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YouGen Blog
Measure the wind before you install a turbine
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 5th August 2009 at 9:08 am
Product and installation standards for domestic wind turbines are needed, as are improved wind speed prediction and better site assessments. These are some of the key conclusions of the Energy Saving Trust's microwind research published in July. On measuring the wind speed, EST recommends that, …
Posted in: Wind turbines
Three ways we could improve UK feed in tariffs
Posted by Matthew Rhodes on 22nd February 2010 at 9:17 pm
I am a stalwart supporter of feed in tariffs, and anticipate a revolution in UK microgeneration in the next few months as a result. Their introduction is long overdue. However, on Monday I sat through a lengthy discussion both of feed in tariffs (FiTs) and the proposed renewable heat incentiv…
Posted in: General, Combined heat & power, Heat pumps, Hydro electricity, Solar electricity, Solar heat & hot water, Wind turbines
MCS explained, plus quick guide for wannabe installers
Posted by John E Martin on 14th May 2010 at 9:58 am
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) appears to be suffering in a similar way as the Gas accreditation scheme did when it was introduced. It is shrouded in mystery, with rumour-mongers spreading the word that 'none shall pass' and that 'its only for large companies'. This situatio…
Posted in: Biomass, Combined heat & power, Heat pumps, Hydro electricity, Solar electricity, Solar heat & hot water
Overcoming obstacles to microgeneration part 3: planning
Posted by on 11th June 2010 at 9:32 am
Planning permission for renewable energy and microgeneration brings up such a wide range of issues that we're worried you might fall asleep at your computer if we covered them all. So, in this blog, we focus on: The process of planning application and approval Planning directives The pr…
Posted in: General
Overcoming obstacles to microgeneration part 4: consumer confidence
Posted by on 13th August 2010 at 9:26 am
Anyone investing in microgeneration will need between £4,000 and £25,000 to get set up. This is significant expenditure for any household and the homeowner wants peace of mind that they are opting for the right technology at the right scale and the right people to install it. Our survey confirm…
Posted in: General
MCS and the use of subcontractors: how it all works
Posted by John E Martin on 9th November 2010 at 10:46 am
Who needs to be MCS approved (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) and how do subcontractors fit in? These questions are often asked by participants on QMSA's national seminar programme. Under MCS it is the business that is approved and not the individual engineers. MCS allows a business to beco…
Posted in: General
Five ways to recognise a solar shark ... and make sure they don't eat you
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 19th December 2008 at 10:51 am
It used to be double glazing that was renowned for dodgy salesman. Now some of the techniques they used are being kept alive by companies selling solar thermal panels, heat pumps and wind turbines. The BBC and the Mail on Sunday are just two of the media who have been watching out for fins. There…
Posted in: Heat pumps, Solar heat & hot water, Wind turbines
Does MCS certification deliver the protection consumers expect?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 22nd August 2011 at 9:54 am
What do you think of when you hear that a company has received its sector's accreditation? Call me naive, but I'd assumed that it meant that there was a thorough check on its ability to do the job it is there to do. That it means I'll get a high quality service. That the staff are trained to a certa…
Posted in: General
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