tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22151633183124498732024-03-13T10:45:09.925-07:00DEEPGREENProjects and information on the world of Renewable Power + Off Grid Systems
.... Website links: rudgeenergy.co.uk & offgridsystems.co.ukChris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-16847236216317052242017-06-18T00:54:00.002-07:002018-08-16T03:31:25.631-07:00 Solar PV upgrades being sold by pushy sales calls<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Over the last year, I have found a plethora
of Companies have started hard sales campaigns to sell<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>products or services to existing Solar
PV owners. This has not really been helped along by the availability of
databases that can be purchased detailing solar owners contact data, making it
so much easier for them to get in contact.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Many of you existing solar owners will have
had calls or letters from organisations proposing to make your system work far
better than it currently does. While most of the products are good, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in most cases here, it is the selling
that is suspect, along with the highly inflated prices to go with it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To give you a ‘heads up’ on current sales
company’s promotions, I have compiled a short list below:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 1) </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><b>Solar Edge optimised systems</b>.
The technology works well to minimise shading problems on solar panels with
some clever technology, and will boost generation for part shaded systems.
However, the salesmen are indicating far higher gains, and a far higher price
than an ‘honest’ company would charge. If your solar is in the clear and has no
shading, the Solar Edge system will never pay for itself. A recent example I
was told by a customer the dodgy salesman quoted £5400 for a system that should
have been just £3000.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NyblrTzZSnE/S2l7y7wfxGI/AAAAAAAAAjA/lxrJiYPR6XcEM-9QzfmpXk9BAVHmCBgKgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NyblrTzZSnE/S2l7y7wfxGI/AAAAAAAAAjA/lxrJiYPR6XcEM-9QzfmpXk9BAVHmCBgKgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US"> 2) <b>Voltage Optimisers</b> . For very
few solar owners, their grid voltage is quite high, causing the inverter to
shut down when it is sunny. For this 2% of people, a voltage optimizer will
sort the problem, bringing the grid voltage down. Sales guys are selling them
to just about anyone and at hugely inflated prices, ie £3000 instead of £500</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> 3)<b>Maintenance Contracts</b>. Many
people are getting a misleading letter, telling them their solar installer is
now out of business. That statement is not true for around 20% of people, so is
being investigated by Trading Standards. This particular company (and I'm sure others
too), are selling expensive maintenance contracts amounting to £250 a year.
Your system will only need a 5 year check at best for around £100.</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">You can keep an eye on the panels being
clean and your system is working in between times by yourself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"> 3)<b>A very naughty company</b> are even
calling people to tell them someone is going to come and maintain the system
for free as part of their warranty that is just about to expire. The maintenance
will not end up free, as they will expect you to sign up for monthly payments
or whatever they can get away with. In addition, as part of any solar warranty,
there is never a maintenance included. Don’t be fooled!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There will be other scams and highly priced
devices being sold over the phone, not only to Solar Owners, but to anyone. The
best advice as always is never to buy anything from telephone sales. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you would like some idea of pricing for
Solar PV add on products, call us at<a href="http://www.rudgeenergy.co.uk/" target="_blank"> rudgeenergy.co.uk</a> </span></div>
Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-41645825179366022382017-06-02T02:17:00.002-07:002017-06-02T02:17:44.219-07:00Powering your outdoor event .. Quietly..<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We’ve all been
there, festivals, country shows and countryside events where the atmosphere is
shattered by the buzz of generators. For trade stands, power can be essential,
music events need lights and amplifiers, even the local gymkhana needs to have
commentary over a public address system.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmFWXJtIRG4/WTEtEfBs6YI/AAAAAAAAAo4/GzYkQj8qjZQF8701ZE1G32Ji3rAzYoFUQCLcB/s1600/coffee%2Bvan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmFWXJtIRG4/WTEtEfBs6YI/AAAAAAAAAo4/GzYkQj8qjZQF8701ZE1G32Ji3rAzYoFUQCLcB/s320/coffee%2Bvan2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Times have moved
on and portable power is becoming the domain of Hybrid generators, a
combination of silent battery power with occasional generator noise. The idea
is quite simple really, the batteries operate an electronic inverter to provide
230v mains power, just like a normal generator. When the batteries get low, a
fuel generator runs for half hour or so and allows the battery system to run
again quietly for hours. The original concept came about simply to save money
on fuel, but the side effect is low noise as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Hybrid generators
come in all sizes, from full container size to power a large business or large
off grid house right down to a few boxes being tucked in a corner of a van for
site use. To save fuel even further, if space permits, a solar panel or two can
be bolted on keeping generator time even shorter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Many people
across the UK are using fixed hybrid systems to power their houses and
businesses full time, usually because of no grid availability. The whole idea
is easily transferred to a portable version.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">For small events
and trade stands, the ideal solution will be to have a hybrid generator fitted
within a vehicle. For larger events requiring more power, a modular unit can be
used, easily removed after the event by trailer or tractor. If you regularly
have to have a generator running for your trade, consider going Hybrid, the fuel
savings will be wonderful now fossil fuels are going up in price again. Plus
think of life without endless noise and exhaust fumes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Chris Rudge. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.rudgeenergy.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Arial;">www.rudgeenergy.co.uk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"> 01392 368724<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-27000141132728169672017-04-18T09:38:00.000-07:002017-04-18T09:38:00.182-07:00Getting the best out of your Solar PV system<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Many of you will
have a solar PV system installed on your house or barn roof and will be
enjoying the annual Summer upsurge in generated power that will not only earn
you Feed in Tariff payments, but save you buying power off the grid as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">As some
of the earlier systems installed are now over 5 years old, is it still operating
as well as it used to? One of the things you can easily check will be dirt and
moss buildup on the panels. Many areas in rural locations we find are
vulnerable to a deposit of verdigris on the glass. If left there, it will cause
your power generation to drop off dramatically. Getting the panels cleaned will
bring the generated power back to healthy levels. The cost of a clean can be
covered by a couple of weeks generation in midsummer, so well worth the effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1D8aj6pk2J4/SjySk-iQaRI/AAAAAAAAAis/II7iNrV4aoIMsv32FeGcrXrmsjo9WlqRgCPcB/s1600/IMGP0510a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1D8aj6pk2J4/SjySk-iQaRI/AAAAAAAAAis/II7iNrV4aoIMsv32FeGcrXrmsjo9WlqRgCPcB/s320/IMGP0510a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Again with older
systems, older technology solar inverters fitted to convert DC power into Mains
230v, will have been limited in capabilities and were suited for solar array’s
with no shading. If any shading occurs from, say, a chimney or tree on one of
the panels, the whole array will suffer from reduced power output. This would
common on many houses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">To combat this
problem, a new optimizer system was developed enabling solar PV with shading
problems to get more generation simply by letting each panel generate to best
of its ability, without being affected by shading on another panel. The market
leader is Solar Edge, and can be retro installed on any existing solar PV
installation. Older installations on a high rate of FiT could benefit from this
upgrade, which though usually costs around £3000, can enable your PV system to
make that cost back within 10 years if you have shading problems during the
day. See <a href="http://www.rudgeenergy.co.uk/solar-edge-system-upgrade" target="_blank">our website</a> for more information<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">If you have
noticed a drop off in generated power over the current life of your PV system,
now will be the best time to have the system serviced. Though you can
anticipate a small drop in generation each year to panel efficiency drop off,
other factors such as loose connections can create really large losses. Many
Solar installers will carry out a standard service every 5 years, the
recommended period, for around £100 and can save you much more if catching a
problem early on. We <a href="http://www.rudgeenergy.co.uk/repairs-and-servicing" target="_blank">offer this service</a> to people in the South West UK<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-58588272534144971142017-02-22T12:22:00.001-08:002017-02-22T12:22:06.250-08:00Making the most of your excess Solar PV generationIts been a while since I have written a post, though I see I have a whole load of half completed drafts. Things have been busy over the last few months!<br />
<br />
Just this week I have put together this editorial for a regional magazine, The Landsman, and thought it would be a good idea to reproduce here as solar storage has changed dramatically since just last year, with far better batteries available at really good prices that mean Li-Ion is now leading the way over Lead Acid on performance and cost!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If you’re an owner of solar PV panels, you
will already be aware of the benefits that are brought simply by daylight.
Lower power bills and free to use electricity count as main drivers of course,
along with Feed in Tariff payments meaning you receive a payment simply for
generating your own power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">One of the small drawbacks of this seemingly utopian
system is that a proportion of this generated power will be exported straight
out onto the grid without any benefit to you but add some technology and this
could change. There are devices available that can be retro fitted to grab
power before it gets exported allowing you to store it for later use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The budget version is just one of the many
power diversion devices on the market. A reliable unit is the Solar iBoost, costing
around £400, which keeps a check on that excess PV power and sends it to the
immersion heater in your hot water cylinder to store as hot water. Great if you
have a hot water cylinder to use, if not, maybe look at battery storage?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6RYTJfzraQ/WK3yxfv5rFI/AAAAAAAAAnw/QjP9zbLvBhE36aVyGkOHR5C6engVDTP4QCLcB/s1600/LG%2BChem%2Bimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6RYTJfzraQ/WK3yxfv5rFI/AAAAAAAAAnw/QjP9zbLvBhE36aVyGkOHR5C6engVDTP4QCLcB/s200/LG%2BChem%2Bimage.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wncDaDDRRDg/WK3yOC1ZPEI/AAAAAAAAAno/Rhj8rtCm7sEQJ3STEwqKdQoclY001fJ5ACLcB/s1600/pylontech%2Bpic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wncDaDDRRDg/WK3yOC1ZPEI/AAAAAAAAAno/Rhj8rtCm7sEQJ3STEwqKdQoclY001fJ5ACLcB/s320/pylontech%2Bpic.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Until a few years ago, Solar battery
technology was still based on traditional lead/acid, like a car battery. This
was mainly due to economics as compact lithium based batteries were still
really expensive, but they do offer a 10-15 year lifespan and require no
maintenance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This situation has now changed, and since
Tesla’s introduction of the cumbersomely large Lithium Ion battery a year or so
ago, other manufacturers such as LG, Victron and SolaX are now producing more
compact storage devices, ideal for installation inside your home. Based on the
same concept as hot water diversion, battery storage systems divert the excess
power to be exported into a set of batteries. A controller keeps that power
securely stored away until your house needs to draw power off the grid, then
releases if back for you to use. In an ideal situation, with a good balance
between battery and solar array size, you should see a dramatic reduction in
the amount of electricity you purchase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyJm6Xkzx48/WK3ycBx-7FI/AAAAAAAAAns/Oo7FrH-6HXw3niyAWuky0m8NHAfukkrbgCLcB/s1600/solax%2Bpic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyJm6Xkzx48/WK3ycBx-7FI/AAAAAAAAAns/Oo7FrH-6HXw3niyAWuky0m8NHAfukkrbgCLcB/s200/solax%2Bpic.png" width="167" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Most are easy to fit, and can be easily
accommodated in your house and integrated with your existing Solar PV system.
Some models also provide you with a backup power socket to keep you supplied
with 230v power if in the case of a power cut - handy for rurally situated
people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Though the concept of payback is not used in the
battery storage world, we have recently seen what may be the first of many
energy price increases, so it does spur us to consider ways of keeping
electricity bills as low as possible. You’ll find that good quality systems
start at around £4,000 installed and will provide you with either online or in
home monitoring too. For more information speak to Chris Rudge on or visit www.rudgeenergy.co.uk<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-55016168071337653072016-01-31T05:55:00.000-08:002016-03-28T08:27:24.664-07:00Battery Storage 1: Which battery is best?Battery storage bolt-on options for existing renewable energy generation systems are now becoming the next 'must have' for people looking to either reduce their energy bills, which will surely be rising again soon, to providing energy security times of power cuts.<br />
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I have been providing different types of battery systems for customers over the last 10 years and have seen a huge upsurge in interest in the last 6 months. There has always' been some bafflement over the best battery technology to use with different installations, which has escalated recently now that Lithium-Ion batteries are coming down in cost.<br />
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For this first part of a two part battery storage blog, I'll simply outline the features and cost benefits of some currently available battery types offered for renewables.<br />
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The main battery types currently offered to customers wanting a battery add on are based on either Lead Acid or Lithium-Ion technology.<br />
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<b>Lead Acid.</b><br />
These batteries have been available for a very long time and until recent years, would have been the only option available for anyone to use. Originally provided as what we refer to as 'flooded', you may be familiar with the need to keep these topped up with distilled water regularly in your car. Really big versions were made for fork lifts, submarines, commercial backup supplies, etc. Though this is still the case as flooded batteries are quite robust when scaled up to commercial size, most Lead Acid offerings' for domestic and small commercial are either Sealed AGM or Gel types.<br />
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Without going into the internal technology, which you can easily discover on Wikipedia, the practicality for non commercial users mean that Sealed batteries do not need regular maintenance such as topping up with water. Sealed AGM's will usually be able to take a far higher charge current than Flooded, thus making them ideal for the Solar PV market where potentially a lot of power is available to be stored during peak times of the day. Likewise, Gel batteries have a good storage capability, but cannot be heavily charged without decreasing lifespan.<br />
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Both types will have a lifespan of no more than 5 years and you will need to keep in mind that you'll need to replace them at this point or before. As either type contain a good amount of lead, they will attract a good price at the recycling centre. Typically around 20% of their cost as new. Lead Acid batteries are about the only battery type that can be recycled in this way. So disposal is straightforward through recycling with income!<br />
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As with anything, the less you pay for your batteries, the lower the performance. No matter what the salesman tells you, a typical lifetime of an AGM or Gel battery is around 800 - 1000 charge discharge cycles to 50% depth of discharge. This is around 2.5 years if cycled to 50% every day of the year. For many households this will not be the case, thus the batteries will last much longer<br />
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This reminds me to mention that all lead acid batteries do not fare well if deeply discharged, which will considerably reduce their storage capacity and longevity. As part of the battery management which will be installed with your add-on storage system, it will be set up to ensure the batteries will not drop below 50%, this is critical for any system, as well as carefully charging the batteries according to their individual characteristics.<br />
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Another big advantage with any Lead-Acid battery type is the lowest cost of any current storage type. You may find this aspect appealing, even though you will get much less charge/discharge cycles. You will know without heavy use you will get 5 years of life and a small payback for selling them at the end of this time. You can then ask your installer what the cost of other more efficient technologies are, which may have dropped in cost by that time. See the chart below to get an idea of cost effectiveness at the moment.<br />
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<b>Lithium-Ion</b><br />
These fairly recent storage devices have been hailed as the holy grail of battery technology and you will find it fitted in most portable devices, such as your phone, due to their far higher efficiency and space saving over all other types available to us.<br />
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Even more recently, Lithium-Ion has been offered to the renewable energy market in easy to use packages making it far safer than ever before to use. As Lithium-Ion has a really low internal resistance, allowing them to be charged really quickly if needed, they can also discharge very fast if given the opportunity and will overhead and cause a fire very quickly. The very reason for all the <br />
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Hoverboard fires recently.<br />
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All approved Lithium-Ion battery sets contain a battery management system which will shut them down with excess charge/discharge or fire, etc. So nice and safe to use in the house. With Li-Ion systems such as the LG Chem RESU, the battery management will need to also have a data connection to your inverter system to enable safety 'handshaking'.<br />
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The huge advantages over Lead Acid is the smaller space required, higher lifetime cycles and that you'll be able to discharge to 80% or more daily if you wanted with little lifetime effect.<br />
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Most Lithium Ion batteries will come with a 10 year or 6000 cycle warranty and will work across a far wider temperature range, far far better than Lead Acid. The Lithium Ion battery really is a just about a fit and forget battery.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndZhuWZuUhw/Vq4R3v61jQI/AAAAAAAAAmA/JW4zuSONSyE/s1600/Victron_Lithium_12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndZhuWZuUhw/Vq4R3v61jQI/AAAAAAAAAmA/JW4zuSONSyE/s1600/Victron_Lithium_12.png" /></a> So, though Lithium Ion costs much more on initial purchase, the lifetime will be at least 3 times more, and easily in excess of this if you keep the discharge down to 60% or less. See the chart below for cost effectiveness against Lead Acid.<br />
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One of the drawbacks with Lithium Ion, there had to be one, will be the recyclability is practically zero. Once the battery set is depleted you'll need to find a way of safe disposal, which you need to pay for as they are listed as a pollutant. Disposal will be in at least 10 years, so as Lithium is a limited resource, the situation may have changed by then, but right now its a difficult disposal issue.<br />
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<b>Aquion Batteries</b><br />
For the real Eco warrior, the recent release of the Aquion Battery is a major leap in clean power. Being based on a harmless saline solution with other natural products such as coconut husk, the Aquion unit will never be a hazard in its own environment.<br />
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They can be deeply discharged and each 'module' will store 2kWh of power.<br />
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As you will imagine, this natural solution does come at a cost, which though is more than either of the above per kWh, is currently not excessively so, and as production ramps up the price will come down to make it a far more economic solution.<br />
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Aquion battery charge and discharge rates are far lower than either Lead-Acid or Lithium-Ion, so are more suited to low capacity loads such as lighting and electronics. Though the 2kwh of storage is available in each cell, it will need around 5 hours to charge or discharge that amount. Obviously stacking more in parallel will double the power and storage at the same time.<br />
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This chart easily shows that though Lead-Acid wins on initial system outlay, for system economic longevity, Lithium-Ion wins hands down!<br />
The Aquion, (which I have scaled to be representative of the others), is also great on long term economics, but you need to be careful the installation does not have a big current draw.<br />
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Datasheet links:<br />
Aquion Batteries: http://www.aquionenergy.com<br />
LG Chem: http://www.windandsun.co.uk/media/411979/LG-Chem-RESU-64-EX-Data-Sheet.pdf<br />
Rolls batteries: http://www.rolls-battery.com<br />
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<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-88340524092808244032015-08-27T10:30:00.002-07:002015-08-28T03:54:44.528-07:00DECC confirm Solar PV tariffs to be slashedToday DECC the Climate Change Government department have released a 'consultation' the review of Feed in Tariff rates for solar and other renewable technologies. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/456630/FIT_Review_Con_Doc.pdf" target="_blank">SEE IT HERE</a><br />
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The lengthy document rambles on about providing better value for money to all energy payers, obviously without a thought to future climate issues. Reading through makes it quite clear that this Government are dropping renewable power technologies like a hot potato!<br />
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To take the proposed feed in tariff chart that will start on January 1st 2016 as the prime example, the typical option that any viable house in the UK is able to install, giving them much more control over their power destiny will have the FiT rate dropped from 12.67p to 1.63p for every Kw generated. Its pretty much the same across the board, including Wind and Hydro too.<br />
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Just as there will be an explosion in power storage devices that are cost effective, thus enabling businesses and homeowners to use that daytime generated power overnight and stabilising the grid, DECC announce these measures to just about stop people being able to engage in their own future.<br />
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We know for certain that the Government are 'backing' companies like EDF to build Nuclear Power Stations, which incidentally are far more expensive than ANY renewables incentive to both build and maintain, plus as we have seen again and again is dangerous when broken.<br />
The other Government candidate for 'funding' will be fracking in the short term future as they have seen the massive success in the USA of that technology. This tiny island will obviously not stand up to the high pressure plundering of resources for all that long, with our water and other resources eventually poisoned with fracking chemicals.<br />
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Its all about money and short term futures, usually around 5 years, the term of Government.<br />
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Over the next few weeks, watch social media for everyones opinion on the UK's about turn on what most of civilised Europe have embraced .. Renewables for the future of the planet.. From 2016, it will all decline from the high ground we stood on to a cauldron of chemical gloop.<br />
<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-22979902117674506242015-08-07T06:03:00.002-07:002015-08-07T22:30:35.941-07:00Running an AGA on Solar electricityWe have had many queries over the years asking if we can arrange a system that will use the Solar PV electricity to run an AGA cooker. As any AGA owner will know, this device is the one big consumer of electricity/gas or oil in any household. They are beautiful cooking and heating devices, but boy, they do eat the utility bills! Eco they are not!<br />
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I've recently met up with Malcolm Stickler who runs a company specifically to install electronic free electric heaters to AGA's . These are compatible with Immersun's and most other add on PV power diversion devices.<br />
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People who already have a PV power diversion device for their hot water will know the massive savings they can make simply by using that spare power that would have been exported to the grid sent to the immersion heater. This exact technology can now be safely used on an AGA.<br />
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You will need to have the conversion carried out by Malcolms crew, who cover the whole of the UK. The cost is £1950 + VAT and entails replacing the existing oil/ gas or electric heater with a complete custom new module.<br />
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However, for maximum effectiveness, you'll need a 4kwp south facing solar PV system, possibly even bigger to cope with the low winter light levels. As well as getting Government Feed in Tariff payments, you'll be running your AGA for far less cost than you could believe possible previously!<br />
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This is just one way you can use more of your generated solar PV power thus getting great value for money out your investment.<br />
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For a solar PV quote in the South West UK, call Rudge Energy on 01392 368724<br />
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For the AGA conversion, call: 01278 769802Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-65845926263721093242015-07-24T14:18:00.002-07:002015-07-31T06:59:22.489-07:00Not much time left for the Solar Feed in Tariff?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small commercial Solar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After new money saving measures announced by Amber Rudd on behalf of the Government over the past few days, renewables have been hit quite hard and are calculated to end solar PV funding as soon as possible. This will rid the Government of what <br />
is now considered a funding headache. With the Green Deal, and other green funding knocked on the head, will small scale solar PV systems be next on the chopping block?...<br />
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If the Government can knock Solar FiT on the head, then most of this money will simply be flipped over to subsidise Nuclear power. More power for the National Grid needs to be found somewhere! Some years ago I noticed that in Gov press releases, Nuclear became renamed as a 'low carbon' power source. It can be seen as such, with a high health risk and a very hard to dispose of end product.. When operating correctly, in that squeakily fine balance between high efficiency and disaster, nuclear will provide a lot of power on a small geographic footprint, 24 hours a day... With a very low operational carbon footprint and extremely high operational cost. All to be funded by diverting our money from elsewhere.<br />
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Going back to Feed in Tariffs though.. When on April 1st 2016 the large scale ROC (renewable obligation certificate), scheme comes to an end, there will be a large bunch of investment funded companies kicking around with nothing to do, who have made a living from bleeding the the Government ROC scheme dry. Many of these companies are based offshore, thus UK money is going elsewhere. A scenario not considered by the Government all those years ago.<br />
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These companies on 1st April, will be determined not to be foolish enough to simply close up shop and go away.. I strongly expect that this Monday morning, after the usual moral boosting meeting, sales guys will be moving over to finding large rooftops to populate with solar under the Feed in Tariff scheme. This will be disaster for Solar PV. Calculated by Government advisors, as if that gets played out, the smaller solar installers bread and butter will be killed off by the middle of the year when a massive degression is announced, reducing Feed in Tariff to such a small rate, it will not be worth installing... There goes the industry! Or maybe Amber Rudd will simply kill it all off before next year anyway?<br />
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Of course, people will still want solar to keep their power bills down, but realistically, the drive of the Feed in Tariff needs to keep the industry buoyant for a few more years until power bills take a few more price hikes and make people actually realise that simply making your own power is the way to go, even without FiT. By that time searching for someone to install PV properly will be difficult.<br />
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To my thinking, the easiest and best fix will be to limit FiT installations to sub 50kW systems, thus limit FiT payments and make it available for the people that actually need it .. Oh, and stop subsidising Nuclear and Fossil fuel production of course!!<br />
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<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-59454587183069201942015-07-13T08:40:00.001-07:002015-07-13T08:40:28.967-07:00Off Grid in the middle of the city?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV4OOP8acLo/VaPZZcvppZI/AAAAAAAAAiE/Lnl7SvrGW0s/s1600/thumb_IMGP6305_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV4OOP8acLo/VaPZZcvppZI/AAAAAAAAAiE/Lnl7SvrGW0s/s320/thumb_IMGP6305_1024.jpg" width="213" /></a>A recent installation we have completed is possibly the most curious and exciting, an Off Grid power system in the East End of London, not far from either docklands or the Olympic site at Stratford and smack in the middle of thousands of grid connected houses.<br />
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The reason is all for the sake of art!<br />
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Chisenhale Gallery were needing an off grid system to operate a specific set of equipment as part of an art installation. This installation operates 2 projectors and a sound system for 6-7 hours a day, and is the featured exhibition until the end of August 2015, see later.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFwNa6bZhZs/VaPZZdW9eOI/AAAAAAAAAiI/fax3YYhgGUs/s1600/thumb_IMGP6321_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFwNa6bZhZs/VaPZZdW9eOI/AAAAAAAAAiI/fax3YYhgGUs/s200/thumb_IMGP6321_1024.jpg" width="200" /></a>Using our standard Off Grid calculator and also being re assured that the installation will only be run during the Summer months, we were able to use standard Victron Easy Solar, 6 @ 250Wp solar modules and a 600Ah battery set. This will run the system for 6 hours even on a cloudy day in August.<br />
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To complement the installation, it has been installed into a cage to provide an industrial aspect, plus of course keeping prying fingers away from the switches too!<br />
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If you are around in the area, go and see the installation at <a href="http://www.chisenhale.org.uk/" target="_blank">Chisenhale Gallery</a> Nicholas Mangan's exhibition is running till the end of August.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EOatcQCzwI/VaPbguDFI8I/AAAAAAAAAiU/7JHP3mq9nJM/s1600/CI_50UEW8AATTNa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EOatcQCzwI/VaPbguDFI8I/AAAAAAAAAiU/7JHP3mq9nJM/s200/CI_50UEW8AATTNa.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>At the end of the August, this complete installation is being sold on. The system generates enough power to run a small economic Off Grid house with ease. We will be storing and shipping it all from Devon. If you are looking for a ready to go Solar Based Off Grid system that has the provenance of being used at an esteemed art exhibition, <a href="mailto:chris@rudgeenergy.co.uk" target="_blank">email me</a> for all the details. We can install if for you too!</b>Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-72103048851963065542015-05-03T14:07:00.000-07:002015-08-07T22:26:21.307-07:00Another Solar PV system for the RNLI<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9pic5ta9Qc/VUaNrkQCc6I/AAAAAAAAAhU/miuuFSjv86s/s1600/rnliroof1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9pic5ta9Qc/VUaNrkQCc6I/AAAAAAAAAhU/miuuFSjv86s/s320/rnliroof1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our recent completion in time for the April FiT drop, of a 133kWp Solar PV system on the RNLI Lifeboat Support Centre in Poole will not only massively reduce their power bills, but will provide the Nations favourite charity with healthy Feed in Tariff payments for the next 20 years, not to mention a far lower carbon footprint in line with new legislation coming soon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FVA3HIL4o8/VUaMnLDdq6I/AAAAAAAAAhM/g_QdxxKtKao/s1600/RNLI%2BMLX60.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FVA3HIL4o8/VUaMnLDdq6I/AAAAAAAAAhM/g_QdxxKtKao/s200/RNLI%2BMLX60.JPG" width="150" /></a>Using leading edge solar technology to get maximum efficiency for the RNLI, no matter what the weather conditions! We have used the new SMA Sunny Tripower 60kW inverters for efficient power conversion, negating the need for an array of smaller inverters where inefficiencies can cumulate to result in lower performance. See <a href="http://www.sma.de/en/products/solarinverters/sunny-tripower-60.html" target="_blank">SMA Website</a> for more information on these inverters. This RNLI project is the largest rooftop system so far to use the Tripower 60's .<br />
<br />
For the rooftop, we chose JA Solar 285 Percium Monocrystalline modules that offer a really good output for the square meterage we had available on the Support Centre roof. Getting 133kWp onto the roof AND leaving the required service boundaries around roof lights and man safe systems made the JA 285's the only choice to use for staying within budget.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy8o_2wqPHw/VUcPRhsJhHI/AAAAAAAAAhs/ADmRicFul4s/s1600/3d-modeling-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy8o_2wqPHw/VUcPRhsJhHI/AAAAAAAAAhs/ADmRicFul4s/s200/3d-modeling-4.jpg" width="200" /></a>The RNLI's Lifeboat Support Centre is the national hub for all engineering and service warehousing, operating a 24 hour a day service to ensure the downtime of any lifeboat malfunctions kept at a minimum. The electrical standing load of the premises is pretty much the same as any larger office premises. Due to this, the payback period of this new PV system will be within 6 years, with another 14 years of lower power bills and FiT payments coming in. It's a brilliant long term investment for the RNLI to support their lifesaving operations.Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-54366958736530618162014-11-20T08:12:00.003-08:002014-11-21T06:18:31.220-08:00Biomass RHI degressionI've just had a notice from the MCS people alerting that the RHI may be subject to degression in January 2015.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3MyUxOmV7E/VG7_bQmwFUI/AAAAAAAAAgk/9m-l6JBFYNs/s1600/biomasspic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3MyUxOmV7E/VG7_bQmwFUI/AAAAAAAAAgk/9m-l6JBFYNs/s1600/biomasspic1.jpg" height="166" width="200" /></a>Though a degression was anticipated, this early timing was not and will be a shame, as the RHI only goes some of the way to pay for a decent Biomass system at the moment and only if using cheaper low end biomass boilers such as MCZ or Red.<br />
<br />
As most interested parties have now found, the RHI is not anywhere near the incentive that was promised. Once the cost of a Green Deal Assessment and loss of earnings in taking time off work for contractors is taken into account, the payout will not get anywhere near paying for a boiler change in 7 years.<br />
<br />
The RHI promise will only work out if oil prices rapidly rise, over the last year though oil prices have fallen around 20%.. Though strangely (and predictably) this lower cost has not been passed onto the consumer… So that RHI plus oil price financial model is not working out, thus slowly killing off any domestic biomass installation and supply companies.<br />
<br />
Transcript of the MCS notice today:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear MCS Biomass Installer,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We would like to make you aware of the latest
announcement from DECC concerning a potential degression in the
biomass Domestic RHI tariff, which, if triggered, would come into effect
on 1st January 2015.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The statement from DECC in the most recent review said, “<i>For
biomass, forecast expenditure increased by £1.0m in September, and as
at 30 September 2014 is £4.0m. This is £0.2m below its 31 October 2014
degression trigger of £4.2m. If
this trigger is surpassed, then a 10 per cent reduction to the domestic
biomass tariff will be announced in next month’s quarterly forecast (to
be published by 1 December 2014), to come into effect on 1 January
2015.</i>” Please go to
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/domestic-rhi-mechanism-for-budget-management-estimated-commitments#history"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/domestic-rhi-mechanism-for-budget-management-estimated-commitments#history</span></a></span><span style="color: red;">
</span>for the full degression report.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>This potential degression would only apply to applications submitted from 1st January 2015 by new applicants.
</b>Those already receiving payments will not be affected, neither will
legacy applicants (those who installed before 9 April 2014). We would
remind those with consumers in the legacy group, that they have until 8
April 2015 in which to apply to Ofgem; after
which the window for legacy applicants will close.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MCS would like to remind all installers:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 7pt;">
</span>To register all certificates within <b>10 working days of the commissioning date</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">That MCS certificates <b>must only be issued once the system is fully commissioned</b>. Installers should not be tempted to issue them in advance to help a client ‘beat’ degression.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 7pt;">
</span>The timescales around processing Extended Access requests <b>will not change</b>. All these requests should be received well in advance of the degression date.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><b><u>That the applicable domestic RHI tariff rate will be based
on the date that an eligible and complete application is submitted to
Ofgem, not the commissioning date of the MCS installation certificate</u></b>.
A complete application submitted to
Ofgem must include valid MCS , EPC and GDAR certificates and applicant
bank details. Please ensure your customer is aware of this and that you
have provided all paperwork to them in advance of the deadline.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 7pt;">
</span>To please advise consumers to speak with the <b>Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234</b> (pre application enquiries) or the
<b>domestic RHI line at Ofgem on 0300 003 0744</b> (post application
enquiries) to discuss any concerns or queries they may have about RHI
payments. MCS cannot answer these questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 7pt;">
</span>That MCS will likely see an increase in enquiries during this
period so please be aware that you may experience longer queuing times
on the phones. If your enquiry is not urgent, we would strongly
recommend emailing the helpdesk (<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="mailto:mcs@gemserv.com"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">mcs@gemserv.com</span></a></span>)
for a response and we will process enquiries as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3MyUxOmV7E/VG7_bQmwFUI/AAAAAAAAAgk/9m-l6JBFYNs/s1600/biomasspic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3MyUxOmV7E/VG7_bQmwFUI/AAAAAAAAAgk/9m-l6JBFYNs/s1600/biomasspic1.jpg" height="166" width="200" /></a></span></div>
Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-13344515598551778062014-08-16T14:43:00.001-07:002014-08-17T01:34:56.397-07:00Solic 200 Immersion Heater divert unit<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">In the quest to test as many of the
current Immersion Heater controllers that let you use all your excess PV
generated power, I got hold of a Solic 200 Immersion controller to try out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6Tf1DW83kI/U-_QI70WbeI/AAAAAAAAAf4/gZGxW30pQr0/s1600/solic2small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6Tf1DW83kI/U-_QI70WbeI/AAAAAAAAAf4/gZGxW30pQr0/s1600/solic2small.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My first impression was that unlike
most of the other Immersion Controllers that are on the market, this little
unit was really basic, a box with 3 lights! No digital display or other high
technology to be seen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Opening the unit</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, I found a circuit board
with a decent set of connection terminals, and plenty of space for manoeuvring
cables. One end of the housing is used for cable entry through pre made 20mm
holes, plenty big enough for up to 6mm cable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Though the unit is supplied with
blind grommets to pop into the cable access holes, you could also use 20mm
compression glands, which fit nicely and would hold the cables in place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On my test installation, the house
has a 2kWp solar PV and a 150ltr hot water cylinder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As with many other Immersion
controllers, the Solic 200 needs to be installed by the main consumer unit (fuse
box), and have access to the main incoming ‘tails’ from the electricity meter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As you will see from the inside view
photo, the instructions are really not needed for the wiring, as all is printed
inside, so wiring was simplicity itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I needed to remove the Immersion
heater feed cable from inside the consumer unit MCB, and extend with another
piece of 2.5mm T&E cable to reach the Solic200 location. Another length of
2.5mm T&E cable was cut to connect the Solic200 incoming power back onto
the MCB inside the consumer unit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ensure all Earth connections are insulated and connected inside the
Consumer unit and Solic200.!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That was it for wiring!.. Though
this installation was a test and cable dressing was not at the top of the list,
I had the installation completed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in
15 minutes. So easy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Before switch on</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, the current clamp needs to
be installed. The Solic200 current clamp cable is about a metre long and the
clamp needs to be clipped around the live incoming cable. If there is enough
space, you can do this inside the consumer unit, but outside is easier if you
can get to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Switch on </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.. Checking the instructions
first, I was pleased to find that I just needed to make sure the hot water tank
needed heating up, thus the immersion would be heating, and switch the PV
system off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Switching on, the unit goes through
a self check and makes sure you have the current clip the right way. Once a
green and red LED are lit, I switched the PV system back on. After 3 minutes
the third LED lit up green to show power is being fed into the Immersion
heater.. That’s it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR9jpsLoDUQ/U-_QNn7i3vI/AAAAAAAAAgA/DBSB0-kigwE/s1600/solic1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR9jpsLoDUQ/U-_QNn7i3vI/AAAAAAAAAgA/DBSB0-kigwE/s1600/solic1small.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I found the unit really easy to
install. Though there are no little extras that other units such as the
Immersun2 will have, the Solic200 has been designed by a seasoned MOD
electronics designer to quick and easy to operate. Once in place, it will be
soldier proof!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The only user interface control that
will get used is a handy 30minute immersion heater Boost button.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Conclusion ..</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The test Solic200 has been
running for over a month now during the summer 2014, and has provided a tank of
hot water every day from a 2kWp PV system. There is no indication of just how
much power is being sent to the immersion heater, nor any display besides the
green or red lights, but this is reflected in the cost of around £225 for the
DIY install. An installer should not charge more than £100 to carry out an
installation, as its so easy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For people who simply want a ‘fit
and forget’ device, the Solic200 does this very well, being inexpensive in
comparison to other types. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The only thing I found annoying
during the installation were the tiny lid fixing screws which are inserted at
the ends and easily lost. Other than this, I can see the whole unit has been
thought through for minimum hassle installation and low cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">More info<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I missed out information on the alternative operating mode, as I feel
this would not get used so much, but you can find all the information on the
unit, with stockists at <a href="http://www.earthwiseproducts.co.uk/">www.earthwiseproducts.co.uk</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-56625670064612860632014-01-08T16:39:00.000-08:002014-01-08T16:39:46.372-08:00Immersun 2 in useAfter the last post before Christmas, giving you an overview of the new Immersun 2 unit and comparing to the older, smaller and less expensive Immersun version 1, we thought it a far better idea to simply do a quick video of an Immersun 2 features in use.. So much more succinct than hundreds of words!.<br />
As our guy Richard at the office was the first to get one installed at his house, despite the murky winter weather which will not provide a massive PV output, he has put together this video to run you through the main features<br />
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<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-20131158671818147592013-12-09T16:32:00.000-08:002013-12-09T16:32:09.218-08:00A first look at the Immersun 2. After the massive success of their original Immersun unit, 4Eco have finally released the Immersun version 2 after extensive delays due to component shortages.<br />
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Many Solar PV owners will be familiar with either the Immersun or the concept of diverting excess power from your PV to heat water rather than simply export onto the grid. This new version has changed in so many ways.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-oLA4vHTBk/UqZahPHRcnI/AAAAAAAAAek/qnG71ls79es/s1600/immersunweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-oLA4vHTBk/UqZahPHRcnI/AAAAAAAAAek/qnG71ls79es/s320/immersunweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
From the picture on the left, you can see the comparison between the original smaller Immersun, and the brand new Immersun 2, being around twice the size!<br />
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Once peeking inside the units, (below), the comparison is quite easy to see the beefier power components which indicate early on to us that the whole power control concept has changed.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBzY9fPQjts/UqZdziHXbiI/AAAAAAAAAe0/dGi1zHJpbh0/s1600/immersuninside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBzY9fPQjts/UqZdziHXbiI/AAAAAAAAAe0/dGi1zHJpbh0/s320/immersuninside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Originally, the Immersun dumped your excess power into an immersion heater by sending small bursts of 230v in proportion to the amount of excess power available. The system worked, and still does, but <span style="text-align: center;">proved to be a compromise which could cause power fluctuations on weak grid connections. The design was built to bring a good working product into the marketplace which already had a few basic power diversion units, though it did this very well, the guys at 4Eco soon started work on the version 2 and it's now </span><a href="http://www.rudgerenewables.co.uk/intelligent-power-management/the-immersun" target="_blank">available to buy</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hT8_XQi2oGg/UqZg2rNaAZI/AAAAAAAAAe8/zrPAp6W6AR8/s1600/immersunlores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hT8_XQi2oGg/UqZg2rNaAZI/AAAAAAAAAe8/zrPAp6W6AR8/s400/immersunlores.jpg" width="400" /></a>The new unit clearly makes no apologies for changing technology from the lower cost 'power burst' to gradual and smooth transition of power over to the immersion heater. It looks robust and made for the job. As an added bonus, the Display and control software has been extensively upgraded to provide a far clearer operation, showing you what is excess power is being sent to your immersion heater and more.<br />
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On this initial comparison after opening the box, I can see quite why the new unit attracts a higher purchase cost. I understand that for people who want a basic unit at a basic cost, the original Immersun will be available for a time to come, but for those of you looking for some 'at a glance' readability of all those functions, this will be the one to go for.<br />
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Next week.. full review of installation and functionality.<br />
<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-24490914811880416182013-10-01T17:16:00.001-07:002013-10-01T17:16:50.690-07:00Installing a Solar PV Self Use battery system... Shall I??<br />
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We have had a few queries about the possibility of installing a 'self use' battery backup system as an add on for solar PV. The text below is a recent blog entry I put together for YouGen, and I've brought it across here to share too.</div>
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<b>Self Use systems</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To understand why you might want to install a self use system, it is first useful to remind ourselves of the principles of the <a href="http://www.yougen.co.uk/feed-in-tariff/" rel="external" style="color: purple; outline: none;" target="_blank">feed-in tariff</a> scheme.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Feed-in tariff benefits are based on three tiers:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rq6t9YwBw5w/Uktk6jQRwEI/AAAAAAAAAY8/ih7qahvpqmY/s1600/nedap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rq6t9YwBw5w/Uktk6jQRwEI/AAAAAAAAAY8/ih7qahvpqmY/s200/nedap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">1) Basic FiT payments which get paid for every unit of power generated, whether you use it or not.<br />2) Export payments which are are currently paid on a 'deemed' basis. Under this tier, 50% of generated power is assumed to have been exported and payouts are made on that principle.<br />3) Using as much PV generated power within your house without affecting your FiT payments.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Until recently, homeowners have generally seen it as a no-brainer to go for tier three and try to use as much generated power as they could for themselves. For many people, this meant investing in devices such as the ImmerSun and SolariBoost which use the excess electricity to heat water in your cylinder.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">However, there is another option which only the well-heeled have been able exploit until recently: storing the excess generated power to be used after the sun has gone down.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Though there have been a number of custom built devices based on existing off grid equipment and specialist contactors, the technology to achieve this goal has only become more widely available in the last couple of years.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white;">How does it work?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">For the vast majority of self use systems, the installer will need to split off your high power circuits from your consumer unit and have them operating on grid only. Ideally if the self-use unit runs your lights, central heating boiler and some low current circuits, this will make the best use of your stored power. Simply connecting the incoming power to the consumer unit will potentially rapidly drain the batteries within minutes of sundown as soon as you put the kettle on or have an electric shower. The batteries will need replacing very soon at that rate.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNQcW1L3KRY/UktlQqrQLTI/AAAAAAAAAZE/_TSYjRqCQeg/s1600/Quattro+12-5000+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNQcW1L3KRY/UktlQqrQLTI/AAAAAAAAAZE/_TSYjRqCQeg/s200/Quattro+12-5000+header.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong style="background-color: white;">How much space do they take up?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">There are an ever increasing array of self-use systems coming onto the market. Some are good, a few look very doubtful! They will need to have a control box with pure sine inverter and a set of rechargable batteries. This all takes up space. The batteries are heavy and ideally need to be accessible and in a vented location if based on lead acid technology to ensure hydrogen build up cannot occur.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Most of the systems we have installed are in the customer's garage, which is an ideal location. Battery sizing is important as the larger the battery, the more you can store. In addition larger batteries generally have a longer life. Some low-cost self-use units have cheap, low-capacity batteries which will not do the job they promise. </span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white;">Which system should I choose?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">One of the first units to hit the shelves in the UK was the <a href="http://powerrouter.com/" rel="external" style="color: purple; outline: none;" target="_blank">Nedap Power Router</a>. Made by an established Dutch electronics company, this diversion from their usual automation trade proved successful in Europe a few years back, and is growing in popularity in the UK, especially since their unit costs have come down. The identifiable green housing is a one-box solution, with solar PV inverter, battery charging and monitoring and control circuitry all in one neat housing. On top of this, they have a built in optional internet interface which allows you to be interactive with what your power is doing. Quite apart from the fact that this is a great one for gadget geeks, it was, for some time, the only system available for installers such as ourselves to offer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To install one of these as a retrofit onto an existing PV system you will have to replace your existing inverter with the power router. Set up is quite straightforward, and it should include web monitoring, to help you get the best out of the system.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The big let down of this unit's design is that your total generation meter, on which that all-important feed-in tariff payment is based, has to be installed on the output, after the power has been stored in the batteries. However, since powr is lost in the charge, storage and power conversion process, you will potentially lose up to 20 per cent of FiT generation payments per year. Not so good if you are relying on these payments to cover an investment. Otherwise, the Power Router can still be seen as a flagship for domestic self use.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The <a href="http://www.victronenergy.com/markets/self-consumption-and-home-energy-storage/" rel="external" style="color: purple; outline: none;" target="_blank">Victron Power Hub</a> is an alternative to the Power Router, and our current favourite. Although it does not have the comprehensive built-in internet interface that allows you to manage and view your usage, the cost is far less and it has real advantages on a retro-fit on an existing PV system.<br />1) You keep your existing PV inverter.<br />2) The total generation meter is fitted to record all the solar output ensuring you get paid for all the you've generated.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The Power Hub is simply retrofitted into existing PV systems. You just need space for the unit and a set of batteries. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Victron only released its official Power Hub early in the summer, and we are getting lots of interest in this lower cost device that offers the same storage options as the Power Router, but without the price tag. As with any battery system, the battery set included will affect both short term and long term performance of your system. Victron systems have a recommended battery set for inverter/ Power Hub size combinations.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Harking back to their off-grid and marine roots, the Power Hub also works well as a backup system, which will switch in within 20ms (milliseconds) during a power cut. This application, which ensures your battery system only runs essential services such as lights and the boiler, is ideal as it will keep your house alight for hours when everyone else is in darkness. If your house is in a remote rural location with a weak grid connection, this unit really is the one for you as it will provide energy security with the self use option as well.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">There are also a few other emerging self use devices coming onto the market. I've not actually seen any yet, but having heard from customers who tell us that their device's batteries are low capacity or, in one case, the subject of misleading national newspaper advertising, it becomes apparent that it really is crucial to do your research before </span></div>
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committing. We were approached recently to see if we wanted to attend product training on one device, but after some probing we found the training was simply how to sell it rather than technical specifying. Already it seems that the rogue traders whom we thought had gone from renewables have come back with a new angle.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you are interested in getting a self-use system installed, and indeed there are a few good reasons why you should, make sure you make contact with an established local installer. Just as with any other product, going with the first cold call offer or with a company who approaches you while you're out shopping will never get you the best system, or indeed the best price. Make sure you get a few quotes before committing.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Currently, due to battery costs, the installations are not cheap and the financial payback will be long. However, we do have one customer who pays £15 a month for electricity, which gives him a cosy feeling of energy security as power prices continue to rise.</span></div>
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Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-92112691095968380532013-07-12T14:37:00.003-07:002013-07-15T04:16:10.487-07:00The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive has finally arrived!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtOu4E-67aY/UePZzzR4GGI/AAAAAAAAAYg/KlA93qjssx8/s1600/compact+mcz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtOu4E-67aY/UePZzzR4GGI/AAAAAAAAAYg/KlA93qjssx8/s320/compact+mcz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Today (Friday July 12th 2013), the Dept for Energy & Climate Change has released firm figures for the Domestic RHI, which scheduled to start in March 2014.<br />
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This is a major step as an incentive to change over to Renewable Heat from fossil fuels, especially Oil and LPG which are traditionally the only fuels available to the rural community, costing twice as much as mains gas.<br />
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Technologies and tariff levels included in the announcement are:<br />
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Biomass: 12.2p per kWh<br />
Air Source Heat Pumps: 7.3p per kWh<br />
Ground Source Heat Pumps: 18.8p per kWh<br />
Solar Thermal: 19.2p per kWh<br />
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Payments will be made quarterly over a period of seven years. The rates are based on a 20 year generation of the installed equipment, which is why the kWh rates are much higher than expected.. You'll get 20 years worth of payments crammed into a 7 year period.<br />
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Obviously this incentive is designed to get people converting over to Renewables if their property is suitable.<br />
The rates are really good, and taking Biomass as one example, a standard 4 bedroom house with a 14kW pellet boiler could typically use around 9130 units annually, which will earn £1113.86 every year and £7800 over the whole 7 year period!<br />
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Bearing in mind that typically converting an oil based heating system over to Biomass (14kW) can be around £4000, combined with the far lower fuel costs, being Green is a marvellous way to heat your home.<br />
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Obviously, the same story applies to other technologies listed.<br />
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Currently available, to help you in the change over, is a Renewable Heat Pre Payment. This voucher scheme goes hand in hand with the RHI, and releases a sum of money from the RHI to be earned.<br />
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For more details on the announcement Click <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-heat-is-on-for-householders" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-35409038210875042112013-03-29T10:47:00.000-07:002013-03-29T10:47:02.426-07:00Its Official!.. We're now a Green Deal Installer<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4q48TJy6VM4/UVXTgn0Ss1I/AAAAAAAAAXk/0OVAPvqfiig/s1600/green+deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4q48TJy6VM4/UVXTgn0Ss1I/AAAAAAAAAXk/0OVAPvqfiig/s1600/green+deal.jpg" /></a>We are now an official Green Deal Installer. This means our survey, quotation, installation and certification systems have been upgraded to comply with requirements for the Governments new Green Deal incentive.<br />
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The Green Deal has been designed to enable people to have the cost of insulation, renewable energy and other energy saving products installed on their homes with long term finance attached to the electricity bill in affordable payments.<br />
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With the power prices soon to start ramping up, this scheme has been launched to enable people to bring their energy bills down as much as possible. Energy costs that are just about affordable now could soon be too high to be easily affordable.<br />
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For more information on the Green Deal and how to get a free assessment and Green Deal Providers, go to <br />
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures/?&gclid=CPizoK66orYCFfLLtAodMxwABw" target="_blank">www.gov.uk</a>Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-18332061963891500562013-03-26T10:43:00.001-07:002013-03-26T10:44:57.684-07:00Another Big Step Closer to the RHI for domestic premisesToday, the Gov.uk website released a statement from Greg Barker and Ed Davey, which amongst some very interesting items, the following quotes appeared:<br />
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<i>"RHPP extension: The Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme is
being extended until the end of March 2014, ahead of the launch of the
RHI for householders. This scheme, first launched in July 2011, offers
money off the cost of renewable heating kit such as biomass boilers,
solar thermal panels and heat pumps and is largely targeted at those
living off the gas grid. The scheme was due to close at the end of
March this year" </i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHyxjr4I4j8/UVHdt6GeX6I/AAAAAAAAAXU/KymLqs15RMo/s1600/PELLETS-BIOMASSA-VENTILTECNOFUL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHyxjr4I4j8/UVHdt6GeX6I/AAAAAAAAAXU/KymLqs15RMo/s200/PELLETS-BIOMASSA-VENTILTECNOFUL.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: red;">This is good news, as the next quote definately says the Domestic RHI is starting in March 2014, with the rates being announced this Summer....</span><br />
<i><span style="color: orange;"> </span></i><br />
<i>"RHI for householders: Following on from the consultation on scheme
design in September last year, the Government will confirm how a RHI for
householders will work and publish the tariff levels in Summer 2013.
It is expected that the scheme will be up and running for householders
in Spring 2014. Research on householder views on renewable heat has
also been published today, which will help inform the design of the RHI
scheme."</i><br />
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More updates on this as the next few days go by. But the good news is that although the rate announcement has been moved on a bit in time, it has been confirmed to actually be happening.<br />
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For the full document, see: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-sets-out-plans-to-cut-emissions-from-heat" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-sets-out-plans-to-cut-emissions-from-heat </a><br />
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<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-17091897406165594662013-03-09T08:13:00.002-08:002013-03-09T08:17:12.768-08:00Duty to be imposed on Chinese Solar PV modules in June 2013Announced this week by the EU are measures for combatting alleged 'dumping' by Chinese Solar PV manufacturers of products at cost or below price to force European manufacturers into decline.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjr_vW-SdfA/UTtaJgF9rHI/AAAAAAAAAW8/4DfaROpVXhk/s1600/Hot+sun+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjr_vW-SdfA/UTtaJgF9rHI/AAAAAAAAAW8/4DfaROpVXhk/s320/Hot+sun+close.jpg" width="320" /></a>Certainly, as an installer, this false module pricing has enabled us to offer a 4kWp system for around £5k, using these good quality modules, which we urge people to take advantage of soon.<br />
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It is proposed a Duty of 10% or more will be levied on all Chinese Solar PV modules being imported into Europe, and this Duty may well be backdated to 6th March when enforced, which will cause financial hardship to importers later this year. Examples of probable Chinese manufacturers hit by this Duty will be Suntech, <a href="http://www.canadiansolar.com/" target="_blank">Canadian Solar</a>, <a href="http://www.yinglisolar.com/en/" target="_blank">Yingl</a>i, Trina and many more.<br />
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In the USA, a similar Duty has been imposed for some time, which has reduced use of Chinese PV modules by as much as 80%.<br />
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We find that good quality European based modules, which we currently use for our high end premium systems for maximum annual power generation, cost not much more per watt, but adds up to being substantially higher installed cost. Though the long term power generation will is a far better benefit, which can be seen on the latest Photon independant test, which shows Euro manufacturers having a better annual generation, we are finding people are currently going for the lowest cost.<br />
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Resource: <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/05/eu-trade-china-idUSL6N0BXHIH20130305" target="_blank">Reuters </a><br />
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<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-36311463654015591952013-03-08T10:15:00.003-08:002013-03-08T10:29:35.860-08:00Suntech presentation filmed at Ecobuild<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMknfcFcvbE/UToqJHniNjI/AAAAAAAAAWs/xGSBgIJJ1Ts/s1600/ecobuild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMknfcFcvbE/UToqJHniNjI/AAAAAAAAAWs/xGSBgIJJ1Ts/s400/ecobuild.jpg" width="400" /></a>Another few days at this years National Ecobuild trade show at the Excel, Docklands, London has proved again to give us some inspiration for new directions in Renewables.<br />
Although the trade stand attendance was down by some 30%, the quality of the attendees was quite impressive, with many new products and innovations on display.<br />
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As well as all this I was presented with an iPad from Suntech in recognition of the amount of modules we have been ordering and installing during the normally quiet month of January. This was quite an achievement for us and I must compliment our guys for being out in all weathers to achieve the rapid installation turnaround for our customers, who are already reaping the benefits of saved power and FiT generation.<br />
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The presentation was filmed by Suntech Europe and anticipate it will pop up on the internet some time in the future.<br />
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We are working on some exciting new projects for the new Solar PV year, and exploring new avenues for Renewable heating in preperation for the Domestic RHI. More news on that as it occurs. Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-40548101476560283662013-03-02T07:43:00.002-08:002013-03-03T07:14:10.459-08:00Solar Feed in Tariff rate confirmed into the SummerThis weeks OFGEM update of Feed in Tariff rates seems to be splitting the two basic industry PV installer disciplines wider apart.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-onRSG8n1Hhg/UTIcf2GHRjI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/9Xx9nFjE1yo/s1600/20130302143803044_0001.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-onRSG8n1Hhg/UTIcf2GHRjI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/9Xx9nFjE1yo/s400/20130302143803044_0001.tif" width="282" /></a>While on one hand Domestic, Industrial and Agricultural aspect have remained unchanged and look like we will have a Summer ofcontinued fixed rate of FiT which allows us to talk to the customer with some confidence of rates they will be paid while they organise planning or finance. Huge stand alone field systems that have been proliferating across the country however will be hit.<br />
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At the end of March 2013, any system being installed under the ROC's scheme will see the rate cut from 2 ROC's per 1MW of generation to 1.5 ROC's.. To keep this trend going, dissuading investment companies making too much money from these large scale PV programs, after May 2013 any stand alone system under FiT over 100kWp will drop from 7.1p a unit to 6.85p.<br />
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The industry see this as a clear indication by the Government to put off investment in large scale stand alone PV systems, as in many quarters they are simply seen as being installed for cash generation rather than any thought of power offsetting, which will be the case on most building mounted systems. Also as many large scale stand alone systems are funded by offshore
companies, the continued flow of UK funded cash out the country, there is probably a stand against this continuing.
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Large schemes either building mounted or free standing that will connect into either a large domestic or commercial supply and will assist with lowering their carbon footprint are still being encouraged, as the Governments stance is still to keep PV to assist with exisitng supplies.<br />
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<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-67775000112505065222013-02-21T02:41:00.002-08:002013-02-22T01:15:13.922-08:00OFGEM confirm big energy price increases over next couple of years<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWgkJsojOAk/USX4anYX9bI/AAAAAAAAAVI/0qNmuuV_ong/s1600/power1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWgkJsojOAk/USX4anYX9bI/AAAAAAAAAVI/0qNmuuV_ong/s320/power1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Extensively publicised yesterday (20th Feb), the outgoing OFGEM chief Alistair Buchanan has warned that the UK's existing fleet of power stations are right at the start of a process for decommissioning dirty coal powered power stations.<br />
<b>Gas</b> <br />
The two viable alternatives Gas and Nuclear, (renewables have been conveniently ignored), have their own set of problems. Gas is no longer the plentiful and cheap fuel of a few years ago, and the UK is now forced to keep negotiating to purchase Gas from other nations who still have a supply available for sale. The purchase cost of Gas will rise extremely rapidly over the next few years, meaning a knock on effect that electricity costs are going to rise rapidly.<br />
<b>Nuclear</b> <br />
Government Nuclear subsidies got pulled in 2010, but these are set to be put back in place again, as the original Nuclear operating companies, such as EDF, shelved plans for projects such as Hinckley Point after these subsidies were withdrawn. The Government have now taken a U turn and have re-instated those Nuclear subsidies in an attempt to get 'low carbon' generation kickstarted. Obviously building a Nuclear power station takes some 5 years or more, so that option is some time off.<br />
<b>Do it yourself!</b> <br />
As we will have noticed, Government tax breaks, subsidies and concessions have been continuing for Oil and Gas generation, though have been dramatically cut for Renewable technologies, however on a small scale you are possibly able to help yourself against these huge rises.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ysSsuU9-mjA/USX5Dr7c6UI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/U8cdINht_s4/s1600/loft+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ysSsuU9-mjA/USX5Dr7c6UI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/U8cdINht_s4/s200/loft+.jpg" width="200" /></a>Essential will be insulating your house and business as much as possible. The easy one is more loft insulation, still being sold very inexpensively at DIY outlets. Even if you have loft insulation, putting more on top will make the house less likely to lose heat through the roof.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-My8hW6KUE2Q/USX5sVyA7oI/AAAAAAAAAVY/7OgBEodGUck/s1600/Dane+Solar+and+Elec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-My8hW6KUE2Q/USX5sVyA7oI/AAAAAAAAAVY/7OgBEodGUck/s200/Dane+Solar+and+Elec.jpg" width="200" /></a>Solar PV systems have suddenly turned around almost overnight from being investors 'money making machines' to the saviour to avoid huge power bills. Currently, the Feed in Tariff is still going strong and with a domestic 4kWp PV system costing an all time low of around £5000,<a href="http://www.rudgerenewables.co.uk/" target="_blank"> from Rudge Renewables</a> if you have the space available, its a no brainer to use a Solar PV system in conjunction with energy saving measures to reduce your power bills right down to a fraction of what you are paying now.<br />
The emerging Green Deal could help immensly to finance all sorts of energy saving solutions on the home if money is tight. However, with massive 7.5% interest and admin rates, if you can afford to pay for it yourself or obtain conventional lower interest finance, you will be able to be more flexible without having to endure Government backed assessors surveying your home. Either way, carrying out energy saving measures will save you a big chunk of money in the couple of years to come.<br />
<b>Resources</b><br />
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/energy-in-the-uk-the-coming-crunch-8501731.html?origin=internalSearch" target="_blank">Independant Newspaper OFGEM report</a><br />
<a href="http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/bills-to-rise-as-ofgem-chief-warns-of-energy-squeeze.20243551" target="_blank">Scottish Herald</a> report<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21501878" target="_blank">BBC News report</a><br />
<a href="http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">Energy Savings Trust for energy savings guidance</a><br />
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<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-2244524735098908612013-01-21T09:55:00.000-08:002013-01-21T09:55:12.091-08:00Richard is the Wilo competition winner!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI7CITdjxvk/UP2AuUWI2lI/AAAAAAAAASg/GpDjRC0ierE/s1600/DSC00082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI7CITdjxvk/UP2AuUWI2lI/AAAAAAAAASg/GpDjRC0ierE/s400/DSC00082.jpg" width="400" /></a>Wilo, the famous German pump manufacturer in conjunction with giving away their promotional backpacks were last year running a competition to get a backpack photographed in the best location.<br />
Our marketing guy, Richard Fuell took his backpack all the way to China for a holiday. His winning shot of the Wilo backpack on the Great Wall of China inspired the judges to offer him the main prize of a mountain bike.<br />
As you can see, he's extremely excited about the win, and now plans to make use of the extensive cycle paths from our new offices into Exeter and avoid the traffic.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1q_GnW1Oz4o/UP1_OQxBAsI/AAAAAAAAASQ/ywjbmzY1zU8/s1600/A_nUxORCMAE4vtT.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1q_GnW1Oz4o/UP1_OQxBAsI/AAAAAAAAASQ/ywjbmzY1zU8/s320/A_nUxORCMAE4vtT.jpg-large.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Thanks to Wilo for coming all the way down to hand over the prize bike to Richard. We promise to use more of your bore hole pumps for Off Grid projects this year!<br />
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<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-20368921175951407302013-01-16T10:10:00.002-08:002013-01-16T10:10:33.116-08:00We've moved .. well sort of!At the end of December, we moved our main office premises to a super new location of The Old School, Clyst Honiton, EX5 2LZ.<br />
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This prestigious location and historic building is right in the middle of the new development action in Exeter, being a few minutes walk from the airport, 2 minutes from the M5, 30 seconds from the A30, not to mention the close proximity of the new Science Park, Sky Park and Cranbrook developments only minutes away.<br />
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While we are still settling in, there are still boxes to unpack, we are now fully running with better phone and network systems.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bEWpB5z6g1c/UPbsakpU50I/AAAAAAAAAR8/2uJUSmlXfx4/s1600/oldschool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bEWpB5z6g1c/UPbsakpU50I/AAAAAAAAAR8/2uJUSmlXfx4/s320/oldschool.JPG" width="320" /></a>More updates in the coming weeks. In the meantime we are going full steam ahead with installing Biomass and Solar Thermal systems for the Totnes Transition Town energy project, providing people in fuel poverty less expensive heating.<br />
<br />Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215163318312449873.post-47868350650415985072012-08-17T04:25:00.003-07:002012-08-17T04:25:38.529-07:00Seaton Hospital press release
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><b><i>Part of the recent press release from N Devon NHS.... </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">SEATON
Community Hospital has taken a major step towards curbing its environmental
impact – thanks to the League of Friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">The
hospital now has solar PV panels on its roof after the charity agreed to fund
the full installation costs. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WQNe7B4LDo/UC4qBX2_2SI/AAAAAAAAAQw/4WTG-3z3DuY/s1600/IMGP1366a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WQNe7B4LDo/UC4qBX2_2SI/AAAAAAAAAQw/4WTG-3z3DuY/s400/IMGP1366a.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">It is
the first energy scheme ever financed by a League of Friends of any of the 18
hospitals managed by the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">The
array will significantly reduce the site’s electrical consumption and carbon
footprint, while any incentive payments from the government will be split 50-50
between the Trust and the League.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">Bob
Lowe, deputy estates manager, has led the project for the Trust.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">He
said: “This is an innovative investment that has been totally instigated and
driven by the League of Friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">“This
is the first time in all my years of involvement with support charities that
such an offer has been made to the Trust.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">“To
invest in an area that benefits the hospital not only in reduced costs but the
environmental impact of the site on the local community is extremely
forward-thinking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">“They
have seen the bigger picture and everyone is a winner as the installation is
expected to generate between 50 and 200kW of energy daily, all of which will be
used on the hospital site.”</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">Local
company Rudge Renewables completed the installation by the end of July, ahead
of a deadline that ensured the best tariff from the government.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">The
hospital’s clear southern aspect in Scalwell Lane made it a prime candidate for
a solar PV array, and the 80 individual panels will produce 20kW of electrical
energy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">It is
anticipated that 17,700 kWh (units) of electrical power will be generated each
year, while the site’s energy footprint will be cut by 2.5 tonnes of carbon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">There
will also be financial benefits, with a projected £1,770 coming off the annual
energy bill and repayments of £2,600 each year through the government feed-in
tariff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">Mr
Lowe said the cost of the scheme was expected to be recouped in seven to 10
years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">He
said: “With little or no maintenance, the installation will just enhance the
site’s goal of providing local healthcare services in an
environmentally-friendly manner.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">Dr
Joe Pitt, chairman of the League of Friends, said: “When we came up with the
idea of funding solar power for the hospital we were delighted with the very
positive response from the Trust.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">“As a
League we always want to help improve patient services at Seaton hospital and
this sort of scheme should release funds currently spent on energy bills to instead
go to direct patient care.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">“We
are also aware of our wider responsibility to help reduce the carbon footprint
of the hospital.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">“We
feel it is a model of how the voluntary sector can help the NHS to deliver on
those aims, and we hope this model can be copied elsewhere.”</span></div>
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Chris Rudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399410198628934565noreply@blogger.com0