February 22, 2012
‘Energy Performance Certificates’ required to qualify for full feed-in tariff for solar pv
It has been announced that as of April 1, 2012 all new solar PV systems wishing to receive the full feed-in tariff rate available will have to be accompanied with a valid EPC level D. Following mounting confusion, DECC has confirmed that a solar installation will contribute to bringing the property up to EPC level D.
Read more on this story at the solar power portal
February 16, 2012
Brewsters go green!
Brewster’s head office boosts green credentials with installation of solar array
The scaffolding is up at ‘Brewster Towers’ this week and we are having our very own 3.67kw solar array fitted by local company ‘Natural Energy Sources’ in time for the March deadline.
Yes, we carried out our own full structural appraisal and luckily no additional strengthening works were necessary.
Stephen, who has been leading the solar project, says ‘hopefully we will be creating our own energy by Friday this week, we just need some sunshine now!’
Adrian Adam, Sales and Marketing Director for Natural Energy Sources commented “We were approached by Brewsters to install a solar PV system on their business to help reduce electricity usage from the national grid and to show a commitment to renewable energy. After assessing the property, analysing available options with the aid of state-of-the-art design software, and liaising with the team at Brewsters, we designed and installed a 3.67 kW system using 15 Hyundai monocrystalline modules and a top of the range Power One inverter. This system would maximise the yield with the available roof space and significantly help to reduce the carbon footprint of the company.
The solar project forms part of an ongoing scheme to increase our green credentials and reduce our carbon footprint. Our recent office refurbishment has included the installation of other energy saving features such as an automatic light control system which will activate only when an area is occupied and also measure the ambient light levels within the offices with lights coming on only when necessary, it’s hoped that we will save at least 70% of our lighting costs by using this system.
If you are thinking of ‘going green’ and are interested in solar pv panels but want to check if your roof is strong enough to take the increased load, check out our services for solar pv, with prices starting from £75 + VAT why take the risk?
February 10, 2012
DECC announce new cost control mechanism
On February 9, DECC launched a consultation on its decision to move the FiT scheme towards a tariff structure that is able to respond directly to levels of deployment, replicating a successful model that has been deployed in Germany.
DECC proposes that the starting tariff levels for July 1, should be set dependent on the levels of actual deployment of solar in March and April. As a result DECC has modelled for three different scenarios depending on the level of capacity installed in March and April.
DECC’s proposed July 1 tariff rates are outlined below:
| Band (kW) | 1 April tariff | Option A | Option B | Option C |
| ≤4kW | 21p | 13.6p | 15.7p | 16.5p |
| >4kW-10kW | 16.8p | 10.9p | 12.6p | 13.2p |
| >10-50kW | 15.2p | 9.9p | 11.4p | 11.9p |
| >50-150kW | 12.9p | 7.7p | 9.7p | 10.1p |
| >150-250kW | 12.9p | 5.8p | 8p | 10.1p |
| >250-5000kW | 8.9p | 4.7p | 6.8p | 7.1p |
| Stand alone |
8.9p | 4.7p | 6.8p | 7.1p |
The most conservative option released by DECC would see FiT rates slashed by over 20 percent in July, Option A would see March tariff levels slashed by 35 percent. A 68.6 percent drop in just 8 months. A further 5 percent reduction on the July level of tariff will be enacted in October, with 10 percent reductions being introduced every six months thereafter.
Read more on this story from the solar panel portal
source: solar panel portal
February 9, 2012
Demand for solar pv desktop appraisals is on the up!
This week the Brewster’s solar team have seen a huge increase in the demand for our ‘desktop appraisals for solar pv installations’. This is a clear indication that the solar industry is far from dead. The welcome revival is thanks to the appeal allowing the 43p tariff to remain in place until March. The rush is on again with consumers making sure their arrays go up in time! 
Call us now on 0800 027 5130 to get your ’sample pack’ today. Choosing Brewsters for your structural engineering advice couldn’t be easier and with prices starting from £75 + VAT we aim to keep the process as simple and straightforward as possible.
Remember, checking the structural integrity of the roof prior to installing panels provides peace of mind, ensures insurability and will safeguard the future saleability of the property.
February 3, 2012
How to choose a removal company
Moving the contents of your home to a new one is daunting and can be both physically and mentally exhausting, especially if you are on a tight deadline. Choosing the right removal company can make all the difference.
- Get several quotes well in advance of your completion date. The cheapest quote may not always be the best one, many larger removal companies offer a packing service too so that you can ensure everything will be taken care of.
- Get recommendations.
- Start the process in plenty of time, it can take a couple of weeks getting quotes and finding available dates – some companies are booked up weeks in advance.
- Plan ahead – provide the removal company with details of your new property’s access points and layout, ie how many flights of stairs, will furniture fit through the doors.
- Get insured – most removal companies provide dedicated moving insurance against loss or breakages whilst in transit, however, make sure this is the case before booking anyone. You should also contact your own contents insurer to find out if your policy will cover your contents whilst it’s being moved!
- Avoiding the cowboys! It’s a good idea to check that any companies you choose are members of either The British Association of Removers or The National Guild of Removers and Storers who are both committed to excellent standards and professionalism.
January 31, 2012
Buying a home is cheaper than renting
According to research done by Halifax, buying a home in the UK is over a £100 a month cheaper than renting. The typical monthly cost of buying a three bedroom house was £600 towards the end of 2011, making it £116 lower than the average monthly rent of £716 paid on the same property.
This will be welcome news for December’s mortgage seekers when mortgage approvals reached a 19-month high and grossed some £9bn.
Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said: “The affordability gains for buyers relative to renters in the last three years have been significant. The average mortgage payment has fallen dramatically over recent years as a result of falling house prices and mortgage rates. At the same time, rents have risen due to strong demand for rented accommodation.”
read more on this article by the Telegraph
source: the Telegraph
January 25, 2012
Government loses second case on solar tariff cut
The government has failed in an appeal against a decision which blocked its attempts to reduce solar subsidies.
read more on this article direct from the BBC
January 5, 2012
Solar panel installations – DECC announce figures for 2011
The Department for Energy and Climate Change have reported since the December 12th deadline the number of solar pv installations dropped by a staggering 98% based on figures for the week prior to the 12th.
The figures released by the DECC illustrate the boom following the Government’s announcement to cut the FiT rate on 31st October and how in just 6 weeks the UK more than doubled its capacity, with 43% of 2011’s capacity being put in place after the announcement.
The deadline has no doubt been devastating for a considerable amount of our clients but the requirement for our desktop appraisals since the deadline shows that installations are still going ahead, albeit at a much slower pace.
Our figures for November showed that out of all desktop appraisals undertaken for that month, 83% passed successfully with no strengthening works being required.
To find out how we can help you and provide the MCS installer’s clients’ with complete peace of mind, check out our services for solar pv installers here or call to speak to one of our advisors on 0800 027 5130.
December 16, 2011
Judge grants High Court hearing over FiT cuts
A judge has ordered an urgent hearing of a High Court challenge over Government plans to cut financial incentives afforded to solar photovoltaic technology…..
read the whole article from the Solar Panel Portal
December 7, 2011
Thinking of moving in the New Year? Here are our top tips on how to get your property ready to sell and secure the best possible price
January is a popular time for homeowners to market their property. Follow our simple tips to prepare your property for the market and make your home more attractive to prospective purchasers.