The event celebrated sustainability in Herefordshire and sported workshops, stalls, music, discussions, networking, sharing of ideas, skills, crafts, children’s activities, food and drink, compost toilets, earth stove outdoor cooking, story telling, wild food foraging, and more.

Jamie Baldwin our Business Development Manager was called to speak in the talks on renewable energy: “It was great to see so many like minded people taking part with such enthusiasm, there were lots of positive and creative ideas to put Herefordshire at the forefront of all things green, and it was a great opportunity for me to meet and swap ideas with some of the people behind the push for sustainability in the county.”

Fast forward one year, and the feed-in tariff has fallen to 21p per unit. Media interest has waned and news stories have mainly taken a negative slant, focusing on government’s mishandling of the tariff change and the resulting challenges for industry.

So here’s the big news…. solar PV returns are now actually better than last year. Investing in a solar PV system on your house is still just as wise an investment now as it ever was – and our two quotes prove it. Here’s a look at how the figures compare:

New prices mean the technology’s more accessible than ever before. And with energy prices increasing steadily, it’s a great time to invest. Just one word of caution – the feed-in tariff will fall again in July, so there are now only eight weeks to get your quote, arrange a site survey, and schedule your installation. Be quick, and you could benefit from returns of up to 12%.

There’s an extra reason to be quick. At Caplor Energy we’re offering to pay for our client’s energy performance certificate AND provide free loft and cavity wall insulation if it means your house reaches an EPC Level D.

We are happy to announce that The University of Wolverhampton Science Park in conjunction with Caplor Energy has this month completed a landmark solar photovoltaic project aimed at reducing the centre’s carbon emissions and promoting low carbon technologies.

Caplor Energy designed, installed and commissioned the 49.59kWp solar PV array which will provide over 40,000kWh of electricity each year and save over 20 tonnes of CO₂ each year. Consisting of 261 solar panels, the system covers a roof area the equivalent of two tennis courts, and will provide electricity for the Science Park complex. The electricity generated by the solar array will be broadcast on a public display unit in the reception area of the Science Park.

Andrew Gilson, Director at the University’s Science Park says: “The science park was designed with sustainability in mind from the outset and so it makes perfect sense for us to now incorporate solar panels on the roof. We expect these solar panels to provide around 10 – 15% of the energy requirements of the Science Park.

Jamie Baldwin, Business Development Manager at Caplor Energy says: “We’re delighted to be working with the Science Park on this venture. Using solar PV generated electricity at Science Parks can be really effective. Most complexes have large roof spaces ideal for solar energy technologies and will almost always use all the electricity generated onsite thus maximising the energy and carbon savings.”

Under the Government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme, the University will not only make savings on its electricity bill, but will also receive regular payments over a 25-year period based on the electricity generated from the PV system.

The seed of sustainability has been planted for a forward thinking Brecon-based Garden Centre, where leading renewable energy company Caplor Energy has completed an innovative 48kWp solar energy system as part of the centre’s ambitious redevelopment programme.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre located between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye now hosts 210 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels across three roofs at the Centre, as a drive towards reducing the company’s energy bills and carbon footprint. The impressive 48kWp solar array will provide nearly 40,000kWh of electricity each year and save over 20 tonnes of CO₂ each year.

Mark Cleary, Company Director at the Old Railway Line Nursery says: “The redevelopment of the Nursery has been designed with sustainability in mind from the outset and so it makes perfect sense for us to now incorporate solar panels on the roof. We expect these solar panels to provide the majority of our electricity needs over the course of each year.”

Under the Government Feed-in Tariff scheme, the Garden Centre will not only make savings on its electricity bill, but will also receive regular payments over a 25-year period based on the electricity generated from the PV system. It is anticipated that the Centre will pay back the installation costs for the solar PV array within just 7 years, ensuring the project makes a significant annual income for the next 18 years.

Jamie Baldwin, Business Development Manager at Caplor Energy says: “We’re delighted to have worked with the Old Railway Line Garden Centre on this venture. Using solar PV generated electricity at garden centres can be really effective. Most complexes have large roof spaces ideal for solar energy technologies and will almost always use all the electricity generated onsite thus maximising the energy and carbon savings.”

Ashperton Primary was selected from over 30 schools and halls who expressed an interest in the scheme, and their 3.99 kWp solar PV system was installed on 24/03/12. The Antaris PV system is expected to generate over 3090 kWh units of electricity each year, helping to reduce the school’s energy bill and saving 1.76 tonnes in carbon emissions each year.

The Fownhope-based company has allocated nearly £100,000 for village halls and schools to build solar projects within Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Business Development Manager Jamie Baldwin explains: “Our vision at Caplor Energy is to lead the way in creating a vibrant and sustainable community. Our business principles are based on targeting economic, environmental and social goals equally. The Community Solar Initiative encompasses perfectly this ‘triple bottom line’ approach.”

Under the Community Solar Initiative, the costs of a solar photovoltaic installation would be typically paid over a 12-20 year period based on the payments received from the Feed-in Tariff scheme. Once the system costs are paid in full, the community group would then also benefit from the remaining Feed-in Tariff payments in addition to the energy savings on their bill which they receive from day one. Over the lifetime of the project it is expected that a typical 4kW system under the Community Solar Initiative will deliver savings and an income totalling £20,000 for each community group.

Kate Gathercole, Herefordshire New Leaf Co-ordinator says: “We’re delighted to see that Caplor Energy is taking a lead in supporting communities with renewable energy projects in this way. It’s an innovative scheme that really addresses the main barrier preventing community buildings installing solar systems, which is of course the upfront cost.”

The Herefordshire-based company won a competitive tender to install an initial 50kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the Woodbury Building as part of the University’s continued drive towards reducing its carbon footprint. It is anticipated that the University will generate nearly 40,000 units of electricity and save over 20 tonnes of CO₂ each year from the solar panels.

Katy Boom, Director of Environmental Sustainability at the University of Worcester says: “The University has a long-standing commitment to act in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner and has made great progress in reducing its carbon footprint as part of this. The introduction of solar panels will make a significant impact to reducing our reliance on grid electricity. What’s more it’s going to be great for all students and staff to be able to monitor the amount of free electricity we are generating from our website.”

In 2010, the University of Worcester became the first university in the UK to achieve an Eco Campus Platinum award across the whole campus, and in 2011 was ranked third out of 133 institutions in the People and Planet’s Green League.

Jamie Baldwin, Business Development Manager at Caplor Energy says: “We’re delighted to be working with the University on this venture. Using solar PV generated electricity at University campuses can be really effective. Most universities have large roof spaces ideal for solar energy technologies and will almost always use all the electricity generated onsite thus maximising the energy and carbon savings.”

Under the Government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme, the University will not only make savings on its electricity bill, but will also receive regular payments over a 25-year period based on the electricity generated from the PV system.

Please contact Sally Jones on 01905 857517 or Jamie Baldwin on 01432 860644 for further information or to arrange an interview.

Ofgem has published a new table on its website outlining the feed-in tariff rates as of April 1 this year. Thanks to an annual boost from the Retail Price Index, some microgenerator’s FiT income will increase to 45.4p per kilowatt hour from that date. This RPI increase occurs each year, and means that all those who have installed solar panels before March 3, 2012 will see their feed-in tariff payments increase by 4.8 percent. This means that those who are currently receiving the 43.3p rate will receive 45.4p/kWh from April 1…

The table below outlines the rates for all systems up to 5MW.

Source – www.solarlex.co.uk

The price of residential solar panel installations has dropped by 50 percent since early 2011, according to research of over 1,500 consumer quotes by CompareMySolar. Therefore, consumers can achieve a similar financial return as before – despite cuts in the feed-in-tariff from 43p to 21p. Building more awareness around this can help drive demand, following recent negative news about subsidy cuts and court cases.

Solar prices drop 50 percent

Since January 2011, CompareMySolar’s “UK Solar Price Index” has amassed over 1,500 quotes for home installations and shows that a 4kWp system that used to cost £15,000 can now be bought for around £7,500 (see first graph). Price drops have accelerated in the last three months (from £10,500 towards £7,500) following feed-in tariff cuts, and are mostly driven by much lower module prices and increased competition.

Returns improve to 2011 level

Due to these strong price drops, the financial return for consumers is currently at similar levels as it used to be in the first half of 2011. The second graph illustrates this for an example roof in Exeter (south facing, optimal angle, no shading), where a 4kWp solar panel system is expected to generate around 4,000 kWh in the first year. If we assume the property consumes half the electricity generated in house and exports the other half to the grid, the expected year one payback is:

•         (43p FiT) 4,000 x 0.43 = £1,720 from Government feed-in tariff

•         (21p FiT) 4,000 x 0.21 = £840 from Government feed-in tariff

•         2,000 x 0.15 = £300 from electricity savings

•         2,000 x 0.03 = £60 from the export tariff.

The total year one payback used to be £2,080 on the 43p feed-in tariff, and is currently around £1,200 at the 21p rate. While this looks like a very large drop in financial return, please keep in mind prices halved as well. Combining these payback amounts with prices paid for the installation (based on the monthly price index) provides the more relevant perspective. The below graph shows that where year one payback used to be around 14-16 percent of the initial price in the first half of 2011, it currently is back at 16 percent. Therefore, solar panels are currently just as attractive as around June 2011.

Not only price that matters

Certainly price is not the only, or the most important, factor in buying solar panels. Since solar panels will generate income over 25 years, it is important to take the long view for peace of mind about the investment. Choosing a large manufacturer that is either in the top ten of global solar panel firms or part of an electronics conglomerate is a safe choice, since it helps to ensure future warranty of guaranteed panel outputs. Picking a long-lasting and efficient inverter helps to minimise maintenance costs going forward. And, choosing an experienced and reputable installer with longer (insurance backed) warranty on workmanship gives further peace of mind. But getting a competitive price in line with the market is the basis of good future returns.

Drive awareness to drive demand

Given all the recent press about feed-in tariff cuts and court cases, many consumers have negative ideas about going solar now. This clearly shows in diminished demand, which is falling off the cliff again after the March 3 deadline, according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Weekly installations have dropped by 95 percent, from more than 20,000 towards 1,100 in the week after the deadline; demand currently sits at less than half the level of June last year – despite similar returns. Raising consumer awareness about the financial return of solar panels on 21 pence will help to build trust and drive demand. This will be much needed for solar installers looking to maintain and build their business during a difficult 2012.

Source - www.solarpowerportal.co.uk

The expert software package for T*SOL which Caplor Energy is now working with is for planners, developers and consultants who wish to investigate changes in the physical state of a solar thermal system and monitor and optimise components and layout.  The course was held by Chris Laughton (managing director), a Fellow of The Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (FIDHEE). So as you can imagine he knows his solar energy and left our staff thoroughly impressed.

Jim Lott, our Product Developer said: “It’s great to have an in-house designing system for our new solar thermal initiative, especially one which will let us create detailed designs for swimming pools and large commercial sites as easily as domestic installations. “

Caplor Energy is continuing to develop its solar thermal capacity and install useful products for agricultural and commercial use. All of Caplor Energy’s solar thermal products will work alongside the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to provide quality solar thermal installations that make commercial sense.

Businesses with a high hot water requirement like farm dairies, campsites, care homes and B&BS can benefit substantially and with the RHI payment financial returns and payback periods are excellent. Campsites and B&Bs work really well because they tend to use hot water from March through to October when the solar input is at its highest. Caplor have a solar hot water system for our shower block at the farm here that is very effective.

For home owners solar hot water can reduce hot water bills by 40-60% so it can save money as well as providing large carbon reductions that go towards saving the planet. As a solar hot water installation connects with existing plumbing systems a good time to look to fit one is when boilers or tanks are being replaced although it is a simple task to fit a system with existing boilers.

Caplor maintain the same high standards of workmanship and products as with our Solar PV.

A Few Facts

• Around 6% of the total national delivered energy use in the UK is accounted for by domestic water heating.
• An average late-20th century 3 bedroom semi is responsible for emitting around 4200 kg of CO₂ per year. Hot water is responsible for 864 kg of that total.
• Solar collectors are a well-tried and tested technology.
• They are suitable for both new-build and retrofit.