http://www.yougen.co.uk/ YouGen Blog, latest 20 items Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:05:23 +0000 en http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1433/Generating+my+own+electricity/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1433/Generating+my+own+electricity/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:05:01 +0000

The next day was even more exciting. Cold and crisp, with a bright sun, it was a perfect day for generating electricity. I even found myself sharing the generat[...]]]>

The next day was even more exciting. Cold and crisp, with a bright sun, it was a perfect day for generating electricity. I even found myself sharing the generation figures on Twitter!


We've got a 2.1kWp array. That's 12 Sharp panels on a steep (45 degree angle) roof over the garage. The front of the house faces south west, and we has solar thermal panels for hot water installed a few years ago. With those panels, and two dormer windows, there isn't enough room to add PV panels.


I'd more or less given up on the idea, because there are a couple of big trees that shade the south east facing garage roof, so I didn't think it was suitable. Until, that is, I talked about it with Stuart Houghton, director of much recommended installer Abacus Renewable Energy, and he offered to come and measure the potential of the site using a Solar Pathfinder gizmo. This predicts how much energy can be generated taking any shading into account.


It calculated that without shading, and with a better roof angle of 38 degrees, our system would generate 1,948 kWh a year. With the shading, that falls to a predicted 1,589 kWh. However, as the measurement was taken at the lowest part of the roof, and the panels have been installed rather higher up, Stuart is confident we will generate more that that.


The predictions are broken down by month. February's is 83.31kWhs and March's 133.84. To date we've generated a total of 96kWh, so it looks as if we're on track. Things go up quickly as we go into spring and summer, as the shade only falls on the roof in the winter months.


I regularly add our meter readings to the imeasure site, both as a record of our usage, and to compare with others. It's really satisfying to see the line on the graph that measures our electricity use - which is normally very stable - start to go down. So far that's just because we're using the power we've generated, rather than importing it.


The next challenge is to learn how to work with the system and get the most we possibly can out of it. The easy one is running the washing machine. We already prefer to do a wash on a sunny day, so it dries on the line. Now it makes sense to put the load in slightly later in the day, when the panels are generating at full tilt. I never need an excuse to put off Hoovering, although a sunny day isn't going to be my preferred time! Working out how to get the best out of our solar thermal panels took a bit of trial and error. I think that getting the best out of the PV will be easier.


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1431/5+tips+on+choosing+a+home+energy+advisor/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1431/5+tips+on+choosing+a+home+energy+advisor/ Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:35:01 +0000 Every home is different so a visit from a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or Home Energy Advisor is the best way to get energy efficiency advice. However, choosing the right advisor can be a challenge.


A DEA can provide the same energy audit that is legally required if you are selling or letting your home - a thorough, visual inspection of the features that contribute to its overall energy performance.  All DEAs use the same method, and the results are pro[...]]]> Every home is different so a visit from a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or Home Energy Advisor is the best way to get energy efficiency advice. However, choosing the right advisor can be a challenge.


A DEA can provide the same energy audit that is legally required if you are selling or letting your home - a thorough, visual inspection of the features that contribute to its overall energy performance.  All DEAs use the same method, and the results are provided to you on a standard certificate and recommendations report – the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). 


The certificate indicates the relative effectiveness of each recommendation, so, if you want to know which of two possible improvements would save the most money in your home, this is exactly what the energy assessor's energy audit report will tell you.  If your motivation is to reduce your emissions, the report also shows you the likely emission reductions. 


Unfortunately, the term home energy advisor currently has no real meaning: sometimes it indicates nothing more than a sales rep from an energy supplier.  A regulated Home Energy Advice profession would be a great step forward, and this was one recommendation from a strategy report published recently by the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes.


The Government is considering establishing such a service, but it's unlikely to happen in the near future. For now, though, the only energy adviser that operates within a fixed structure, with a minimum qualification, mandatory criminal record checks, and an audited monitoring programme, is the DEA.



1. How much does it cost?


This service is relatively inexpensive, compared to the cost, say, of having your car serviced; expect to pay between £50 and £100, depending on the size and complexity of your home, and the level of service provided.


2. Are they trustworthy, polite and professional; will they turn up when they say, and treat your home with respect?




DEAs must register with an accreditation scheme, all of which have been approved by Government.  Before being allowed to register, they have to undergo a Basic Disclosure (Criminal Record Bureau) check, and also to show that they have the skills required to treat you and your home professionally.  You can have confidence in this aspect of their work, but if you have any complaints after the event, all DEAs are required to provide a customer complaints procedure to set standards.


3. Are they well trained and qualified to do the job?


Before accrediting with their chosen scheme, all DEAs have either had to pass a vocational qualification, or to prove they already have significant experience in home energy auditing to an equivalent standard. The vocational qualification tests not just their knowledge, but their ability to carry out the job. A few have accredited via the existing experience route, but most have taken the new qualifications.  You might want to ask your DEA, how long they have been doing the job? 


If the answer is less than a year, you may want further reassurance. For example, if they have worked full time since then, and have many inspections to their credit, they will have gained much more 'on the job' experience than if they have worked only intermittently.  

On the other hand, if the answer is more than three years, they are clearly an old hand: but in this case, you might want to ask about their knowledge of RdSAP.  This is the new inspection method created especially for the EPC, and which all new DEAs were trained to deliver.


4. Will they be able to explain their findings to you, answer your questions, and offer advice?
Most EPCs are produced for homes that are changing hands, and therefore the new occupier isn't present when the audit takes place.  As a result, giving advice to clients isn't tested as part of the DEA qualification.


You could ask what extra advice qualifications they have, or what experience they have of advising clients. Qualifications to ask for include the ABBE Award in Home Energy Advice and the City and Guilds 6176 (Energy Awareness) qualification.


5. How do you find an energy assessor?


DEAs are required to register with one of the schemes approved by Government to accredit assessors.  You can find a DEA by inputting your postcode into the government database.



You first need to specify that you are looking for an Energy Performance Certificate – do not choose one of the other two options, or you will not be searching the right list.  Then click on 'find nearest energy assessor' and you will be given contact details for a number of DEAs.  You can click on their name for further details, including their accreditation scheme details, and their website if they have one.


You can also contact the different schemes directly; some have 'find an assessor' systems on their websites.  The Government has links to all the schemes on this website.



]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1429/Rainwater+harvesting'3A+where+are+the+incentives'3F/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1429/Rainwater+harvesting'3A+where+are+the+incentives'3F/ Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:06:01 +0000

Whilst technically not a renewable technology, water is still an important resource that needs to be preserved. We need it for almost everything we do.


But what do pioneers of RWH get by way of incentives? Unless you are a busine[...]]]>

Whilst technically not a renewable technology, water is still an important resource that needs to be preserved. We need it for almost everything we do.


But what do pioneers of RWH get by way of incentives? Unless you are a business user, where you can claim enhanced capital allowances, you get absolutely nothing. No grants, no additional payments. Nothing, other than the satisfaction of preserving, probably, the most valuable commodity around.


But, do you hear these people complain? No. Unlike the pioneers of solar and wind who will miss out on the full FIT payments, but will still get paid an additional sum, on top of the savings and probably obtained a grant to aid installation? (Let me add, at this point, that I do support your cause!). Probably once the RHI payments are confirmed and it becomes common knowledge, there'll be a petition from the solar thermal pioneers too.


This is not intended to be a rant, but an attempt to make people think. I could go into more details about the (poor) financial benefits of rainwater harvesting (RWH) compared to say solar thermal, but I have covered that in previous blogs.


I would welcome your thoughts on this. Should we start a campaign for better financial rewards for RWH pioneers? But ... should it be just about the money? Or should we really be thinking of the environment?


Picture by Tanais Fox


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1432/Warm+homes'2C+greener+homes'3A+the+government'27s+vision+for+2020/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1432/Warm+homes'2C+greener+homes'3A+the+government'27s+vision+for+2020/ Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:32:01 +0000

Its aims are that:



Every home, where practical, will have loft and cavity wall insulation by 2015
Every home in Britain will have a smart meter and display to help them better manage their us[...]]]>

Its aims are that:



Every home, where practical, will have loft and cavity wall insulation by 2015
Every home in Britain will have a smart meter and display to help them better manage their use of energy
Up to 7 million households will have had an eco-upgrade which would include measures such as solid wall insulation or heat pumps alongside smart meters and more basic measures.
People living in rented accommodation will enjoy higher levels of energy efficiency as landlords (private and social) take action to improve the fabric of buildings.
There will be a core of up to 65,000 people employed in the new industry of energy efficiency, and potentially several times more down supply chains. Jobs will include installing and manufacturing energy saving measures or providing home energy advice.

There are four main ways it aims to deliver the strategy, which will continue from, and build on, the existing Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) programme from 2012.


1. Community partnerships with an enhanced role for local authorities. Energy companies will be obliged to consult with local authorities to deliver local area based programmes and district heating. Where a local authority has a Local Carbon Framework covering household energy efficiency, energy companies must agree with the local authority that their plans are in line with it before acting. In the longer term the government aims for local authorities to take responsibility for reducing carbon use in homes in their area. Councils can offer incentives such as council tax rebates to encourage take up.


2. The social housing sector will lead the way in improving the energy efficiency of the rented sector. A new Warm Homes standard will be added to the Decent Homes standard that social landlords must meet. This will cover insulation and connection, where possible, to low carbon district heating or renewable heating. Social tenants will be given priority treatment under the new energy company obligation to 2015.


Tenants in privately owned properties have not been forgotten. Regulations will be introduced to make installation of loft and cavity wall insulation where feasible a condition of renting out a property from a date in the future (not before 2015).


3. Making it affordable. There are two strands to this. From 2012 energy companies will be obliged to invest in energy saving, including loft and cavity wall insulation and eco-upgrades. This will differ from CERT, which it replaces, in three ways. The energy companies will be required to work with local authorities. The guidance will be more specific about target groups, including vulnerable households on low incomes, with which the energy companies are expected to work. Thirdly, it will be more transparent. Energy companies will have to be clear about how much they have spent, what they have spent it on, and in which part of the country.


There will also be regulation to allow a new form of finance for the upfront costs of energy efficiency upgrades, such as solid wall insulation or renewable energy. This will allow consumers to pay as they save - repaying the installation costs from savings in energy bills or from income from the feed-in tariff or renewable heat incentive. Pay as you Save (PAYS) schemes will be provided by the private sector, but the government will introduce legislation that allows the cost of the upgrade to be attached to the home, rather than to the individual - so homeowners are only responsible for the payments when they are benefitting from the measures.


4. Consumer support. The government will set up a new free and universally available advice service to help people understand the impact of measures and compare the benefits. Energy companies will be expected to offer more tailored advice through Home Energy Advice packages. A new certification scheme will include standards for people who provide advice, and for installers.


First impressions


My first impression is disappointment that PAYS - an affordable, long-term loan scheme that is attached to the house, and not the borrower  - won't be with us until at least 2012. It remains to be seen whether the private sector can come up with anything before the legislation goes through that will make the bigger ticket energy efficiency and renewable energy measures affordable by people who don't have spare capital.


I cautiously welcome the move to community partnerships, particularly ones that include local community and third sector organisations. I remain confused as to why so much of the energy reduction programme lies in the hands of the energy companies. Surely - however much they are made to deliver these services - their interests are best served by getting us to buy more energy?


I applaud initiatives to improve the energy efficiency standards for the rented sector, and to prioritise vulnerable consumers and those in fuel poverty.


However, I wonder how many of the ideas in this document will become action. If Labour loses the election, will the next government go back to the drawing board, or will they keep the good stuff, and keep the welcome (though belated) momentum going? I guess we'll have to wait and see.



 Photo by Suzan Almond


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1430/Energy+efficiency+a+priority'3A+call+to+politicians/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1430/Energy+efficiency+a+priority'3A+call+to+politicians/ Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:05:01 +0000

We are facing an energy crisis. Our energy infrastructure needs extensive renewal: we are increasingly reliant on fossil fuel imports and millions of households are in fuel poverty. The rapi[...]]]>

We are facing an energy crisis. Our energy infrastructure needs extensive renewal: we are increasingly reliant on fossil fuel imports and millions of households are in fuel poverty. The rapid transition to a low carbon economy will only be achieved if political leaders commit now to prioritising the most strategically important intervention of them all – energy efficiency. This urgent task requires strong political leadership.


Energy efficiency is the ultimate stimulus package. It reduces the amount of energy needed to provide heat, light and services, improves energy security, reduces the amount of money needing to be spent on new energy capacity, creates thousands of jobs, addresses fuel poverty and cuts CO2 emissions. In addition, over the lifetime of the technologies, the savings to householders can eliminate or substantially offset the cost.


Energy efficiency is the cheapest and most effective way to de-carbonise. In fact, ‘avoided energy’ is the lowest cost approach to tackling the looming energy supply gap. It is also the most effective way to tackle fuel poverty.


Improving the energy efficiency of homes to the standards required could create more than 100,000 decent jobs per year until 2020. Furthermore, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports through energy efficiency means more money will be available for inward investment in the UK economy – at least £2 billion a year by 2020.


The cost of failing to prioritise energy efficiency should not be underestimated. It will undermine economic recovery and compromise energy security and climate change targets. Only the Government has the resource and authority to leverage the necessary levels of investment required to de-carbonise the housing stock and
eradicate fuel poverty.


One of the greatest opportunities for increasing energy efficiency is in the UK’s housing stock, responsible for more than a quarter of the UK’s emissions. The Government will shortly outline its energy efficiency plans for households. The Government must publish ambitious plans detailing how it proposes to ensure that every home in the country is given access to the capital and services it needs to maximise energy efficiency, including the use of small-scale renewables. We call on all political parties to work together to ensure cross party support for an ambitious energy efficiency programme which includes the following key elements:


1. Scale – The programme must transform the UK’s housing stock within a generation. The programme must have a realistic and ‘investable’ timescale of at least 20 years and ensure that a substantive proportion of UK homes are low carbon by 2020 in the first instance, with all homes low carbon by 2030.


2. Repayment – The requirement for up front investment from able-to-pay householders needs to be minimised, through the provision of up front capital via a Green Infrastructure Bank. The cost of refurbishment should then be recouped through attaching a long-term and transferable standing charge to the home (a Pay-As-You-Save type scheme) so that both the benefit and the cost transfers from owner to owner in the event of sale. Crucially, this charge should be structured so that it is lower than the savings made, leaving the householder better off from day one.


3. Incentives - A form of subsidy scheme will be required that guarantees the delivery of energy and carbon savings. These funds should be used to subsidise retrofit costs and, alongside other fiscal incentives linked to Energy Performance Certificates rating, will enable all householders to take up energy efficiency offerings on a mass scale. Effective feed-in-tariffs and renewable heat incentives are also needed.


4. Fuel poverty – Additional, targeted, financial support is needed to ensure fuel poverty is eliminated by 2016.


5. Private finance - Government has a key role to play in unlocking private sector capital to invest in home energy efficiency. Up front capital investment of more than £100bn should be made available to householders through setting up a Green Infrastructure Bank and issuing Energy Efficiency Bonds to back the refurbishment programme.


6. Credibility − A credible delivery plan is required, one that moves beyond aspirational targets and provides a robust investment trajectory.


7. Competition - The private sector is often better placed than Government to market refurbishment as an attractive proposition to householders. A range of providers, such as high street retailers, energy companies or tradespeople, should be able to offer refurbishment packages to householders.


8. Trust – All providers must be properly trained and accredited through a nationally recognised programme. Households need to have easily accessible information and reliable, consistent and trustworthy advice. Government must ensure improvements conform to the highest standards.


9. Standards – Minimum standards for domestic properties are required to show a clear direction of travel and to manage long term programme costs.


10. Strategic approach – There must be a strong strategic role for local authorities to enable the programme to adopt a community-based approach, where this is appropriate and complementary to approaches made to individual households. The programme itself should be delivered on a streetby-
street basis to ensure that all households, and particularly fuel-poor households, can benefit from assistance.


Signed by (in alphabetical order of organisation / company)
Mark England, Head of Asset Services, Accord Housing Association Ltd
Mervyn Kohler, Special Advisor, Age Concern / Help the Aged
Tony Leach, Health, Safety and Environment Director, Apollo Property Services Group
Julie Robinson, Director, Blooming Green
Diane Diacon, Director, Building and Social Housing Foundation
Duncan Price, Director, Camco
Nicholas Heath, Changework
James Cameron, Executive Director & Vice-Chairman, Climate Change Capital
Jonathan Johns, Director, Climate Change Matters
Andrew Holmes, Managing Director, Climate Energy Ltd
Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals, Cooperative Group
Nick Mabey, Chief Executive, E3G
Mark Elton, Associate Director and Head of Sustainability, ECD Architects
Danny Stevens, Policy Director, Environmental Industries Commission
Martin Smithurst, Managing Director, Frank Haslam Milan & Company Limited
Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth
Dave Neilson, Chief Executive, Fusion21
Thomas Claffey, Sustainable Design Manager, G & J Seddon Ltd
Glenn Melvin, Director, Glenn Wall Transform Ltd
Paul King, Director, Green Building Council
John Sauven, Executive Director, Greenpeace UK
Nigel Farren, Founder, Homes Matter
Rory Bergin, Head of Sustainability & Innovation, HTA
Dane Elliot, Director of Sustainable Development, Keepmoat Ltd
John Garbutt, Marketing Director, Kingspan Group PLC
John Sinfield, Managing Director. Knauf Insulation
Andy Rowland, Projects Director, L & Q Group
Naomi Kingsley, Chief Executive, London Rebuilding Society
Nicola Serle, Housing and Communities, London School of Economics
Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A, CSR & Sustainable Business, Marks & Spencer
Maria Wardrobe, Director, NEA
Ed Gommon, Northern Alliance Housing Co-operative
Philip Wolfe, Managing Director, Ownergy
Russell Smith, Managing Director, ParityProjects
Greg Slater, Associate Director, PRP Architects
Paul Ciniglio, Sustainability & Innovation Manager, Radian Technical Services
Dr Peter Rickaby, Director, Rickaby Thompson Associates Ltd.
Dr. Jonathan Rae, Development Director, Schumacher College
Dr Stuart Parkinson, Executive Director, Scientists for Global Responsibility
Stephen Reyburn, Director, Stephen Reyburn Architects
Brendan Barber, General Secretary, TUC
Adrian Coe, Managing Director, Wattbox Ltd
David Nussbaum, Chief Executive, WWF UK
Cathy Debenham, Director, YouGen



Photo by aussiegall


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1411/Renewable+energy+is+coming+to+a+supermarket+near+you/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1411/Renewable+energy+is+coming+to+a+supermarket+near+you/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:31:01 +0000

Sainsbury is first out of the starting gates. It opened Home Energy Centres in three of its stores (Camberley, Kidderminster and Leicester) at the end of last year in partnership with EDF Energy. They will sell solar panels, heat pumps and insulation, and EDF Energy advis[...]]]>

Sainsbury is first out of the starting gates. It opened Home Energy Centres in three of its stores (Camberley, Kidderminster and Leicester) at the end of last year in partnership with EDF Energy. They will sell solar panels, heat pumps and insulation, and EDF Energy advisors will be on hand to provide people with a free tailored energy saving plan and advice on energy efficiency. All the products can be delivered nationwide and installed by an EDF installer.


Earlier this month M&S joined forces with Scottish and Southern Energy to launch M&S Energy. Its first services are loft and cavity wall insulation with prices starting at £149. That will be followed by a range of products including bespoke energy advice, renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and heat pumps, and energy efficient heating over the coming months. It's available through M&S stores and online.



Tesco hasn't announced its renewable energy programme yet. It already has a home insulation service up and running. Enact Energy, the company that runs it, is also recruiting independent solar installers to join Tesco's and M&S's renewables programmes.


The good side to the supermarkets coming into the market is that it sends out a clear message that renewable energy is part of the mainstream. But I worry about the impact they might have on the market.


Part of my concerns are voiced by Dan Crossley, principal sustainablility advisor at Forum for the Future. "[The supermarkets'] approach has often been ... a pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap model" he says. While I'm not denying that price is important, renewable energy is so site-specific that it needs a much more tailored approach than you would traditionally expect from a mass retailer.


Another of my concerns is the impact it will have on the small businesses that make up such a large proportion of the installer market. Will they find themselves squeezed on price in the way that farmers have done? With both Tesco and M&S recruiting from a relatively small pool of MCS accredited installers, what will the market look like in a year or so? And will it give value to the consumer?



The Conservatives appear keen to encourage the big retailers to play a significant role in improving the energy efficiency of homes. David Cameron announced last year that he'd have a programme up and running from day one of a tory government, and that agreements are already in place with M&S and Tesco.


Supermarkets, while convenient, specialise in encouraging us to buy the foods that give them the biggest profits, not the ones that are healthiest or taste best. This is my worry. The right renewable energy isn't something that you can pick off the shelf. It needs careful thought and a holistic approach which takes in the specifics of each house, and how the inhabitants use it. Will this be a shift in emphasis too far for the supermarkets? Let us know what you think - especially if you've used any of the services they are offering.


Photo by didbygraham


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1426/Will+shadow+flicker+affect+a+wind+planning+application'3F/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1426/Will+shadow+flicker+affect+a+wind+planning+application'3F/ Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:20:01 +0000

Shadow flicker is caused by the blades of a wind turbine passing in front of the sun and causing an effect similar to driving under a tree canopy. This can be disturbing if it happens often in a home and can be a problem with larger wind turbines. Small turbines have a much smaller blade and a much highe[...]]]>

Shadow flicker is caused by the blades of a wind turbine passing in front of the sun and causing an effect similar to driving under a tree canopy. This can be disturbing if it happens often in a home and can be a problem with larger wind turbines. Small turbines have a much smaller blade and a much higher rotational speed when compared to a larger commercial turbine. For shadow the sun needs to be aligned behind the turbine and at a correct angle. This situation is unlikely to impact any property for more than a few minutes at a time and will only occur on a very few days of the year.


If your planning officer asks for an impact statement then you should be able to prepare a simple statement highlighting the minimal impact and if homes are more than 100m away then there should be no noticeable effects.


Photo by dumbledad


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1428/Three+ways+we+could+improve+UK+feed+in+tariffs/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1428/Three+ways+we+could+improve+UK+feed+in+tariffs/ Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:17:01 +0000
However, on Monday I sat through a lengthy discussion both of feed in tariffs (FiTs) and the proposed renewable heat incentive RHI) at the Renewable Energy Association in London, and it seems to me there are three very specific things that could be much improved in the proposed UK scheme. Without these changes, [...]]]>
However, on Monday I sat through a lengthy discussion both of feed in tariffs (FiTs) and the proposed renewable heat incentive RHI) at the Renewable Energy Association in London, and it seems to me there are three very specific things that could be much improved in the proposed UK scheme. Without these changes, I think the UK risks missing the boat and we will be condemned to be a laggard, still, as the world economy transforms into its new low carbon, high technology shape.

1. The requirement for schemes to be carried out by accredited Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installers using accredited MCS equipment is wrong, and adds a completely unnecessary and illogical burden to the scheme. This should be eliminated altogether  (either left out completely, or at worst replaced with a simpler requirement that installations should be accredited by any one of a range of quality accreditations that already exist across Europe and even in the UK.)


The argument for including MCS in the scheme is that customers need protection, and thus the costs of the additional bureaucracy and barriers to market entry and innovation are worth it. But these costs are extremely high.


There was not a single voice at Monday’s meeting raised in defence of MCS, which is an unaccountable monopoly run by people who may have their hearts in the right place but who are anonymous and naturally most interested in defending the interests of their own businesses. It creates an additional learning barrier and cost for existing, completely skilled construction contractors who might want to enter the market, and thus slows down growth and keeps microrenewables as a relatively niche market accessible only to those in the know.


It also creates a whole heap of completely gratuitous technical arguments (and diversionary hot air) about whose standards should be adopted, and who should be on which committee, at a time when the industry should be focused on creating imaginative propositions for customers.


Personally, I cannot really see why we need to confuse customer protection with promotion of renewables at all, particularly in the context of a scheme which deliberately rewards quality installations over those that work less well.


In the end, a green kWh is a green kWh and can be measured accurately by your generation meter. If you employ a poor quality or cowboy installer, using dodgy kit, you will not generate many kWh so you will not get the FITs you expect and are entitled to get cross as a customer with the supplier and seek redress. You could be given stronger powers to achieve this, if we wanted, rather than hardcoding MCS into a perfectly good financial incentives scheme (although I understand there are already at least nine consumer protection acts you could call on if you wish). The market will doubtless also create accreditation schemes to help give you confidence as well (it already has) and customers will soon learn which ones work best.


This simply has to be the most efficient and sensible approach, and I really can’t understand how government can fail to see this!

2. The proposed use of “deeming”, or estimating output rather than measuring it, for large parts of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme is also a retrograde step. A deemed tariff is no better than a grant – it is totally fixed at the point of purchase, and thus independent of the quality or performance of the installation. This will mean, yet again, that market growth in the UK has little or no linkage to the quality of the installations, which will doubtless create a whole industry in London and Watford seeking to manage quality control centrally with little or no reference to the actual performance of energy systems in real buildings. This is unhealthy for the economy, unhealthy for carbon saving, and unhealthy for customers and the industry.


FITs and the RHI should mark a clean break from the culture of arbitrary grants, to a new culture of commercial openness and appropriate (necessarily political) valuation of carbon savings. This is the heart of a low carbon economy. As long as we deem outputs and try to run everything centrally from London, we simply demonstrate to the rest of the world that we haven’t ‘got it’ yet, consider low carbon technologies a trivial add on to the mainstream economy, and remain locked in the past. This is a tragedy for us all.


It should be a fundamental principle of incentive schemes that they are designed to both to reward quality engineering and installation skills, and also that they are as open as possible to new entry. These are the two features of potential schemes that will enable future economic growth,

MCS inhibits entry and deeming ensures economic incentives are aligned to filling in paperwork effectively, rather than doing a good technical job.

Output of heating installations should be metered, like electricity, and DECC should put its mind to ways to prevent people generating unwanted heat as a distinct problem – and one that is worth solving.


3.  Finally – and plenty has been written elsewhere about this so I don’t need to dwell on it – it is clearly unfair and petty to penalise early adopters by denying them access to feed-in tariffs on an equitable basis, and it would be relatively cheap and easy for the government to put this right.


I don’t know about anyone else, but any political party that adopted these three measures in the coming election would probably get my vote, and also restore my faith in a political system and public bureaucracy that otherwise seems to have lost all hold on common sense and reality.


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1424/How+much+space+do+I+need+for+a+wood+pellet+stove'3F/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1424/How+much+space+do+I+need+for+a+wood+pellet+stove'3F/ Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:32:01 +0000

The amount of space you need to install one, varies between manufacturers, but on average you're looking at: 520mm width, 1055mm height, 700mm depth to allow for the flue to exit at the rear of the stove, plus access above the stove to fill the internal pellet store. 


You can put the stove almost anywhere: [...]]]>

The amount of space you need to install one, varies between manufacturers, but on average you're looking at: 520mm width, 1055mm height, 700mm depth to allow for the flue to exit at the rear of the stove, plus access above the stove to fill the internal pellet store. 


You can put the stove almost anywhere: either using an existing chimney or installing a new twin wall flue internally, that goes up through rooms and exits through the roof, or putting in a new twin wall flue that exits through an outside wall and then goes up to the roof externally. 


These installations would all need to be within the building control regulations. It is always wise to check with your local authority whether you need planning permission.


Photo by cat segovia


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1427/Conservatives+support+fair+treatment+for+all+microgenerators/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1427/Conservatives+support+fair+treatment+for+all+microgenerators/ Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:07:01 +0000

Charles Hendry, the shadow minister for energy says in an email to site founder Paul Truelove: "You will be pleased therefore to hear that we have decided that if a Conservative government is elected, we would ensure that micro[...]]]>

Charles Hendry, the shadow minister for energy says in an email to site founder Paul Truelove: "You will be pleased therefore to hear that we have decided that if a Conservative government is elected, we would ensure that microgeneration equipment installed before feed-in tariffs come into effect will nevertheless be entitled to the same terms as new installations".


Under DECC proposals due to come into force from April this year, existing microgenerators will get just 9p per kWh generated, compared with 41.3p new installers of solar panels will get. Mr Truelove has set up a petition on the Number 10 website calling on DECC and the prime minister to give fair treatment for early adopters of microgeneration systems, who are "saving the same CO2 and producing the same electricity".


This carries on from the campaign YouGen ran during the consultation period last year to alert those affected of the proposals, and encourage them to respond to the consultation. Sadly, DECC did not listen! As a result many of the early adopters will find they are worse off, statutory level of the feed-in tariff is less than the rates they were previously receiving from their energy company.


At YouGen, we think that this penny pinching is shortsighted. People who could be great ambassadors, encouraging the take up of renewable energy, are instead angry and disillusioned.


Photo by lepiaf.geo


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1425/How+to+use+heating+controls+to+reduce+your+energy+bill/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1425/How+to+use+heating+controls+to+reduce+your+energy+bill/ Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:27:01 +0000

1. An analogue room thermostat in the lounge or hall will make the heating system heat the whole house to the same temperature as the air around the thermostat, for the whole time the heating system is on. So the bedrooms will be nice and warm all the time you are sitting in the lounge watching telly.


2. An analogue room thermostat gives only an[...]]]>

1. An analogue room thermostat in the lounge or hall will make the heating system heat the whole house to the same temperature as the air around the thermostat, for the whole time the heating system is on. So the bedrooms will be nice and warm all the time you are sitting in the lounge watching telly.


2. An analogue room thermostat gives only an approximation of the desired temperature. It is not uncommon for older thermostats to be as much as 4oC out.


There is a much publicised Government statistic which suggests turning the thermostat down 1oC will reduce the heating bill by 10%. We have no argument with that, except that most analogue thermostats are not that accurate.


What can be fitted will depend on the situation. A pre-existing heating system is likely to be divided into 2 circuits at best; ground floor and first floor. In that case 2 thermostats are better than one and digital is better than analogue.


The best option is a good quality digital zonal control system. This is best suited to new build and will allow different temperatures for each room and, perhaps more important, different timing for each room. So you won’t have to have the heating on in the bedrooms when you have no intention of going there.


If that is not possible then radiator thermostats at least allow different temperatures in each room. If you want to control the bills, you have to control the system.

]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1414/Energy+efficiency+a+priority+for+M'26S+home+insurance/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1414/Energy+efficiency+a+priority+for+M'26S+home+insurance/ Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:41:01 +0000

Ever since Stuart Rose announced its Plan A, M&S has been at the forefront of companies taking action on carbon pollution. M&S home insurance continues the trend. As well as the usual benefit it offers what it calls 'green bene[...]]]>

Ever since Stuart Rose announced its Plan A, M&S has been at the forefront of companies taking action on carbon pollution. M&S home insurance continues the trend. As well as the usual benefit it offers what it calls 'green benefits' on all policies taken out from 1 January 2010.


This means that when you make an approved claim for white goods such as dishwashers, washing machines, fridges, freezers or tumble dryers, they will replace them with new A-rated energy efficient models where possible.


In addition, they will rebuild severely damaged property in line with level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This means using sustainable materials where possible and in most cases would lead to carbon pollution from the rebuilt building being 44% lower than those that just met building regs.


I checked to make sure that the cost of cover won't go up if you have some form of microgeneration installed in your home. In fact, unlike many policies, you don't have to make a wild guess at the value of your home and contents - they estimate the value, and take the hit if they get it wrong - ensuring everything you have is covered.


I can't tell you how it compares on price with other companies that meerkats might recommend, as I haven't filled out the quote form. But I might just be about to. As keen cyclists, with more bikes than strictly necessary in our garage, we are restricted to the small number of insurance companies who don't put a ceiling on the value of your bike(s). I just discovered from the helpful PR lady than M&S are one of those.


Photo by david.nikonvscanon 

]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1423/What'27s+the+best+mounting+for+solar+panels'3F/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1423/What'27s+the+best+mounting+for+solar+panels'3F/ Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:07:01 +0000

The benefit is a PV array that is more integrated-looking, although to keep that essential cooling airflow to ensure the system works at maximum efficiency, the modules still need to be mounted with an airflow space. There are some integrated systems around that look great, but  lose efficiency over hot summer days simply d[...]]]>

The benefit is a PV array that is more integrated-looking, although to keep that essential cooling airflow to ensure the system works at maximum efficiency, the modules still need to be mounted with an airflow space. There are some integrated systems around that look great, but  lose efficiency over hot summer days simply due to lack of airflow. PV needs to be kept cool, not heated up by your loft!


If you need to have your roof tiles replaced, or have a new house built with PV, then this would be a great time to consider an integrated solution as there will be big cost savings. Otherwise stick with the far less expensive 'on roof' solution which  will give you a quick effective way of having a PV array at ever deceasing costs.


Another bonus from having PV installed on your house is that it increases the value of your property. If you sell it, your buyers would benefit from all that free electricity and the income from feed-in tariffs.


Photo: iStock/Gene Chutka


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1422/Feed-in+tariff+scheme+is+shortsighted/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1422/Feed-in+tariff+scheme+is+shortsighted/ Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:46:01 +0000

Yes, the Feed-in Tariff rates could be higher. The government's goals for microgeneration could have been more ambitious. But the rates are probably attractive enough, especially in the current economic climate with such low rates of interest, to stimulate demand in the domestic market.


There is, however, one constituency that has been badly served by [...]]]>

Yes, the Feed-in Tariff rates could be higher. The government's goals for microgeneration could have been more ambitious. But the rates are probably attractive enough, especially in the current economic climate with such low rates of interest, to stimulate demand in the domestic market.


There is, however, one constituency that has been badly served by the final Clean Energy Cashback scheme.


My inbox has been filled with messages from disappointed, and often angry, early adopters of solar panels and wind turbines. These are the people who led the way, struggling with planners and with the Renewables Obligation - a system designed for energy companies not microgenerators.


They are the people whose persistence and enthusiasm can inspire others and help them tread an easier path. They are the ambassadors whose stories can help encourage more people to invest in what is still a new and expensive technology. They can debunk some of the misinformation that litters many internet forums.


Immoral

Yet many of them are so angry at the cut in income the Feed-in Tariff deals them that they are talking of decommissioning their systems. One correspondent has calculated that payback on his 2.4kWp solar installation, which would have been 17.6 years under ROCs (with Scottish and Southern), has extended to 23 years.


New installations would pay back in 10 years or less. While I understand DECC's argument that these people have already invested, so don't need incentivising, I think it's short-sighted - and downright immoral to leave them worse off.


But this is what they've done. All existing microgenerators that were signed up with Scottish and Southern, Good Energy and Npower will be worse off as a result of the government's financial incentive.


I see that Good Energy is continuing with its 15p generation rate for its customers for a year and wait with interest to see whether any other energy companies try to attract the early adopters with premium export or generation rates. But, even if they do, giving a 9p rate to the pioneer microgenerators, when new installations are getting up to 41.3p, still seems like short term penny-pinching.


My other concern about the take up of the Clean Energy Cashback at domestic level is the lack of good loan or pay as you save schemes. While the government's pilot PAYS scheme is welcome, it is too little, too slow.


With just 500 households trialling it by April 2011, we'll be through the first two years of FiTs before the lessons have been learned and schemes are generally available. I wait with interest to see if the market really will provide.


This article was originally published in New Energy Focus


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1421/Feed-in+tariff'3A+your+questions+answered/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1421/Feed-in+tariff'3A+your+questions+answered/ Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:02:01 +0000
What re[...]]]>
What return on my investment should I expect?
The scheme has been devised to give a 5 to 8% return on investment for "well-sited installations". Of course, you will only get this good a return if your system performs well, so it is important to measure the wind speed, or solar potential, before going ahead with an installation.

Is it better to export the electricity I produce, or to use it at home?
The aim of the Clean Energy Cashback is to incentivise people to use the electricity they produce at home where possible. The amount you save by not buying electricity from your energy company is significantly more than the sum you get for exporting it. It makes sense to do things that use electricity while your system is generating. So you might do the vacuuming or run the washing machine during the day if you've got solar panels, or when the wind is blowing if you've got a turbine. The government hopes that by generating your own electricity you will develop a better understanding of energy and become a more efficient electricity user.

Do I have to make my house more energy efficient to qualify for the scheme?
There are no mandatory requirements to do so, but it makes sense to increase the energy efficiency first, as it is generally a more cost effective way of reducing energy bills and carbon pollution. The expectation is that by installing a microgeneration system you will get a much better understanding of how you use electricity, and that will lead to a reduction in your total use. The system is structured to encourage that too - the less you use, the more you can export and earn income on.

What happens if I move house?
With the average family moving house every 7 years or so, and the life of the feed-in tariff at 20 years (10 for CHP, 25 for solar panels), this will happen to a lot of people. The government expects standard property ownership rights to apply to the generating equipment. This means that when a house is sold, the generating equipment and the FiT payment are sold too, and the system administrator must be told of the sale. They expect that the market will decide how much a microgeneration installation will increase the price of a house.

Can I take my solar panels or wind turbine with me, and still claim the Clean Energy Cashback?
No. The scheme is only available on installation of new systems, by an an MCS accredited installer. If you took your equipment with you, reinstalling it would count as a second hand installation, and not be eligible for the Cashback.

Will there be loans available to help with the upfront costs of installing microgeneration equipment?
Although the government is currently piloting five Pay as You Save schemes, it has no plans to introduce "a mechanism for up-front capitalisation of FiT revenues". It says: "We hope the market will provide the necessary loans or other finance packages to drive the uptake of small-scale technologies". However, it is possible for owners of generating systems to assign their rights to feed-in tariff payments to others. This is expected to pave the way for a range of ways of financing microgeneration in social housing and new build, and may form the basis of a new type of loans for homeowners.

Am I eligible for the feed-in tariff if I install my own system?
No. To claim FiTs you must use an MCS accredited installer and install MCS accredited products.

Will I have to pay tax on the income I get from the Clean Energy Cashback?
Income for domestic properties generating electricity mainly for their own use will not be taxable income for the purposes of income tax.

Are the payments inflation proof?
Both the generation and the export tariffs will rise annually in line with the retail price index.

How long will I receive the tariff payments for?
25 years if you have photovoltaic (solar) panels; 20 years for hydro, wind and anaerobic digestion; and 10 years for micro-CHP. If you installed your system before 15 July 2009 you will receive payments until 2027.

I've heard that the rates "degress" over time. What does this mean?
The theory is that as the market for microgeneration grows the prices of the equipment and installation are expected to go down. As this happens there will be less need for such a large financial incentive and so the rates of the Clean Energy Cashback will go down. Degression is where tariffs for new installations are set at a lower level each year, than they were the previous year. The rate you receive at installation then stays the same for the whole life of the tariff (with annual adjustments in line with the retail price index). Degression will not start until April 2012.

What happens if I add to the capacity of my renewable energy installation?
If you have two different technologies on the same site (ie wind turbines and solar panels) they will be classed as different installations. Multiple installations of the same technology at the same site will be classed as a single installation.


If you add to an existing installation of the same technology within 12 months it will be treated as an increase in capacity of the same installation.
If you add to a system more than a year after the first part was registered in the Central FiTs Register, it will count as a new station. You will still get the same payments for your original station. The new installation will be rated for the combined capacity of the two systems.


For example: you installed a 2.1kW solar PV system in December 2009. You will get the FiT at the small generators rate of 41.3p per kWh. If, at least a year later, you add another 2.1kWp to your array, that will count as a 4.2kW capacity installation and you will move into a different rating bracket, so will receive 36.1p per kW. If your additional system was smaller, you and the combined capacity was still under 4kW, it would be eligible for the 41.3p rate.

I installed my system before the Feed-in Tariff proposals were announced. Am I eligible?
If your system was installed before 15 July 2009, and is accredited under the Renewable Obligation (RO), then you will be automatically transferred onto the Clean Energy Cashback in April 2010 (albeit at the lower 9p generation rate). If you are not accredited under the RO, then you must get accreditation before 31 March 2010 to be eligible. You will continue to receive this support until 2027.

Can I claim the Clean Energy Cashback if I install a refurbished or second-hand system?
No. The reasoning behind this is that the scheme is intended to encourage new entrants into the market, and has been designed on the basis of cost assumptions for new equipment. However, the government aims to keep this under review, and will "consider whether or not there are merits to allowing renovated or refurbished technologies to receive FiTs support in the future, bearing in mind the different cost and the fact that equipment may have received other financial support through its life".

What is the MCS?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is an independent, industry-led, certification scheme for both installers and products. It is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and is adminstered by Gemserv.

Can I opt out of the export tariff and sell my electricity on the market?
If you feel up to dealing with the risks of the electricity market you can choose to out of the export tariff. If it doesn't work for you, you can opt back in - but can only make the change once a year.

Why is the case different for micro-CHP?
This is a new technology, which has the potential in the long run to take over from condensing gas boilers. It is being included in the Clean Energy Cashback scheme as a pilot to provide initial support for the new industry. It is limited to the first 30,000 units (with an electrical capacity of 2kW or less), and will be reviewed after the first 12,000 installations. Recipients of the Clean Energy Cashback for micro-CHP will receive it for 10 years.

Will off-grid generators qualify for feed-in tariffs?
Yes, you will receive the generation tariff. To do so, you will have to declare that the electricity generated has been used, and must comply with the scheme requirements in relation to metering. You can approach any of the mandatory FiT suppliers (ie the big electricity companies) and they will be obliged to provide your Clean Energy Cashback payments. Voluntary FiT suppliers (ie the smaller energy companies) may also agree to provide FiT payments to off-grid generators.
Eligibility for off-grid remote communities will be considered at future reviews of the scheme.

Which suppliers can I export my electricity to?
All suppliers with a minimum of 50,000 customers will be obliged to accept microgeneration customers. They are described as mandatory suppliers. Smaller specialist suppliers can 


Photo by Treveyan


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1420/Feed-in+tariff+explained+in+video/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1420/Feed-in+tariff+explained+in+video/ Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:41:01 +0000

 











[...]]]>

 











]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1419/12+fascinating+facts+about+wood+pellet+fuel/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1419/12+fascinating+facts+about+wood+pellet+fuel/ Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:52:01 +0000

1. Wood pellets are manufactured by hot-extruding compressed sawdust which is produced during the working of natural dried wood. The compactness of the material comes from the lignin which is contained in the wood itself, and allows the production of pellets without the use of glues or binders.


2. The market offer[...]]]>

1. Wood pellets are manufactured by hot-extruding compressed sawdust which is produced during the working of natural dried wood. The compactness of the material comes from the lignin which is contained in the wood itself, and allows the production of pellets without the use of glues or binders.


2. The market offers different types of pellet with characteristics which vary depending on what mixture of woods is used. The diameter varies between 6 mm and 8 mm, with a standard length in the range 5 mm to 30 mm.


3. Good quality pellets have a density which varies between 600 kg/m3 and 750 kg/m3, with a moisture content which varies from 5% to 8% by weight.


4. Wood pellet is an ecological fuel. It exploits timber residues to the maximum and achieves cleaner combustion than is possible with fossil fuels.


5. Pellets also have technical advantages. While good-quality timber has a calorific power of 4.4 kW/kg (with 15% moisture, ie after about 18 months' seasoning), the equivalent figure for pellets is 4.9 kW/kg.


6. To ensure they burn well, the pellets must be stored in an area that is free of humidity and protected from dirt.


7. The pellets are usually supplied in 10 to 15 kg sacks, so storing them is convenient.


8. The poorer the quality of the fuel, the less well it will burn and the more frequently you will need to clean the internal parts, such as the grate and the combustion chamber.


9. The main certifications of quality for pellets in the European market are DINplus and Ö-Norm M7135; these ensure the following qualities:
•    Calorific power: 4.9 kW/kg
•    Water content: max 10% of weight
•    Percentage of ashes: max 0.5% of weight
•    Diameter: 5 to 8 mm
•    Length: max 30mm
•    Contents: 100% untreated wood, with no added bonding substances (bark percentage 5% max). We strongly recommend using certified fuel in pellet stoves to European standards (DINplus and Ö-Norm M7135).


10. If you use fuel of inferior quality, or not conforming to the specification given above, it compromises the running of your stove and can lead to the termination of the guarantee and of the manufacturer's responsibility for the product. 


11. Pellet stoves run exclusively on pellets with a diameter of 6-8 mm with lengths that range from 5 mm to 30 mm.


12. Recently the supply of pellet from distributors has become very good. The number of manufacturers & distributors coming on line is increasing all the time. This will hopefully  mean the price of pellets will get cheaper more competitive and they will be more readily available.


Photo by Baston/iStock

]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1417/Feed-in+tariff+rates'3A+the+headline+figures/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1417/Feed-in+tariff+rates'3A+the+headline+figures/ Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:57:01 +0000


The feed-in tariff aims to provide an incentive for people to invest in microgeneration and expects to deliver a return of 5-8% for well-sited insta[...]]]>


The feed-in tariff aims to provide an incentive for people to invest in microgeneration and expects to deliver a return of 5-8% for well-sited installations. It will consist of three elements:



A fixed payment from your electricity supplier for every kilowatt hour (kWh) your system generates. This is called the generation tariff. See below for rates.

A guaranteed price for any surplus electricity that you do not use on site, and export to the grid. This is called the export tariff and will also be paid by your electricity supplier. It has been set at 3p per kWh.

In addition, as you use electricity generated on site you will need less from the national grid – so your bills will be lower.


Unlike the export tariff (which at 3p per kW is less that the 5p consulted on) the generation tariff rates have increased since the consultation document was issued last year. For the first two years of feed-in tariffs (April 2010 - March 2012) they will be as follows: 


Hydro:
19.9p for installations up to 15kW;
17.8p for 15-100kW;
11p for 100kW-2MW;
4.5p for 2-5MW,
Paid for 20 years


Solar photovoltaic panels:
41.3p for installations of less than 4kW retrofitted onto an existing building (36.1p if it is on new build);
36.1p for 4-10kW;
31.4p for 10-100kW;
29.3p for 100kW-5MW and for stand alone systems
It will be paid at these rates for 25 years.


Wind:
34.5p for installations with a capacity of less than 1.5kW;
26.7p for 1.5-15kW;
24.1p for 15-100kW;
18.8p for 100-500kW;
9.4p for 500kW-1.5MW;
4.5p for 1.5-5MW
Paid for 20 years.


MicroCHP pilot:
10p per kW for micro combined heat and power installations. This will support up to 30,000 installations and will be reviewed when the 12,000th system has been installed. It will be paid for 10 years.


Existing microgenerators (under 50kW) who installed their system and were accredited under the Renewables Obligation before 15 July 2009 will automatically be transferred to the feed-in tariff at a generation rate of 9p per kWh, regardless of technology. This will be paid until 31 March 2027.


Microgenerators who installed pre 15 July 2009 and are not accredited under the RO will not be eligible for feed-in tariffs.



Inflation: Both the generation tariff and the export tariff will be indexed to the retail price index.



Tax: In the 2009 Pre-Budget Report the Chancellor confirmed that households which use renewable technology to generate electricity mainly for their own use will not be subject to income tax on feed-in tariffs.


The rates above are for those installing their system between 15 July 2009 and 31 March 2012. You will remain on that rate (plus inflationary rises) for the life of the tariff. From 1 April the rate that new generators get will begin to reduce (“degress”) to reflect (and to some extent encourage) expected decreases in technology costs.


Low Carbon Building Programme grants for microgeneration installations are now closed, and all the money has been transferred to the renewable heat technologies.



Full details of the Government response to the FiTs consultation can be downloaded from the DECC website.



Photo by lipstickproject


]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1415/500+households+to+try+Pay+As+You+Save+schemes/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1415/500+households+to+try+Pay+As+You+Save+schemes/ Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:53:01 +0000

Households in Birmingham, Sunderland, London Borough of Sutton, Stroud, Sussex and Surrey will be able to give their house and energy efficiency makeover and pay back the cost out of the savings on their energy bills in a ne[...]]]>

Households in Birmingham, Sunderland, London Borough of Sutton, Stroud, Sussex and Surrey will be able to give their house and energy efficiency makeover and pay back the cost out of the savings on their energy bills in a new pilot Pay as You Save (PAYS) scheme.


Launched by the Department of Energy and Climate Change and run by the Energy Saving Trust, the pilot scheme will have £4m funding to trial and assess aspects of Pay as You Save.


These will include consumer interest and particularly the relationship between repayments and savings; how to market the scheme; which partners consumers prefer. They will also test what levels of subsidy are needed to overcome the cost barriers of the more expensive measures such as solid wall insulation and microgeneration.


There was an open competition for partners to run the schemes, which are as follows:


Birmingham


Details and eligibility on the Birmingham section of the scheme, which is run by Birmingham City Council are still to be agreed. Householders will receive whole house assessments, and the project will take advantage of existing funding sources such as Warm Front. Email to register an interest. 


London Borough of Sutton


This scheme is run by B&Q in partnership with the London Borough of Sutton and BioRegional. Homeowners in Sutton will be able to apply for a 40% free subsidy and a 60% interest free loan for significant energy improvements to their home costing in the range of £8,000 to £12,000. They will receive advice and recommendations on lifestyle as well as on product usage. 


Stroud


Stroud District Council is working with Severn Wye Energy Agency to deliver the Stroud PAYS pilot. Homeowners will receive a tailor made home energy survey, advice on action they can take and help finding installers and sources of finance. They will also be encouraged to join a behaviour change programme and monitor the reductions in their energy consumption. Enquiries to SWEA by email or phone: 01452 835076


Sunderland


Gentoo Group, a registered social landlord, will identify 100 properties from occupied and empty properties to retrofit with energy efficiency and microgeneration measures. there will be no upfront costs, and repayments will be spread over a long enough period for repayments to be lower than predicted energy bill savings. 


Properties in the PAYS scheme will be advertised through Gentoo's choice based lettings scheme, and current customers can also apply to have their home included in the scheme.


Sussex and Surrey 


This scheme is run by British Gas, which will promote energy saving measures, including microgeneration, to home owners in Surrey and Sussex. They will receive a home energy audit, and if relevant a technical survey for any recommended measures such as solar hot water or electricity. Application is to the British Gas Green Homes call centre: 0800 107 0187.


Photo by Omar Omar

]]> http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1412/How+to+find+the+best+energy+efficiency+information+and+advice+for+your+home/ http://www.yougen.co.uk/blog-entry/1412/How+to+find+the+best+energy+efficiency+information+and+advice+for+your+home/ Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:24:01 +0000


Making your home as energy efficient as possible makes sense for many reasons. Whether it's keeping warm, reducing bills or reducing carbon pollution emitted. YouGen is a first resource for many householders, but it's worth looking at where else you can go for help and advice on energy efficiency too.


Generally, what is available falls into two categories: information and advice.  There are plenty of free information sources, but not[...]]]>


Making your home as energy efficient as possible makes sense for many reasons. Whether it's keeping warm, reducing bills or reducing carbon pollution emitted. YouGen is a first resource for many householders, but it's worth looking at where else you can go for help and advice on energy efficiency too.


Generally, what is available falls into two categories: information and advice.  There are plenty of free information sources, but not much on offer if what you are looking for is a home visit from an energy adviser.  In this article I will quickly review some of the options in these categories, and will look in more depth at some paid-for services in a future article.


Information






internet research / manufacturer / supplier / installer. These are easy to contact, but you need to know what improvements you are considering before you can get any information via these routes.  There is always some doubt about the accuracy of information gained via these routes, too.
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) is a good source of trustworthy information, but again, you need to have an idea of what improvements to consider. If you don't have any idea where to start, you can do an online Home Energy Check, where you input some information about your home and get a customised report making suggestions for improvements you could make.
Energy supplier – their websites contain some useful energy saving tips, and most also offer an online energy check similar to the EST. Again, some people are doubtful of the accuracy of information provided by their energy supplier, and there is always the suspicion that they intend to sell products rather than give impartial information. The results of the online energy check are likely to differ, depending which website you use!   All energy suppliers, except the very smallest, are obliged to provide energy efficiency advice over the telephone, and to subsidise energy efficiency improvements via the Carbon Energy Reduction Target (CERT) scheme.  Usually, this means basic improvements like cavity wall and loft insulation, but some suppliers participate in local schemes offering more choice.

ESTACs – these are the EST advice centres, which are located all around the country.  Calling them on 0800 512 012 will connect you with the one local to you.

Supermarket / DIY / retailer – the DIY sheds are becoming better sources of advice than in the past, alongside their earlier role as good value suppliers of insulation.  Their DIY insulation materials are now even cheaper, as a result of the CERT funding from energy suppliers, mentioned above. The price reduction is big enough for Ofgem (who oversee the CERT scheme) to introduce monitoring, in order to prevent professional insulation installers from buying these low cost supplies!  Doing this would result in double counting of insulation  measures being installed in CERT, reducing the money available for real measures, so it is not allowed. You may be surprised to learn that your local supermarket or retailer is now in the business of selling you insulation alongside their other offers.  Some, like the Co-op, have always been known for their efforts in energy efficiency, but others, M&S for instance, are more recent converts.





Home Visit / Advice


Home visits for the purpose of providing energy advice are rare. A few possible sources are listed below, but they are not all available all over the country:






Local council schemes – contact your local authority and ask to speak to the energy conservation team.

London only – Green Homes Concierge (available now) and EST Home Action Plan (a pilot which ran last year, and may be repeated).

Warm Front -  a government scheme that provides a home survey followed by free installation of some specific improvements if you receive qualifying benefits, or a benefit health check and energy advice if you don't.

Organisations that have signed up to the Code of Practice for Domestic Energy Advice. The Code website allows you to search for providers, but note that the members can sign up to the Code in different categories, only one of which covers home visits.

A professional energy adviser. These are rare at the moment, but some ESTACs do offer home visits.

A professional DEA – much less rare, and often with plenty of time available due to the slump in the housing market.








I will look at the pros and cons of obtaining help and advice from these providers in a future blog post. 




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