Steve Barrett MD of Solarsense
Renewable Energy Options
Solar energy efficiency in the UK: Portishead
Portishead is an ideal location for solar PV
Why so much better? High UV Low pollution levels Cooler summers Performance as good as Spain owing to temperature Because of significant drop-off above 30°C Only one day a year in Portishead!
Portishead is also ideal for: Wind Wave Tide
Examples of investment in renewables...
Island of Eigg
Flatholme
Both these concentrate on wind and sun Simple to install Island location; delivery a challenge Many more options on mainland...
Primary challenge with renewables: Free energy after installation Significant up-front cost Government incentives to help with this: Feed-in Tariff for PV Paid for ALL the electricity you generate And you benefit from free electricity From April 2014 – Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Paid for offsetting fossil fuels with renewables Typical pay-back of 5-7 years Ongoing savings from reduced energy bills
Examples of renewables: Biomass (pellet) boilers Suitable for older properties with average insulation Heat pumps Suitable for modern, well insulated properties Solar thermal for hot water Commercial BiomassDomestic Biomass
Further challenge: Mains gas From 2016 no new houses will be connected to the gas main Mandatory requirements: Super-efficient homes Renewable energy sources
The future: PV is simple and inexpensive to install Efficient and maintenance free Solarsense panels – low ‘carbon footprint’ Manufactured in Sweden using hydroelectricity Discreet PV systems available...
Solar Tiles Solar Slates
Complete solar roofs HighgroveCroyde Holiday Cottage
The future: Low energy lighting Battery storage – for electricity at night Heat pumps Extract energy from air or ground 1kW of electricity produces 3kW heat Electric vehicles When do you have time to charge a car? Most cars stand idle for 80% of the day Kendleston Manor
Community: “Power Parks” Sun or wind Typical investment of £250 to £5,000 Guaranteed return of 5-8% for 20 years Biomass Area heating schemes Blocks of flats or entire streets
The case for microgen: Electricity generated where it’s needed... 35% outOnly 1% out!
The case for microgen: Power generated where it’s needed!