hopes to start usability testing in the week commencing 22 July 2013. It aims to build a user-friendly system to ease the accreditation process for all, and needs help to…
Details of the domestic renewable heat incentive finally announced
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 12 July 2013 at 10:25 am
After several delays, the details of the renewable heat incentive, originally announced in July 2010 have finally been announced. Its aim is to encourage the uptake of renewable heat technologies to cut carbon, help meet the renewables targets and to save money on energy bills. Who can apply …
A company wants to install free cavity wall insulation in my block of flats: is it too good to be true?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 12 July 2013 at 9:35 am
Q: I have been contacted by a company that is intent on installing cavity wall insulation in the block of flats that I stay in and they claim it's free under the 'hard to treat homes'! This I find hard to believe. I would greatly appreciate any information regarding this as the compan…
Check you are eligible for RHI before installing renewable heat
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 11 July 2013 at 10:10 am
The renewable heat premium payments (RHPP) for biomass boilers and heat pumps are only available for properties that are off the mains gas network. Until the announcement on the full domestic renewable heat incentive (RHI) is made this summer we won't know if this will also be the case for th…
Do solar panels have to be turned off before cleaning?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 9 July 2013 at 10:40 am
A reader asked whether solar panels needed to be turned off for cleaning. The following answers to this question were crowd-sourced from Twitter: @YouGenUK Even if you switch off the DC isolator next to the inverter the modules are still live. Do it at night if you are worried! said Stua…
Use your Green Deal cashback to upgrade your appliances
Posted by Ross Lammas on 5 July 2013 at 11:17 am
DECC has gone the whole hog in trying to make the economic argument for the Green Deal by offering ‘early adopters’ cashback as a sweetner. The Green Deal is the Government’s flagship carbon emissions policy designed to encourage people to make their homes more energy effici…
How to read your Green Deal Advice Report: a case study
Posted by Linn Rafferty on 4 July 2013 at 2:39 pm
YouGen user OldBarn had a less than satisfactory experience with the Green Deal and told his story in a comment on Cathy's blog. His comments are in italics - my responses are in plain text: Our house has oil fired central heating and reasonable energy efficiency (but hard to treat c…
Electric vehicles can save businesses money
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 2 July 2013 at 9:09 am
The UK ranks 15th in Europe for uptake of electric vehicles, despite attractive financial benefits for companies, according to a recent report by the IPPR. France and Norway have bought the highest proportion of electric vehicles. The report reveals that businesses can save £3,755 over …
Demand side management uncovered
Posted by Paul Hutchens on 1 July 2013 at 9:18 am
Demand side management of energy is not a new concept. It’s been around since the energy crises of the 1970s and refers to the management of consumer demand for energy. You may know it is energy efficiency or simply reducing your use of energy. However, it has become more relevant than ever…
How to position your pole-mounted micro-wind turbine for best performance
Posted by Jason Hobbins on 28 June 2013 at 9:25 am
Location is everything, according to Phil and Kirsty. This is especially true of wind turbines, which if sited correctly will be an electricity-generating workhorse that will have earned its keep in less than 7 years. Variables including wind direction and wind energy levels means it&rs…
