PV

Since the announcement that there are yet more feed-in tariff cuts on the horizon, many solar companies are being approached by farmers who are keen to install 50kW of solar PV on 1/4acre of land or a barn roof before the rates are reduced on July 1.

The Michael Hall School in East Sussex has reinforced its strong eco-values by installing a 30kWp solar PV installation.

Despite this year’s uncertainty around the feed-in tariff cuts, the number of solar module installations on British buildings continues to rise. Whilst this is undoubtedly a positive sign for the industry, an absence of UK or European standards means that consumers need to take more care with the installation and maintenance of these modules to ensure the safety and return on investment (ROI) of the product. One particular concern being discussed most frequently is the fire risks posed by solar installations.

Housing association Havebury has embraced solar technology, installing solar panels at two if its sheltered accommodation schemes, as well as the company’s own headquarters.

The Isle of Wight has benefited from the installation of a 1.6MW solar park near Newport, one of the largest power plants on the island.

Green Planet Solar has completed a 42kW solar PV array on a rural farm in Oxfordshire. The Banbury-based farm had long been an advocate of renewable energy technologies and had decided to invest in a solar PV array to generate carbon-free electricity for consumption on-site.

Cobham Hall, the original home of The Ashes, has installed a 50kWp solar system on its roof.

Ely-based automation specialists, Innomech, has made a major investment in solar PV technology that will see the company become carbon neutral by the end of the year.

Herefordshire-based Caplor Energy has this week completed a 50kWp solar photovoltaic project at the University of Worcester. The system, which will reduce the St John’s Campus’s annual energy bill, continues to work towards the University’s drive to reduce carbon emissions.

An innovative new community centre, dubbed the ‘Ecohub’ has been officially opened in Galingay, replacing the village’s old community centre.