Experts to help both planet and fuel bills

Mar 16 2010 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

IN February this year the new feed-in tariff (FIT) was announced which will pay people for all the renewable electrical power they produce from April. This will be followed by the renewable heat incentive in April 2011, which will pay people for the renewable heat they generate.

Both schemes guarantee you a fixed payment for every unit of renewable energy generated over a period of 10 to 25 years, with a further bonus payment for power exported back to the grid.

In order to qualify for these payments, you need to use an approved installer listed under the microgeneration certification scheme. It will allow homeowners to make money from installing technologies such as micro combined heat and power (microCHP), wind turbines, photovoltaic panels (PV) or anaerobic digestion.

Mike Guthrie of Whitewaters Energy said: “Basically the scheme provides a mechanism for the Government to pay homeowners for the electricity they generate, even if it is used within the home. The FITs have been set at a much higher level than was anticipated, which means that making the move to low-carbon living will provide a significant income in addition to savings on energy bills.

“For example, a homeowner installing a solar PV system will now generate an annual income of around £1,000 with the tariff index linked and guaranteed for 25 years.”

The news is set against a backdrop of Government-funded initiatives, aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy or low-carbon technologies within the home. With ambitious carbon-reduction targets to meet, the Department of Energy and Climate Change is keen to encourage microgeneration of renewable power in addition to projects such as wind farms.

Whitewaters Energy is involved with a wide range of renewable technologies, but consider solar power to be the most accessible for the majority of householders.

Mick Guthrie said: “In 30 minutes enough solar energy reaches the earth’s surface to meet the world’s total demand for a full year. This is an immense resource, even here in the north of England, which can be harvested by anybody with an unshaded south-facing area to mount solar panels. Panels are most commonly mounted on a roof and can be relatively inexpensive solar thermal panels, which produce hot water to feed the taps and showers, or more sophisticated solar PV panels which produce electricity.”

Contact Whitewaters Energy on 0191 565 6814.

Another North East firm involved in renewable and low-carbon technologies is Aire and Sun Power Systems. Although it originated in the Aire Valley of West Yorkshire in 2004, managing director Stephen Gilmour relocated the company back to his roots in Northumberland last autumn.

“I have always been interested in the idea of producing electricity from renewable energy sources,” said Mr Gilmour. “I started the company with the belief that renewable energy can benefit everyone, not just those who are interested in protecting the environment.”

This is shown in the scope of work that the company undertakes, from producing solar lighting systems for bus and smoking shelters (for Lancashire firm Autocross) to systems for domestic and commercial premises feeding back into the grid.

Mr Gilmour is also finding that there is strong interest in renewable energy even outside their scope of electricity production. “We are looking to contribute our knowledge and expertise to the local area and grow the renewable market,” he said. Call Aire and Sun Power Systems on 01434 230580.

Cleaner Air Solutions, one of Europe’s largest and most experienced renewable energy businesses, can also help homeowners interested in the Governments Feed-In Tariff.

The firm was one of the first to achieve UKMCS accreditation which ensures it operates to stringent guidelines and at determined levels of professionalism.

The Feed In tariff, which is paid at 41.3p per kW hour generated for domestic installations of up to 4kWp is index linked and will provide you with a guaranteed tax-free annual income for 25 years, while the energy generated is also yours to use free of charge.

To find out more and receive a free desk-top survey, call 0800 0612041.

Heat Flow Ltd was created in 2006 primarily focusing business activities on gas central heating and plumbing jobs. The creation of the company was an opportunity for it to use over 20 years’ experience gained in both sectors.

In 2009, the company decided to expand the range of services provided to include solar thermal water systems and air/ground source heat pump system installations. As the soaring cost of heating bills continued and the effects of global warming become more evident, it decided to provide customers with an option of updating their heating systems and also reducing their heating bills by offering renewable energy systems as well as upgrading boilers.

The company’s aim is to provide customers (households and businesses) in North East England with energy-efficient products and services to reduce their carbon emissions and save money on their heating bills. It ensures each customer has a custom-designed system with the right products and solutions for their needs.

All of its gas boilers are installed and repaired by a Gas Safe Registered gas engineer and it is BPEC accredited in the installation of solar thermal hot water systems.

It is also the first company in North East England to become LOGIC accredited in the installation of air and ground source heat pump systems.

Various grants are available to customers who are looking to upgrade their heating systems as well as the Government’s boiler scrappage scheme.

For further information call 01670 521441.