26/1/12

Reduced Subsides on Solar PV

The current Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Solar PV systems up to 4kw will be more than halved from 43.3p/kwh to 21p/kwh, under Dept of Energy & Climate Change proposals that would also cut the rate for schemes between 4wh and 25kwh to ensure a consistent rate of return. To qualify for the new FIT, premises would be additionally be required to meet certain energy efficiency criteria, including achieving an Energy Performance Certificate level C or taking up all the measures potentially eligible for Green Deal finance.

The reduced FIT reflects the plummeting cost of an average domestic solar PV installation, from around £13,000 in April 2010 to £9,000 now. The DECC claims that if it takes no action, FIT for solar PV will cost consumers £890m a year and add £26 at 2010 prices to the average annual domestic electricity bills in 2020. The proposals will, claims DECC, cut the cost of FIT for PV to £250 - £280m in 2014/15 and reduce the impact on 2020 electricity bills by £23.

Returns for domestic systems under the reduced FIT will be from 4.5-5% index-linked and tax-free. Existing consumers and those with an eligibility date before 12 December will receive the current rates for 25 years. The consultation also proposes a new multi-installation tariff rate of 80% of the standard tariff per installation for aggregated solar PV schemes, where an individual or organisation owns or receives FIT from more than one installation on different sites. It also seeks views on whether more could be done to ensure genuine community projects get full benefit from FIT.

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3/1/12

What is a Thermal Imaging Survey and how can it save me money?

A Thermal imaging Survey incorporates the use of an infrared camera to highlight areas of energy loss from a building. Regardless of the type of building infrared thermography can provide remarkable information about construction details and building performance when used by qualified technicians.

Who can benefit from a Thermal Imaging Survey?

Architects, builders, contractors and building owners are starting to use building performance and quality compliance. Building inspectors count on thermography to help them find difficult problems.
Most of all we believe the sector which benefits most from a Thermal Imaging Survey is the Home Owner and Potential Buyer.

What will a Thermal Imaging Survey Highlight?

A Thermal Imaging Survey will highlight :
• Missing, damaged or non-performing Insulation.
• Air Leakage. Infiltration and Exfiltration is the unwanted air movement through a building. The problem can be as common as a failed weather seal or as complex as an air pathway through plumbing or electrical service installations. The leakage path is often complex and, without infrared, extremely difficult to identify and locate.
• Moisture intrusion. As buildings designs and techniques produce tighter thermal envelopes moisture (from leaks or condensation) have created more and more problems. When water enters through a small crack it is then trapped between building materials. Thermography can find traces of water invisible to the human eye.
• Condensation. This may be a cause of moisture instrusion. It is important to identify sources of air leakage that can transport moist air into the wall sections and cause condensation.
• Mould Growth and Health Issues. Mould, organic fumes or bacteria plays a significant role in a variety of health issues. Damp surfaces with inadequate air change rates provide the breeding grounds for mould spore to develop and grow.

What Do I Do Next?

Contact us @ The EPC Company if you wish for us to carry out a Thermal Imaging Survey and determine the problem areas in your home that are losing exspensive heat, and you can start saving money right now.

We look forward to hearing from you.