Solar Power: 2010

Friday, 26 November 2010

Solar Energy Expansion in South West England | The Energy Collective

Since the introduction of the UK feed in tariff, solar power has started to become a serious contender in the UK renewable energy market.

The first solar power project of any scale was consented in Cornwall in October of this year. The £4m, 1.3 Megawatt purpose built solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity for the annual needs of 287 homes.

With the UK government offering a whopping 29.3 pence per kWh, solar energy technology has seen a huge increase in popularity, particularly in the sunnier parts of the UK such as the South West. Even Michael Eavis has installed 450 kW worth of solar panels on farm buildings at the famous Glastonbury festival site this month. £500,000 was invested in the project and investors Eavis and Triodos bank expect it to return around £45,000 per year.

Planning magazine reported this summer that Cornwall County Council had already met 30 companies to discuss the parks since the introduction of the FIT in spring and that the Council “anticipates receiving 50 to 100 planning applications“.

A UK Power Systems spokesperson said yesterday the number of grid connection enquiries for solar energy projects had increased dramatically in the east and south east of England.

Whilst supportive of the feed in tariff, the long term vision of the coalition government on ‘ground based’ solar energy is not yet clearly known. Future reviews of feed in tariffs could see the rates changed for different technologies. Germany and the US have seen recent cuts in support rates and grants for solar energy technologies.

Only this week Reuters reported that the US Treasury’s Renewable Energy Grant Program, part of the the $787 billion anti- recession stimulus of 2009 is set to finish at the year end. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the grants supported over 1000 solar energy systems by assisting with capital costs.

via theenergycollective.com

http://solarpoweruk.blogspot.com/

Posted via email from photo voltaic solar power's posterous

Thursday, 25 November 2010

New Nanotechnology Raises the Efficiency of Solar Thermal Power by 10% « Solar Thermal Magazine

New Nanotechnology Raises the Efficiency of Solar Thermal Power by 10%

Nanofluid applications have the potential to increase solar thermal efficiency by approximately 10% with no redesign needed. New manufacturing techniques for 30 nm graphite spheres make this technology economically feasible for Kalahari’s products.

Using Nanofluids as a direct absorption solar collector has been demonstrated to offer unique advantages over conventional collectors.

Kalahari representatives are in exploratory discussion with research organizations for research and licensing of next generation Nanofluid formulations that have even greater efficiency benefits. A selection of materials will be conducted based on successfully concluded research results.

via solarthermalmagazine.com

Posted via email from photo voltaic solar power's posterous

Billions for green energy: Is it worth it?

Here are the costs of going green:

Ontario’s long-term energy plan calls for $4 billion in spending on energy generated from bio-mass – i.e. composted organics, or methane from garbage dumps.

What will the province get for the $4 billion investment? It will boost the share of power generated by bio-mass 0.3 per cent, from 1 per cent of the province’s supply today, to 1.3 per cent by 2030.

Solar spending will total $9 billion, and boost solar power’s share to 1.5 per cent, from near-zero.

Wind investment will be $14 billion, boosting wind energy’s share to 10 per cent of the province’s share from 2 per cent.

All in all, those three green power technologies will soak up more than 30 per cent of the Liberals’ planned investment of $87 billion, while generating 13 per cent of over-all power by 2030.

Much of the money will come from the private sector, but the return they earn will be built into the electricity prices paid by Ontario residents and businesses.

Is it worth it?

Energy minister Brad Duguid pitches the investment in moral terms, arguing it will clean the air and make children healthier.

“There’s a cost to that,” he said Tuesday. “Together we’re building cleaner air, together we’re building an economy with thousand of clean energy jobs, and together we’re building a healthier future for our kids and grandkids. That’s something worth fighting for.”

Keith Stewart of Greenpeace says the costs of renewable power are visible, while full social costs of burning fossil and nuclear fuels are not.

“If factored into today’s bills, the cost of smog and climate change, and the cost of dealing with radioactive waste, your bill today would be a lot higher than it is, because we’re not paying those costs,” he said in an interview.

Stewart also predicted there will be “huge drops” in the cost of developing solar power as the industry matures, and Ontario can be at the forefront of technological developments in solar if it nurtures the sector at home.

Ian Howcroft, vice president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), said developing a made-in-Ontario renewable energy sector will benefit the province.

But his group is uneasy about the plan’s cost estimates of speedy renewable development.

“We have to do it in a businesslike fashion,” he said. “We have to look at the return on investment, and we have to look at what the ultimate costs are.

“We’re supportive of the direction, but we do have concerns about how much we how much we should pay to develop wind, to develop solar, given what the ultimate cost is going to be.”

The CME will participate when the plan is subjected to scrutiny by the Ontario Energy Board, he said.

Jack Gibbons, chair of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, says that bio-mass and wind power are still likely to be less expensive than rebuilding nuclear facilities, although conservation and efficiency are the best ways to solve energy issues.

But he said in an interview that Quebec produces huge amounts of renewable power from its hydro-electric plants:

“In terms of new renewable, water power imports from Quebec are lower cost than any of the made in Ontario options.”

That would have to be negotiated with Quebec, but Gibbons says Ontario should take the initiative.

“It’s low-cost, it’s very reliable, it’s a base load supply of power, it’s not intermittent,” he said.

via thestar.com

http://solarpoweruk.blogspot.com/

Posted via email from photo voltaic solar power's posterous

Opel Solar Granted US Patent for Latest PV Installation Technology | The Energy Collective

Opel Solar, Inc. (Opel), recently announced that the US Patent Office has approved a patent for its latest high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) module. The new technology promises to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar PV installations. This most recent patent is the international company’s thirty-third, with seventeen others pending. Opel’s technology has penetrated the Ontario market and is central to renewable energy training in programs at universities in Ontario and Quebec.

via theenergycollective.com

http://solarpoweruk.blogspot.com/

Posted via email from photo voltaic solar power's posterous

Monday, 22 November 2010

PV can play a huge part in power generation

A SOLAR technology expert based in the North East will use an upcoming conference to push for more political and financial backing for photovoltaic technology in the UK.

At the Solar Flair conference at County Durham’s Lumley Castle next month, Northumbria University’s Dr Ian Forbes will warn that the nation must dig deeper to avoid falling behind countries such as Germany, Japan and the USA.

Dr Forbes – a member of international research body PV-21 Supergen – believes the next decade will be crucial in determining whether Britain will be a major supplier or a buyer of solar power.

He said: “A lot of people don’t believe it is reasonable to use PV in the UK but that’s not the case. Germany is the biggest market with around 40% of the world’s total and the UK has only about 15% less sunlight on average than Germany. The market is going to be there and we are either going to be able to benefit from it or not.

“If we say it won’t happen here, by the time we realise it can happen here we will have missed the boat.

“The decision-makers need to be aware of what’s happening elsewhere and not think that it’s not possible here. If they do rule it out they are effectively putting a constraint on our economy. It’s the biggest resource available and outstrips nuclear, wind and other energy sources.”

via nebusiness.co.uk

http://solarpoweruk.blogspot.com/

Friday, 23 July 2010

Solar-powered plane completes 14-day unmanned flight

A new Zephyr plane has broken aviation records and has future potential in the areas of surveillance and communications.

The UK-built solar-powered high-altitude long endurance unmanned air system (UAS) Zephyr landed earlier today after a two-week flight over the Arizona desert. The Zephyr set down at 15:04 Irish time, having been airborne for 14 days and 24 minutes.

Following its flight, the Zephyr has set some performance and altitude records, including achieving the longest ever duration for an unmanned flight.

UK's largest solar panel unveiled in Norfolk

The UK's largest solar panel, which tracks the movement of the sun, was officially switched on at the Ecotech Centre in Swaffham yesterday.

The £50,000 array of 44 silicon cells is mounted on a sophisticated mechanism which tilts and turns to follow the arc of the sun from dawn until dusk, making it up to 30pc more efficient than static units.

Positioned at the foot of the towering wind turbine run by green energy firm Ecotricity, the solar array is expected to generate 7,500 units of electricity per year to power the centre, with any surplus sold on to the National Grid.

But as well as reducing electricity bills, centre bosses hope it could also mark a new horizon for the fledgling solar power industry - and a unique education opportunity for visitors and school groups.

Monday, 12 July 2010

Yingli Solar - Who We Are

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE), who holds the brand Yingli Solar, is a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturers. We develop, manufacture and sell photovoltaic modules to a wide range of markets, including Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, France, South Korea, China, and the United States.

Headquartered in Baoding, China, we have more than 6000 employees and more than 10 branch offices worldwide. Yingli Green Energy is publicly listed on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: YGE).

At Yingli, we are responding to the worldwide growing demand for renewable and affordable energy by supplying products that convert sunlight into electricity.

We employ a balanced vertical integration strategy and utilize cutting-edge technologies to produce high-quality products with competitive cost structures. Maintaining both a global presence and local expertise, we are dedicated to serving our customers.

We aspire to be socially and environmentally responsible in every decision we make. As a leader in sustainable energy solutions, we are proud of our mission: to make solar power an enduring and cost-effective technology for all humankind.

via yinglisolar.com

World cup sponsers 2010- photovoltaic solar power

Posted via email from photo voltaic solar power's posterous

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Energy-efficient Residential Properties Preferred

A growing number of tenants are looking for private sector landlords who can offer them energy efficient properties for rent. Britain’s Energy Saving Trust noted that today’s tenants are looking for comfortable rental homes that are also economical, when it comes to heating and electrical bills.

Additionally, environmental concerns have been front and centre over the past several years and more Britons are keen to reduce carbon emissions, starting in their own homes. According to the Energy Saving Trust, one of the steps that landlords might take is the installation of a condensing boiler, as well as an efficient heating system which incorporates heating controls.

The government is also keen to cut emissions and economize energy use for environmental reasons, but their efforts may not yet appeal to many tenants or homeowners. One of the more controversial plans to is to install “smart” meters in up to 47 million homes and businesses.

But according to a recent consumer preferences survey, the only way that most Britons would support network meters that give utilities remote control over their energy usage is if it results in discounts of between 10% to 20%. In fact, 59% of all respondents expected savings of at least 10% for them to support smart meters.

These statistics show that both tenant and homeowners are most interested in finding economical ways to heat their homes and nearly 75% of respondents indicated that they knew how to lower their energy usage and bills. One way to excel as a landlord is to be aware of how intent tenants are to be more energy efficient and ensure that all appliances in the rental property serve this goal.

RLA

Tuesday, 27 April 2010

Which Guide to Savings from Solar PV

A PV solar electricity system is more expensive than a solar water heating system, varying between £8,000 and £14,000 depending on the type and size of the system you're installing - but the savings are greater too. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a 2kWp-sized system can save you up to £200 on your electricity bill and provide 40% of your electricity needs a year. Our table compares the savings available from solar water heating and solar PV for a typical three bedroom semi-detached property.

Cost of alternative energy
Alternative energy	Installation cost	Government grant	Cashback	Annual savings for gas	Annual savings for electricity	Total annual income for gas	Total annual income for electricity
Solar PV	£8,000-£14,000	£0	£725	£110	£110	£835	£835
Solar thermal	£3,000-5,000	£400	£200	£60	£90	£260	£290

Using the table

Savings are based on a three-bed detached house, built 1930-49 with gas or electric central heating. We assume cavity walls, lofts and primary pipework are insulated. Installation costs: indicative cost of equipment and installation.Government grant: maximum available Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant, subject to availability. Cashback: estimated annual income from the feed-in tariff (takes effect April 2010) or renewable heat incentive (from April 2011) for typical installation. Annual savings: estimated for homes currently heated by gas or electricity. Total annual income: cashback plus annual savings.

Types of PV panel

The are three basic types PV panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline (or multicrystalline) and amorphous. All are made from silicon, but differ in the way the silicon is cut and treated.

To install a system you need to decide how much electricity you want to generate. After submitting details of your property, a PV installer should help you to conduct a site survey and discuss your options with you.

Pros and cons of solar PV

Pros

Only daylight is needed to create energy – not sunshine.
Can be connected to the national grid and any excess electricity sold back to an electricity company.
Can cut average household electricity bill by about 30%.

Cons

A large roof area is needed to generate lots of energy.
More expensive to buy and install than solar water systems.
There's a high initial outlay - typically between £8,000 and £14,000.
The efficiency of solar panels depends on the number of solar light hours and climate.
Initial costs are higher than conventional electric and gas-heater systems.
An unshaded, south-facing location is needed for installation.
Solar panels can be heavy, so your roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panel is to be installed on top of existing tiles.

Which Magazine Advice On How to Buy Solar Power

Tuesday, 6 April 2010

Indian Parliament Install PV To Go Green

The Parliament building in New Dehli is going green by installing photo voltaic system to power Parliament House and its streets. But you dont need the sunshine of India to benefit from solar power in your home.

When you install solar panels on your roof, electricity is produced by sunlight through a process called solar photovoltaics. Photovoltaic cells are made of semi-conducting materials, so when any amount of sunlight strikes, it is converted into electricity.

Even if the sky is overcast, PV still produces electricity.This is because PV cells not only use direct sunlight, but also diffuse solar radiation, which is light that has been scattered by dust and water particles in the atmosphere.

Obviously the amount of useful electricity generated is proportional to the intensity of light energy which falls into the conversion area. However, you can still have an electricity supply even without the sun!

Shropshire Solar Power are Certificated Installers of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. We can help you decide whether a Photo Voltaic Solar Power System is the right system for you.

Friday, 2 April 2010

Solar-powered Boat

The Guardian online is reporting that makers hopeful that maiden voyage of world's largest solar-powered catamaran will prove that the sun can fuel the world.

The £16m catamaran – chosen for its energy-saving ability to "slice" rather than "ride" through waves – will store energy in its batteries by day. It can run on its stored energy in the absence of sunlight for around three days at 7.5 knots, the speed of an average oil tanker. At slower speeds it could run for up to 15 days, according to its makers.

The 31-metre-long multi-hull vessel, the brainchild of Swiss former ambulance driver Raphael Domjan, is topped by scores of photovoltaic panels, with a total area of more than 600 sq metres, that covers most of the catamaran's surface. Additional panels are attached to outriggers on its starboard, port and stern sections, that can be retracted in stormy weather. The solar energy, which will be stored in the largest lithium ion battery in the world, will power the vessel's silent, pollution-free electric motor.

Thursday, 1 April 2010

Electricity Generation Tariff

From 1st April 2010, individuals, organizations and businesses in England, Wales and Scotland can claim cash back for electricity they produce from eligible renewable and low-carbon sources.

The scheme provides a fixed payment for the electricity you generate, called the “generation tariff”. It also pays for any unused electricity that you export to the grid, the “export tariff”. A further benefit is that you won’t have to pay for the electricity that you generate and use yourself.

Tariff levels (the amount you are paid) vary depending on the scale and type of generator installed. A typical 2.5kW, well-sited solar pv installation could save you around £140 per year on your electricity bill and you could earn around £900 a year through the cash back scheme.

FAQs from the Energy Saving Trust

Do I need to use a certified installer and product to benefit from the tariff?
Yes. Systems of up to 50kW must be approved by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MSC) in order to qualify for Feed-In Tariffs. For installations that are between 50kW and 5MW, generators will need to apply through Ofgem.

How do I get on to the scheme?
Once you have installed your eligible generating technology you should inform your chosen energy supplier. The supplier will then register your installation onto the Central FIT register and then pay your tariff.

Do I have to undertake energy efficiency measures?
It is highly recommended in order to achieve lower bills and energy use.

Do larger projects – such as community projects – qualify for the scheme or is it just limited to individual properties?
Installations of up to 5 megawatts could qualify for the scheme.

Where can I find more information about the technologies that I can install?
For impartial information about the different technologies that you can use, visit the Energy Saving Trust.

I rent my property. If my landlord installs an electricity generating technology, who would receive the cash-back?
It will be up to the landlords and tenants of dometic or commercial property to come to an arrangement about who benefits from the scheme.

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Green Energy Certificates

Generators of electricity from renewable sources may be entitled to claim three types of green energy certificate:

Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs). Generators of all sizes can claim ROCs for every megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable electricity they generate. Different renewable generating technologies receive different numbers of ROCs/MWh, and all microgenerators (up to 50kW capacity) receive 2 ROCs/MWh, regardless of technology. Generators can sell their ROCs to suppliers to receive a premium on top of their electricity.

Levy Exemption Certificates (LECs). Generators can also claim one LEC for each 1MWh produced. They can sell these to suppliers, who use them to prove that they have supplied non-domestic customers with renewable electricity.

Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). These are issued for every kilowatt hour of renewable electricity generated. They do not have a monetary value in the same way as ROCs and LECs. Rather, their main purpose is as evidence of renewable electricity production. This is particularly useful for renewable generators who are not eligible under the Renewables Obligation. Suppliers are obliged to give their customers details of the mix of fuels used to produce the electricity supplied to them, and are therefore likely to want to purchase electricity from generators with a REGO.

Energy Saving Trust Guide to Renewable Energy

Thursday, 25 March 2010

Conservative’s Propose ‘Green’ Investment Bank

With the general election just weeks away, the Conservative party under David Cameron has reiterated its support for green energy and has produced a paper outlining its proposals for a shake up of energy production in the UK. The green paper titled ‘Rebuilding Security’ announces a number of measures designed to help capitalise new and expensive green technologies.

In a budget statement undoubtedly designed to garner support from renewable industry insiders and environmental groups alike, the Conservative party leader is leading a project which will see the creation of a green investment bank with around £2 billion to invest in new, green technologies and help to grow the fledgling industry in the face of tightened lending from the traditional banking sector.

With investment essential to help the UK carbon neutral economy take off, the Conservative’s announcement has been met with encouraging assent from those it is meant to appeal to.

Director general of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Tom Foulkes welcomed the news as being key to the success of the UK green sector,

“Clearly, transforming the energy sector will require massive investment in new and upgraded infrastructure. A Green Investment Bank will go a long way towards funding the development of new technologies, but there remains a need for a secure method of funding for the long-term investment in energy infrastructure.”

Certainly, with the election expected in May green issues are expected to feature heavily with issues such as the the Clean Energy Cash Back scheme and the Copenhagen summit making headlines in recent months. Some of the key lobbies to appease ahead of the May ballot will of course be the environmental groups who this time are behind the green paper’s plans for the green energy overhaul.

Andy Atkins, Director of Friends of the Earth commented that,

“A Green Investment Bank is desperately needed to fund the replacement of the UK’s outdated fossil-fuel energy infrastructure with the clean energy technologies of the 21st century, and to create new green industries and jobs.”

With the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) bringing in the feed-in tariff on April 1, the ante has certainly been ‘upped’ with regards to real policy designed at tackling climate change and achieving targets on carbon emission reduction. With the Gordon Brown Labour government making positive moves towards a sustainable energy economy, the opposition will have their work cut out in order to show that they are also capable (and indeed willing) to see the development of a strong green technology industry in the UK.

Solar feed in Tariff

Monday, 1 March 2010

Your Homes CO2 Generation Calculator

For the Government CO2 calculator Click Here

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

CLOSURE OF LOW CARBON BUILDING PROGRAMME PHASES 1 and 2 TO NEW APPLICATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL MICROGENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP), Phase-1 and Phase-2 has closed to all new applications for grants for electrical microgeneration as of 5pm, Wednesday 3rd February, which follows the publication of the Government's consultation on the Feed-In Tariffs (FIT's).

The LCBP Programme has been running since 2006 and has provided a firm basis for the manufacture, assembly, supply and installation of microgeneration technology across the UK with over 14,500 grants provided to householders and 3,000 grants provided to schools, churches, communities and other not-for-profit organisations to date.

The publication of the of the FIT's consultation on Monday 1st February in advance of the FITs tariff introduction, scheduled for April 2010, will provide additional certainty for the industry to continue to develop and expand.
The total funding for LCBP is finite and the closure to applications for electrical microgeneration technologies will allow the remaining un-allocated funding to be focussed on thermal microgeneration in the run-up to the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentives (RHI's) scheduled for April 2011.

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme is the £131 million grants programme providing assistance for the purchase and installation of both electrical and thermal microgeneration technology for householders under Phase-1 and schools, churches communities and other not-for-profit organisations under Phase-2.

Monday, 1 February 2010

Cash Rewards for Low Carbon Electricity and Heating

Households and communities who install generating technologies such as small wind turbines and solar panels will from April be entitled to claim payments for the low carbon electricity they produce.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband today announced the feed-in tariff (FITs) levels and also published a blueprint for a similar scheme to be introduced in April 2011 to incentivise low carbon heating technologies. The renewable heat incentive (RHI) will be a world first.

The schemes are designed to bring about a significant increase in the amount of locally produced green energy, as a contribution to the wider shift of the energy mix to low carbon.

Ed Miliband said:

“The guarantee of getting an income on top of saving on energy bills will be an incentive to householders and communities wanting to make the move to low carbon living.

“The feed-in tariff will change the way householders and communities think about their future energy needs, making the payback for investment far shorter than in the past.

“It will also change the outlook for a range of industries, in particular those in the business of producing and installing small scale low carbon technology.”

From 1 April householders and communities who install low carbon electricity technology such as solar photovoltaic (pv) panels and wind turbines up to 5 megawatts will be paid for the electricity they generate, even if they use it themselves. The level of payment depends on the technology and is linked to inflation.

They will get a further payment for any electricity they feed into the grid. These payments will be in addition to benefiting from reduced bills as they reduce the need to buy electricity. The scheme will also apply to installations commissioned since July 2009 when the policy was announced.

A typical 2.5kW well sited solar pv installation could offer a homeowner a reward of up to £900 and save them £140 a year on their electricity bill.

Sunday, 31 January 2010

Generate your Own Electricity with Solar PV

Direct Gov Explains Solar PV;

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are often known as solar panels, and use energy from the sun to create electricity. PV requires only daylight, rather than direct sunlight, to generate electricity.

How does it work?
When light shines on a solar panel, it creates an electric field across layers of silicon in the cell, causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity is. Power can be used straight away or linked back into the power grid.

What’s involved?
You can use PV systems for a building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. If the roof surface is in shadow for parts of the day, less electricity will be produced.
Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panels are placed on top of existing tiles.
Solar panels come in a variety of shapes and colours, including:
• grey 'solar tiles' that look like roof tiles
• transparent panels that you can use on conservatories or glass to provide shading as well as generate electricity

Planning permission
You may have to get planning permission to fit a PV system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Always check with your local authority about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining planning permission after the system is in place can be difficult and expensive.

How much does it cost?
For the average domestic system, costs are around £5,000 to £8,000 per kilowatt (kW) including installation. Most domestic systems are between 1.5 and 3kW and can produce around half a domestic property’s electricity requirements.
Solar tiles cost more than conventional panels, and panels that are integrated into a roof are more expensive than those that sit on top. If you intend to have major roof repairs carried out, it may be worth considering PV tiles, as they can offset the cost of roof tiles.

Community Energy Grants

Not-for-profit groups can apply for grants of up to £1 million towards the cost of installing renewable energy systems for generating electricity. Technologies like biomass, solar panels and wind turbines are becoming increasingly popular. These effective alternatives to fossil fuels can help reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills.

The microgeneration grant

Grants for the installation of microgeneration technologies are available to public sector buildings (including schools, hospitals, housing associations and local authorities) and charities. The grants cover a proportion (up to 50 per cent) of the cost of installing the technologies, and you can claim up to £1 million per site.
Grants are provided by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). They are delivered through the Building Research Establishment as part of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 (LCBP2).

Grant levels for the not-for-profit sector vary according to technology and are applied to total installation costs;Solar photovoltaics installations can claim back 50 per cent of the cost.