Below are general articles from the press about the solar water heating industry, development of the technology and some press releases from the Solar Trade Association and its members.
Gemserv appointed as Licensee for Microgeneration Certification Scheme
Gemserv has been awarded a contract by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to provide the role of Licensee for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The certification scheme is designed to evaluate microgeneration products and installers against robust criteria, providing greater protection for consumers and ensuring that the Government's (i.e. taxpayers) grant money is spent in an effective manner. http://www.solar-trade.org.uk/solarnews/articles.asp?id=1706 06/11/2008
STA's clear guidance on an effective Renewable Heat feed-in-tariff.
The Solar Trade Association welcomes today's excellent House of Commons statement by Ed Miliband, the new Energy Minister; setting the target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, and because that target will be binding in law provides a very clear steer to the solar industry that the Government takes climate change and energy security very seriously. New renewable energy investment and capacity will come off the back of this addition to the Climate Change Bill. http://www.solar-trade.org.uk/solarnews/articles.asp?id=1703 16/10/2008
Ed Miliband and the importance of joined up Government
The Solar Trade Association (STA) welcomes the appointment of Ed Miliband as the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and the creation of a new department to tackle the twin challenges of energy security and climate change. This is a development we have been seeking for some time and we look forward to working with the new team. http://www.solar-trade.org.uk/solarnews/articles.asp?id=1701 06/10/2008
It’s a Solar Revolution – and we are ready!
Solar energy systems have today been accepted as a key part in the Government’s energy strategy as launched by Gordon Brown. The Solar Trade Association welcomes the new strategy document and the solar industry is ready to deliver its’ part immediately.
Solar water heating is the most widely used domestic renewable energy system in the UK with over 100,000 systems installed already. Not only is it affordable and easily adopted, it will also fit nearly every UK home without major disruption. After insulating the property, it is the next step for homeowners who want to generate their own energy. Experience shows us that homeowners who install solar also make other lifestyle changes to reduce their carbon footprints. http://www.solar-trade.org.uk/solarnews/articles.asp?id=1692 26/06/2008
Solar going mainstream as the Solar Trade Association celebrates its 30th Anniversary
Solar Hot Water (SHW) is now ready to go mainstream. Currently there are over 100,000 SHW installations in the UK and the industry is currently growing 50% year-on-year. As gas and electricity prices are set to rise by up to 40% in 2008, SHW represents a good investment for the householder. Solar is also the main zero carbon solution.
The Solar Trade Association (STA), which represents the UK’s solar thermal industry, is proud to be celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. To commemorate this important event we are organising a celebratory reception in the Members’ Dining Room at the House of Commons on 25th June, hosted by Dr Alan Whitehead MP. http://www.solar-trade.org.uk/solarnews/articles.asp?id=1690 23/06/2008
Landmark for microgeneration: legislation to slash red tape
The microgeneration industry today welcomed new Government legislation which will slash planning red tape to make it easier for people to install microgeneration technology. From 6 April 2008 microgeneration technologies will become permitted development which means householders will be able to take up microgeneration, within sensible limits, without having to apply for planning permission. http://www.micropower.co.uk/news/newsrelease56.html 13/03/2008
Sustainable heating solutions = Successful low-energy building
It's now three years since the National Energy Foundation moved into its purpose built low energy building. It is common enough to read articles about how a sustainable heating system will work before they are switched on, but much rarer to discover how they have worked in practice. Ian Byrne, Deputy Director of the Foundation, recently wrote an article for Sustain magazine looking at how the NEF's low-energy building is faring in practice http://www.nef.org.uk/news-events/nefnewsdetails.asp?id=1681 12/03/2008
Energy in your Organisation - Training in Simple and Cost Effective Ways to Reduce your Organisation's Carbon Footprint
As part of the National Energy Foundation's (NEF's) comprehensive and on-going training programme we are holding a training day, Energy in your Organisation on February th to look at simple and cost effective ways to reduce an organisation's carbon footprint. http://www.greenenergy.org.uk/sta/news/articles.asp?id=1675 25/01/2008
Solar thermal expects growth push from EU Directive
The solar thermal sector welcomes the renewables Directive proposal published by the European Commission, today. For the first time, renewable heating and cooling will be fully integrated into EU legislation. ESTIF welcomes particularly the obligation for new and refurbished buildings, from which solar thermal will benefit. Member States are called to improve the framework for solar thermal now, without waiting for the adoption of the Directive. http://www.estif.org/fileadmin/downloads/press/ESTIF_pr_080123.pdf 23/01/2008
Low carbon work boosted by £80m
A new £80m programme of European funding to support low carbon economic growth in the East of England over the next seven years has been announced.
The funding aims to improve business productivity and the ability of companies to respond to the economic challenges of climate change.
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is to manage the new funds.
The European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness scheme has been approved by the European Commission. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7159542.stm 26/12/2007
Disclaimer: STA doesn't endorse nor refute any opinions expressed in the articles linked to other websites.
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