Feature
Future looks bright
Thomas Farquhar, Easy MCS, explains why he thinks the future is looking bright for renewables
Feature
EPC passes the test
The proposal to allow DIY firms’ own assessors to conduct EPC assessments as part of Green Deal and then push their own products was always likely to raise concerns over putting profits before customer protection. But is this something that the industry can regulate? Paul Stephen reports
News
Krannich and Suntech announce 120MW sales agreement
PV manufacturers Suntech has announced a deal to supply distributors Krannich with 120MW worth of panels throughout 2012.
News
BPEC launches new and updated courses
BPEC has used its recent series of road shows to launch its new series of plumbing qualifications for renewable energy installers.
News
Want to be a master in green energy?
The University of Hull has unveiled the UK’s first masters degree programme in project management for the renewables sector.
News
PV demand soars due to planning changes
Businesses of all sizes are taking advantage of the change in planning regulations which means commercial PV installations under 50kWp electricity no longer require planning permission, according to Eco Environments.
News
Plumb Center launches micro-CHP training
Plumb Center has launched what it says is the UK’s first ever micro-CHP course.
News
Smart money is still on solar, says EOS Energy
Although householders are aware that solar subsidies have been cut by the government, many remain unaware that costs have been slashed too – according to EOS Energy.
News
National skills academy expands into Wales
The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies has opened its first centres in Wales with a hub in the north at Llandrillo and the south in Port Talbot.
News
Mage Solar records strong 2011 results
German PV supplier Mage Solar has posted profits of €222m for the financial year 2011.
Product
Optimising results
Apex Energy says its new voltage optimisation (VO) unit provides up to 20 per cent savings in energy.
News
Fears that solar PV is no longer viable are wholly misplaced
All four industry associations representing UK solar power join together to clarify good returns for householders
All four major trade associations representing domestic solar PV – the British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA) [1], the Micropower Council (MPC) [2], the Renewable Energy Association (REA) [3] and the Solar Trade Association (STA) [4] – have joined together to set the record straight about the current status of solar power and the Feed-in Tariff. The industry is concerned that the public may be confused about solar power and the Feed-in Tariff and would like to take this opportunity to clarify the situation.
News
Government energy policies risk failure without a national communications strategy
New initiatives to reduce energy use risk a lack of take up by the public due to the absence of a government-backed national communications strategy, according to a report from think tank Green Alliance and its Green Living Consortium, which includes Scottish Power, Asda, Kellogg’s, Groundwork, PepsiCo and WRAP.
News
Renewables Roadshow branches out
The organisers of the Renewables Roadshow is launching a new range of exhibitions aimed at the energy efficiency market.
News
Education minister opens renewables training centre
The Bicton EaRTH Environmental & Renewable Technologies Hub has been opened today by education secretary Rt Hon Michael Gove MP.
News
Kingspan turns close to home
Kingspan Renewables is looking to increase sales in its native Ireland and has called on the government to make the sector more financially attractive.
News
SolarWorld seeks junior Einsteins
SolarWorld is seeking entries to its 2012 Junior Einstein Award. The prize is awarded annually to promising researchers under the remit of the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference which recognises scientific achievement.
News
EEPB launched for Green Deal
A new national body – The Energy Efficiency Programme for Buildings (EEPB) – has been created to provide a large network of Green Deal Providers, product and service suppliers and financiers that will represent the views of the industry on the implementation of Green Deal.
News
PV returns hold up despite dip in sales
Returns are better than they were when the feed-in tariff started – but people need to act now to benefit before it is reduced further on 1 July 2012, says YouGen founder Cathy Debenham.
News
DECC in tax row
Dozens of staff members at the Department of Energy and Climate Change are avoiding paying the full rate of income tax by using a loophole in their employment contracts, according to ClickGreen.
News
Renewable heat market report – discount for REI readers
In light of recent delays to the government’s flagship support policy, the Renewable Heat Incentive, Sustainable Venture Intelligence’s Renewable Heat report segments and appraises consumer needs, technology groups, updated tariff rates and current market dynamics to identify the leading opportunities for renewable heat development throughout the UK.
Product
GB-Sol gets ahead of the game
GB-Sol says it roof-integrated mounting system already meets MCS’s new standards – MCS012 – which will become compulsory for manufacturers in 18 months time.
News
Waxman joins forces with Viessman
Renewables suppliers Waxman has teamed up with heating manufacturer Viessman to focus on distributing biomass boilers, and heat pumps from its West Yorkshire base.
News
REA reacts to Energy Bill delay
The Renewable Energy Association has responded to the government’s decision reported earlier today to withdraw an Energy Bill from the Queen’s Speech.