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YouGen Blog
What is the real inflation rate for energy?
Posted by Stuart Elmes on 25 February 2014 at 12:01 pm
There’s been a lot of coverage of increasing energy bills in the media in recent months. Also I’ve been doing a bit of thinking about the return on investment for solar thermal under the imminent domestic renewable heat incentive. (I like writing ‘imminent’ inst…
Significant increase in green deal support for solid wall insulation
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 24 February 2014 at 9:19 am
Tricky and expensive home insulation work is now eligible for more financial help from the government under changes made to the green deal cashback scheme announced this week. Up to £4,000 is now available for solid wall insulation (up from £650). Up to £1,000 is available f…
Feed-in tariff rates from 1 April announced
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 20 February 2014 at 9:50 am
The new feed-in tariffs from 1 April 2014 are now available. For new applicants after that date the rate will degress (reduce) for the first time since July last year. New installations of 4kW or less will get 14.38p per kWh. Existing recipients of the feed-in tariff will get their annual cost of…
Data collection demonstrates the value of solar PV
Posted by greentomatoenergy . on 19 February 2014 at 9:02 am
A recent solar PV blog on YouGen highlighted the importance of making sure that your solar PV system is well managed, well designed and well maintained. We thought we’d illustrate this message with a case study of a solar PV system we installed in a 3 bedroom semi in Hertfordshire at the he…
Help! I want to make my home more energy efficient but have no idea where to start
Posted by Gilly Jones on 17 February 2014 at 9:21 am
Our inbox here at YouGen has made it pretty clear to us that many of you would like to make your homes warmer, cosier and cheaper to run, but just don’t know where to start, or that you have taken the first steps but aren’t sure what should do next. Well, help is at hand. We have …
Air-to air or air-to-water: which air source heat pump is best?
Posted by Graham Hazell on 13 February 2014 at 1:26 pm
Air source heat pumps, which have been used extensively for many decades, are an increasingly popular form of heating. They take the heat from ambient, external air. There are two main choices for emitting the heat from an air source heat pump: via air - warm air is blown within …
Online networking platform for energy saving groups launched
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 12 February 2014 at 12:10 pm
An abattoir looking for a biogas plant to take away 10 tonnes of sheep guts a week; a willow coppice ready for harvesting; and someone looking for a source of waste heat to warm some greenhouses. These are just a few of the posts that have appeared on the online networking platform, the Renew…
Future for solar installers is bright, says government's solar advisor
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 11 February 2014 at 3:24 pm
Solar panel installers have a two-year window in which to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the government incentives for installations. At least that’s the message from one of the country’s leading solar experts and government advisor on solar energy. Speaking at the Sol…
There is risk in being an early adopter of renewable energy
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 10 February 2014 at 9:01 am
Q: We installed a ground source heat pump about 4 years ago and have been waiting to claim RHI to help pay for the cost. We now may have to sell our house before we can claim, and certainly before the full payment has been made. It seems wrong that the benefit passes to the new owner when we…
Community groups 'disappointed' with government's energy strategy
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 7 February 2014 at 9:19 am
The government’s new community energy strategy has been given a lukewarm welcome by groups who have already developed their own community energy schemes. Kevin Frea, part of the Halton Lune community hydro project and a director of LESS CIC, an energy saving community interest…
New MCS standards for renewable heat installers
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 3 February 2014 at 10:28 am
Installers of renewable energy technologies will have to complete a compliance certificate for every installation, in order to meet new standards set out by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The certificate is part of a range of measures the MCS has introduced in preparation for…
Speakers and sponsor confirmed for Solar Energy UK installer roadshow
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 31 January 2014 at 9:01 am
Natural Sparx powered by Rexel Energy Solutions have confirmed as headline sponsors for this year’s Solar Energy UK (SEUK) Roadshow (previously branded as Solar Power UK Roadshow) taking place in six locations across the UK in February. The roadshow, now in its third year, is a series o…
Domestic RHI: how do we know which products are eligible?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 30 January 2014 at 9:41 am
Q: We received an email yesterday from MCS which had the following paragraph: RHI Products Reminder: The MCS Helpdesk has been receiving an increasing number of phone calls regarding what products will be eligible for the RHI and whether all MCS products do qualify. Please be a…
Register for TWO FREE tickets to the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show worth £34*
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 29 January 2014 at 9:08 am
Whether you’re planning to build your own home, add an airy new loft conversion, create a family-friendly kitchen, fit a green heating system or replace tired windows and doors – help is at hand. A visit to The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show will give you all the pr…
35% of domestic solar systems may be underperforming
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 28 January 2014 at 11:23 am
Some homeowners are getting a significantly lower return on investment from their solar panels than expected according to PassivSystems. The company found that a third of residential solar panels monitored by its home energy management systems are not generating as much electricity as promised. I…
Is there such a thing as ground-to-air heat pump and would you recommend one?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 27 January 2014 at 9:50 am
Q. Is it possible to have a ground source heat pump system linked to air vents rather than radiators and if so, would this be a less expensive option than installing radiators? A. The system you describe is known as a ground-to-air heat pump, as opposed to a ground to water (or 'wet')…
6 ways to keep the heat in with sash windows
Posted by Chris Newman on 24 January 2014 at 10:15 am
Sash windows are inherently draughty. A combination of age, the hollow boxes and the requirement to slide rather than abut all contribute. A single-glazed sash window has a U-value somewhere between the centre pane U-value of around 5.7 and the whole window U-value of around 4.5W/m2K. As a co…
How to write a brief for a renewable heat system
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 22 January 2014 at 9:05 am
Once you have decided that you’d like to install a renewable heating system in your home or office, it’s a good idea to write a brief for the project. Rather than detailing all the various technologies you’ll need, a brief is designed to set out your expectations and can be a be…
Solar, wood, insulation: a case study of a home energy-saving retrofit
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 20 January 2014 at 9:28 am
Heather Hullah and Jenny Barnes are not your average pensioners. Where other 60-somethings might be thinking about winding down, these two are more likely to be found wielding chainsaws and humping logs in their 2.5 hectare woodland. But then Heather and Jenny’s ex-council house is no l…
Renewable heat premium payment deadline approaching
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 17 January 2014 at 10:34 am
If you’re considering installing a renewable heating system in your home and would like to take advantage of a one-off grant to help with the cost, then now’s the time to act. The deadline for applying for a renewable heat premium payment (RHPP) is fast approaching with all applic…
Energy saving sector must speak out about proposed changes to ECO
Posted by Alastair Mumford on 15 January 2014 at 8:47 am
Government proposals to change the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) have created substantial uncertainty within the solid wall insulation (SWI) market and highlight the need for companies in the sector to make their voices heard. With funding set to drop from April 2014, job cuts are predi…
Two tickets up for grabs to this years Solar Energy UK Roadshows (worth £105 each)
Posted by Gilly Jones on 14 January 2014 at 12:35 pm
YouGen is pleased to support this year's Solar Energy UK Roadshow taking place at six locations across the UK in February. With domestic installations seeing better returns this quarter and the UK continuing as one of the strongest markets in Europe, how will you cope with the deman…
6 key things to consider when choosing insulation materials
Posted by Chris Newman on 13 January 2014 at 9:09 am
1. Insulation myths busted It's never easy knowing which insulation materials to choose, especially with a lot of the guff you see on many TV programmes. In this blog we'll give you some hints and tips to guide you through the quagmire. Starting with a few truths to keep in mind: …
District heating networks may not be as efficient as hoped
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 10 January 2014 at 9:30 am
The difference between the actual and assumed efficiency of district heating networks has come under the spotlight from a number of different sources. A YouGen reader, Adrian Turner, writes that his system linking three holiday cottages, runs at a disappointing 37 per cent. Bruno P…
Homebuyers to get grants for energy efficiency measures
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 9 January 2014 at 9:10 am
Homebuyers need no longer be put off by draughty homes under government plans to offer one-off grants for energy saving measures. The proposal, which is yet to be consulted upon, is likely include a £1,000 discount on stamp duty for basic energy efficient measures and up to £…
Which brand of biomass boiler is best?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 6 January 2014 at 9:52 am
Q: We are going to put in a log gasification biomass boiler, and while there seem to be many companies out there that can do the job, none of them can provide us with unbiased advice on what is the best boiler. They have one brand /manufacturer that they deal with and proceed to sl…
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…
