November 1, 2012
The new feed-in tarrif (FiT) rates for solar photovoltaic technology have become effective as of today
The rates were confirmed by Ofgem earlier in the year and represent the first round of FiT cuts enacted under the newly introducted tri-monthly degression model.
The new rates show that the residential FiT was cut by just over a penny to 15.44p/kWh from 16.5p/kWh while the commercial FiT was cut by less than half a penny to 13.1p/kWh from 13.5p/kWh. For larger businesses, the rate of 11.5p/kWh remains unchanged.
However, with recent electricity price hikes, these cuts will make the return on investment from solar projects higher than it was a month ago. Latest figures released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change reveal that the UK installed 747.586MW of solar under the FiT scheme in the first nine months of 2012.
June 1, 2012
Cut off date for new FIT rate is set for 1st August 2012
The Government announced plans that are designed to provide long term sustainability for the FITs scheme and better value for money for consumers, allowing customers and businesses to plan their investments with confidence.
The key points include:
- A tariff of 16p/kWh will take effect from 1
- Increasing the export tariff to 4.5p/kWh for new installations (from 3.2p/kWh)
- Reducing the tariff lifetime from 25 to 20 years for new PV installations.
- Multi-installation tariff set at 90% of the standard generation tariff, rather than 80% as at the moment, reflecting latest evidence on the costs of such projects.
- New tariffs will still provide rates of return of over 6% for typical installations, which makes solar PV a very attractive investment.
- New cost control mechanism will reduce solar PV tariffs automatically in line with deployment.
- Degression can occur every three months however the rate of degression is dependent on the volume of deployment
- If deployment has been low, then degression can be skipped.
Please click here to read a full summary from DECC.
May 4, 2012
What rate can be expected in the July feed-in tariff cuts?
The UK solar industry is today anticipating the future feed-in tariff rates as we move from the month of April into May. After Government announced it’s intention to base the new rates on installation figures seen between March 3 and the end of April 2012, all eyes have been on the FiT database.
read more on this article at the Solar Power Portal
March 7, 2012
Are you pestered by seagulls messing up your solar panels?
Solar powered electronics and solar panels mounted near the sea attract seagulls. Their droppings interfere with solar panel operation, creating a shadow which blocks the cell and stops the sunlight getting through, thus reducing efficiency and results in expensive maintenance. If cells are left blocked for a long period of time this can ultimately kill the cell and cause permanent damage to the panel.
For those of you with solar panels who live by the sea and get a lot of seagulls on your roof, other than expensive seagull deterrent systems, here are some ideas for solar panel array protection:-
- Stop seagulls landing / resting by installing very fine netting
- Install sonic bird scarers
- Train a hawk !
- Get a cat
At-Bristol have enlisted the help of a robotic peregrine falcon called ‘Brian’ to keep the seagulls off their roof and protect their brand new solar panel array.
You can follow Brian’s progress including his daily ‘tweets’ at :-
http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/solarwebcam
If you too are pestered by seagulls messing up your solar panels and have any suggestions for seagull control, get in touch, admin@structuralreportsonline.co.uk
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
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
October 31, 2011
Brewsters expand range of solar products to include wind load calculations
Due to the growing number of enquiries from our MCS clients we have recently launched ‘Wind Load Calculations’ as a stand alone product.
The process is simple, complete one of our crib sheets and our Engineering Team will do the rest. All calculations are prepared in accordance with BS 6399 Part 2.
With prices starting at £25 + VAT if purchased in conjunction with a standard desktop appraisal or £75 + VAT if purchased alone, keeping compliant and within Code couldn’t be easier.
For more information and guidance, call our Solar Team on 0800 027 5130.
September 16, 2011
Epsom resident forced to remove solar panels
A resident of Epsom has lost his battle with the local council and has been forced to removed his solar panels worth £8,000. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council deemed the panels ‘visually instrusive’ and issued an enforcement order to take the panels down.
The resident, Mr Minhinnick, has now been given just 10 weeks to remove the solar panels, but says he will not back down and is prepared to take his appeal further.
“Their attitude is ‘if it doesn’t look pretty then sod the environment’. I’m not taking them down and I’m going to take this further because I think it is complete nonsense and we are talking to solicitors now,” he explained.
August 24, 2011
Guy Ritchie fills field of his Wiltshire mansion with 200 solar panels
Mr Ritchie is going green and is installing 200 solar panel in the grounds of his Wiltshire mansion.
The panels will provide more than enough power to run his country estate.