Opinion
Current affairs
By guest columnist Bill Wright, head of energy solutions, Electrical Contractors’ Association
Products 64
Opinion
Fighting FiT…?
Kim Mann, Krannich Solar, discusses the latest solar PV FiT rates for 1 April onwards and how the degression mechanism has evolved from foe to friend
Opinion
Q&A – Mitsubishi Electric
What have you got planned for 2014?
I see this as a big year for product development with lots of exciting new functionality, control and products to extend the range and simplify things for installers.
The heat pump market has already come a long way, but we realise that as an industry, we still need to increase awareness of the benefits that renewable heating can offer. We will therefore continue reaching out directly to the market with our Ecodan range and plan a number of roadshows around the country, targeting installers, social housing providers and developers.
News
MCS Reminder: Updated Standards and Competency Criteria
As previously announced, MCS released updates to all heat technology installation standards on 16th December 2013. All installers must comply with the revised standards by 16th March 2014.
Opinion
Trialling times
Developments continue apace at BRE and the National Solar Centre with a busy summer season to look forward to, as well as starting to see the first results from one of the UK’s most comprehensive heat pump field trials conducted by DECC, reports Steve Pester
Opinion
Centre of excellence
The consolidation of the PV industry means that professional training continues to be highly sought after by clients and renewable energy companies alike, with both established professionals and new entrants looking to take advantage of the potential that PV offers, reports the European Energy Centre
News
Time running out for SolarAid’s aid match scheme
SolarAid are reminding people that there is only three days remaining of its UK government aid match scheme where all donations within the UK will be matched pound for pound.
News
Newform speak out at PV-T exclusion from RHI
Newform Energy has objected to draft legislation which excludes solar thermal panels that also generate electricity from the domestic RHI.
News
Google and SolarAid announce research partnership
Google has announced its continued support of international development charity SolarAid and its work distributing solar lights in rural Africa, by funding a two year evaluation on the impact of solar lights on poverty alleviation.
Product
A-Class of its own
Dimplex Renewables has launched A-Class ASHP.
Product
Panasonic launches Aquarea 5kW Mono Bloc
Panasonic has increased its range of A2W heat pumps with the launch of the 5kW Aquarea Mono Bloc, designed for new build projects.
Marc Diaz, UK country manager of Panasonic Heating and Cooling, said: “The new Aquarea 5kW Mono-Bloc model offers amazing energy savings. With a high COP of 5.08, it’s a super-efficient way of heating a low consumption home. With a compact design, the units are small, making them perfect for social housing, small homes and apartments – especially new builds – where space is at a premium.”
News
UFW hosts Las Vegas competition
UFW is offering installers the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas to watch England’s World Cup game versus Costa Rica.
News
New sales manager for Navitron
Navitron has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new sales manager.
News
Waxman partners with Nedap
Waxman Energy has introduced the ‘PowerRouter’ to its product range through its new partnership with Nedap.
Opinion
Making an exhibition of ourselves
Kim Mann, Krannich Solar, discusses whether large industry exhibitions, such as next month’s Ecobuild, are still worth making time and effort for in a maturing market
Opinion
Bare necessities
Bob Long, MD Eco Innovate Ltd
Heat pump expert Bob Long asks why a buffer cylinder/thermal store is essential in any system
Opinion
Talking point
Zenex Solar’s managing director Liz macFarlane
Liz MacFarlane, Zenex Solar, urges installers to move early and get involved in the fledgling but lucrative market for large scale solar
Opinion
Market forces
With demand set to rise, the outlook for the UK PV market throughout 2014 looks bright, says Steve Pester, BRE
News
Share offer opens for Staffordshire Sunny Schools project
• Pupils at Millfield Primary School learning about solar energy with the Visual Display Unit from solar panels fitted thanks to Gen Community ‘Staffordshire Sunny Schools’ offer
25 Staffordshire schools are set to benefit from a new PV project which aims to cut bills by providing free panels and teach kids about saving energy.
News
PV installers secure Which? approval
Jacob Eco Energy’s md Chris Franks and his team
Salford Quays-based Jacob Eco Energy has become the first solar installer in the Manchester area to get coveted Which? Trusted Traders approval.
News
Sponsors and speakers confirmed for SEUK Roadshow
Natural Sparx powered by Rexel Energy Solutions has been confirmed as headline sponsors for this year’s Solar Energy UK (SEUK) Roadshow (previously branded as Solar Power UK Roadshow) taking place in six locations across the UK in February.
News
DECC launches community energy strategy
A new government strategy has been launched to give communities greater control of energy bills.
Product
NIBE upgrades GSHP models
NIBE has made a series of improvements to its F1145 and F1245 ground source heat pumps.
News
Kingspan moves into ‘free’ solar
Kingspan has launched a fully-funded solar energy solution to enable more businesses to benefit from lower electricity costs.