Solar Trade Association Calls For Solar PV And Thermal Case Studies

 

The STA website is being revamped with recent developments in the solar industry.
            We would like our members to submit both pictures and case studies for us to host
for public viewing. To enter your submission or for more information contact
news@solar-trade.org.uk
 
Don’t forget, if you would like to submit a story/event for inclusion in future editions, please email
news@solar-trade.org.uk
 
 
SOLAR NEEDS YOU CAMPAIGN – CALL TO ACTION
Website: www.solar-trade.org.uk
 
UK News
The Commons Committee split on FiTs review – chair has the casting vote
Following a good debate on the Fast-Track Review of the FiTs  in the Lords before the summer recess, Thursday 15th September was the Commons turn. STA provided briefings to committee members, as did its members, which meant a lively debate and ultimately culminated in a split vote. The Chairman had the casting vote and decided in favour of the Government position. A full transcript of the meeting can be found here.
 
Applications for RHPP continue apace
Recent statistics published by EST show applications for premium payments continue to be strong. 1634 voucher have been issued since the schemes launch in August with solar thermal accounting for 30% slightly behind air source heat pumps which account for 34%. Full details for the scheme can be found here. The STA has put together a summary of the scheme which members can edit for their own use which you can download here.
 
Consumer Focus Solar Survey
Consumer Focus Scotland have published a new survey for householders who have small scale solar power measures in their homes. They are concerned about the problems people seem to be experiencing with these firms and registering for the Government’s feed-in tariff scheme. The watchdog wants to get a comprehensive picture of the problems and positive experiences people have had so it can work with Government and industry to tackle any issues. It will use the survey to identify the key issues, and build the case for change in the Government’s, regulators’, and industry’s approach. It will also provide details of any problem companies to the industry’s accreditation scheme, REAL Assurance, for further investigation. The survey can be found at www.rsconsulting.com/consumerfocus. It is open until 27 September and will take around 15 minutes to complete.
 
Sheffield leads the UK in FITs installations
On Monday 12th September, analysts AEA released a report on the uptake of micro generation in the past year after the introduction of the FITs in April 2010. The report found that the number of microgeneration installations have increased 400%, with solar up 900%, while wind and hydro has doubled number of installations. Sheffield was revealed as the leader in microgeneration installations with eight times the installed capacity/1,000 population as London and  fifteen times as much as Manchester.
 
Case Study Needed
Wanted:  Solar entrepreneur to speak frankly on TV about financial/project losses on solar as a result of FIT changes in West Country (Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, top half Dorset, Bristol and Bath).  Please contact Alastair McKee, BBC Inside Out directly - BBC Bristol, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR, Mobile: 07711 641 508, Office: 0117 974 6931
 
Company News – In Brief
 
·         EOS Energy receives accolades for their Hendra Holiday Park project in Cornwall.
·         E.ON. announces it will have a new CEO starting the final quarter of 2011.  
 
Statistics
 
Please click here for this week’s FiTs and Solar Thermal installation Statistics.
The latest Construction Products Association analysis of market trends in the construction sector can be found here.
 
Other sectors
If you are interested in learning the latest news from the construction industry, please click here for this week’s Construction Products Association weekly news update.
                                                                              
Opportunities
 
Solar PV course and training
This EU-funded project enables UK installers (electricians) to be trained on the new City & Guilds 2399 (Solar PV) and then go to Germany for a fully-funded 2 weeks work placement and further training at a Solar PV installation company. This opportunity would be ideal for someone who wants to get into the industry, i.e. an electrician who is qualified to NVQ Level 3, who can then take the C&G 2399 + go to Germany for practical experience and further training. See www.myembrace.org.
 
SusCon building roof competition
Expression of interests are being sought for the retrofit of part of the SusCon building roof as a potential sustainable energy source. The competition is open to providers who can demonstrate their ability to develop the “living demonstrator” concept for the flagship SusCon Building and who can add value beyond a basic retrofit installation.  The solution should also be accessible by interactive displays which are expected to be compatible with the building management system thereby providing a teaching tool.  In practical terms the solution should also provide a significant contribution to the energy requirements of the building. Please see attached more information.
 
150 acre farm with solar pv planning permission for sale
Kencot Hill Farm consists of over 150 acres of land, which includes a 40 acre field with planning permission for a 5 MW solar farm. It is also worth noting that Kencot Hill was used as a WW2 airfield between 1943 - 1947. Pleaseclick here for more information. For more information, please contact Tom.Raynham@knightfrank.com.
 
STA/REA Events
 
Solar Power UK Conference and Exhibition
26th - 28th October 2011, ICC Birmingham - This is the first & only UK dedicated PV event.  Organised by Solar Media Ltd and fully supported by the STA. Over 3,000 solar industry participants, 30% of which will be overseas visitors, are due to descend on Birmingham during the conference following sell-out events in Munich and London in 2010.
 
 
 
STA AGM 28th October
The STA AGM will take place on The 28th October at the ICC Birmingham. The meeting will start at 10:30 and finish be 12:30. Papers will be sent out in advance of the meeting but please email events@solar-trade.org.uk asap to book your place.
 
STA Solar Thermal Seminar
Following the AGM there will be a seminar with speakers from the EST , DECC and Estif. The event will take place between 2:00 and 3:30 at the ICC and to register your interest please email events@solar-trade.org.uk. There will be small charge to members of £25 to register for the seminar.
 
Third Party Events      
 
Envirolink Offers Practical Training on Grid Connection for Solar PV Projects
Various Dates September 2011 – January 2012, Various Locations in the UK
 
With the recent remarkable growth in renewable energy projects, obtaining grid connection has never been more important. As a result of this, Envirolink is running a series of practical training workshops on grid connection, focussing on connecting solar PV systems to the grid. These one day courses will take place in Leeds, Warrington, Penrith, Manchester and Lancaster. For full details and to register your place, click here.
 
                   
Microgen and Nextgen exhibitions and conference
5th – 6th October 2011, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
 
Microgen is the brand new dynamic event dedicated to serving the UK’s microgeneration community. Microgen will bring together the entire spectrum of manufacturers, distributors, installers and end-users of micro renewable technology under one roof for the first time in the UK.
 
Nextgen is a showcase for the future of energy generation with a major focus on renewables. It will showcase emerging technologies including; fuel cells, advanced gasification, pyrolysis, algae, 2nd & 3rd generation biofuels, heat recovery, energy efficiency advancements and powering the low carbon economy.  It is the place to network with R&D scientists and engineers, learn about early stage developments and to get projects funded.
 
Visitor entry is free of charge. STA members will receive 10% discount on exhibiting rates.
 
EU Energy Centre Solar Photovoltaic Training Course
7th – 8th October 2011, Edinburgh Napier University
The EU Energy Centre is offering a technical training course for the installation of solar panels. The course will be held at  Edinburgh Napier University. For more information please click here.
 
EU Energy Centre Solar Photovoltaic Training Course
14th – 15th October 2011, Coventry University
The EU Energy Centre is offering a technical training course for the installation of solar panels. The course will be held at  Coventry University. For more information please click here.
 
Renewable Futures and the Green Energy Awards
9th November 2011, Bath
The south west’s foremost sustainable energy business to business event, which provides an excellent opportunity to network and develop thriving supply chains. Delegates include business leaders, policy influencers, key decision makers and leading renewable and energy efficiency companies.  REA members will receive 10% discount, please use the code “partner” to get the discount.
 
 
 
Capital Tower
91 Waterloo Road
London  SE1 8RT
Tel:    +44 (0)20 7925 3575
Fax:   +44 (0)20 7925 2715
Web:  www.solar-trade.org.uk
 
The Solar Trade Association is affiliated to the Renewable Energy Association
 
The future’s bright, the future’s solar!

     
   
   
 
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