The Independent: New plan gives solar power to the people.
February 2010:
Short-term, the prospects for home-energy prices are looking brighter – British Gas has just reduced tariffs by 7 per cent and the other big suppliers are likely to follow. However, Ofgem, the regulator, is warning that down the line we could see our bills rise by 25 per cent over the next 10 years, and even that energy supplies could become scarce. But just as news came in that energy prices are set to rise dramatically, homeowners were offered hope with the launch of a new government incentive.
Hoping to encourage a movement towards renewable energy, the Government has finalised details of its feed-in tariffs, which reward people who produce their own energy by investing in technology such as solar panels and small wind turbines.
The Guardian: The Brightest Investment?
February 2010:
If the government offered to pay you £1,000 a year for the next 25 years, in return for an up-front investment of £12,500, you'd snap it up in a second. Well, that's pretty much the deal on offer this week after the government finally revealed what it will pay those who install electricity generating solar panels – in and around their homes – through the new "Feed-in Tariffs" (FITs).
After years of campaigning by environmental groups – helped in small part by this newspaper – the government has finally agreed to reward households and businesses installing electricity-generating measures with enough of a return to make it a serious financial, as well as an environmental, investment. If you've got the money (which is a big "if") and, crucially, a sunny, south-facing roof, you can earn a 7%-10% tax-free return, an income that will rise in line with inflation. At the same time, you get to do more than your fair share in reducing the UK's carbon emissions.
The Sunday Times: Solar Panels - What a bright idea.
February 2010:
Patrick and Frances Colquhoun are happy pensioners. Since they installed solar panels on the roof of their five-bedroom detached home on the outskirts of Cambridge last July, they have seen substantial reductions in their energy bills. Things look set to get even better for the couple, and others embracing the micro-generating revolution, after the government announced details last week of the rewards it will pay homeowners who generate their own electricity.
Solarcentury brings model solar city to Ecobuild
Solarcentury at the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, at Earls Court.From Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th March, Solarcentury will give visitors the first ever chance to see a live model city with hands-on solar power solutions, in the ‘Solar Hub’ at Ecobuild.
Round the world cyclists celebrate solar power campaign success
Round the world cyclists celebrate solar power campaign successBritish cyclists return from 13,000 mile cycle ride to new rewards for making solar electricity.
A pair of campaigning cyclists today returned to London having completed a 13,000 mile, nine month circumnavigation of the globe. British environmental campaigners Susie Wheeldon and Jamie Vining, otherwise known as the ‘Solar Cycle Diary’ team’, are celebrating the success of their trip in helping to raise awareness of the important role of solar power as part of the world’s energy future.
Bristol house wins Home of the Future makeover
The Grand Designs Great British Refurb/1010 Campaign Competition has been revealed and work on the Home of the Future has started in Totterdown, Bristol this week.The lucky winner of the ultimate house eco-makeover, worth in excess of £23,000 is Bristol couple, Will Homoky and Catherine Beswick. Their house will be transformed from a draughty Victorian three bedroom end-of-terrace in to the ultimate eco-friendly, energy-saving home, becoming the envy of their street.
The Guardian: Branson warns of oil crunch within five years
Sir Richard Branson and fellow leading businessmen will warn ministers this week that the world is running out of oil and faces an oil crunch within five years.The founder of the Virgin group, whose rail, airline and travel companies are sensitive to energy prices, will say that the coming crisis could be even more serious than the credit crunch.
The Guardian: Public Supports Ambitious Scheme for Micro- Scale Renewables: Poll.
The public overwhelmingly support a much more ambitious scheme to push renewable energy for homes and communities, a new poll shows today ahead of a key government announcement next week.Government officials are putting the finishing touches to plans to boost the take-up of renewable energy in Britain - which is the lowest in Europe - through a system known as the "clean energy cashback", or feed-in tariff.
ITN: London Fire Stations go Solar
London's fire stations are going greener, thanks to former US President Bill Clinton. Clinton has urged London to join a worldwide scheme to refit buildings to make them more environmentally friendly. Boris Johnson has visited the new-look Ilford fire station, which is one of the buildings updated with green technology measures.