Steve Barrett MD of Solarsense Renewable Energy Options

Steve Barrett

MD of Solarsense

Renewable Energy Options

Solar energy efficiency in the UK:

Portishead

Portishead is an ideal locationfor solar PV

Why so much better?• High UV• Low pollution levels• Cooler summers• Performance as good as Spain owing to temperature• Because of significant drop-off above 30°C• Only one day a year in Portishead!

Portishead is also ideal for:• Wind• Wave• Tide

Examples of investment in renewables...

Island of Eigg

Flatholme

• Both these concentrate on wind and sun• Simple to install• Island location; delivery a challenge• Many more options on mainland...

Primary challenge with renewables:• Free energy after installation• Significant up-front cost

Government incentives to help with this:• Feed-in Tariff for PV• Paid for ALL the electricity you generate• And you benefit from free electricity• From April 2014 – Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)• Paid for offsetting fossil fuels with renewables• Typical pay-back of 5-7 years• Ongoing savings from reduced energy bills

Examples of renewables:• Biomass (pellet) boilers• Suitable for older properties with average insulation• Heat pumps• Suitable for modern, well insulated properties• Solar thermal for hot water

Commercial Biomass Domestic Biomass

Further challenge:• Mains gas

From 2016 no new houses will be connected to the gas main

Mandatory requirements:• Super-efficient homes• Renewable energy sources

The future:• PV is simple and inexpensive to install• Efficient and maintenance free• Solarsense panels – low ‘carbon footprint’• Manufactured in Sweden using hydroelectricity• Discreet PV systems available...

Solar Tiles

Solar Slates

Complete solar roofs

Highgrove Croyde Holiday Cottage

The future:• Low energy lighting• Battery storage – for electricity at night• Heat pumps• Extract energy from air or ground• 1kW of electricity produces 3kW heat• Electric vehicles• When do you have time to charge a car?• Most cars stand idle for 80% of the day

Kendleston Manor

Community:• “Power Parks”• Sun or wind• Typical investment of £250 to £5,000• Guaranteed return of 5-8% for 20 years• Biomass• Area heating schemes• Blocks of flats or entire streets

The case for microgen:• Electricity generated where it’s needed...

35% out Only 1% out!

The case for microgen:

Power generated where it’s needed!