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“It is vital for the credibility of the renewable heat industry that installers are supported with appropriate guidance, training and standards. This is especially true because metering is mandatory for commercial renewable heat projects to qualify under the RHI.” The research, which surveyed 100 MCS certified heating engineers, also suggests apprehension in the industry, with 72% of heat engineers saying they find the current RHI heat meter regulations confusing to some degree. The same study also found that 69% of certified heat engineers have not had any training on the installation of heat meters for renewable applications.
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alone, 44% of the installers have been called back to address problems with heat meters on renewable technologies and, on average, they have had to return to a single customer site four times in a 12 month period to correct installations. The maximum was 20 visits to a single household. “There has been a massive amount of growth over the last two years, which has resulted in the growing number of installers that need training,” says Bernard McWeeney, Water and Heat Manager at Itron. “The skills shortages we have seen in the report are surprising given that DECC has invested in training and has engaged a lot of people as a result.
The UK solar PV market is expected to see strong growth this year
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The majority of people (55%) have heard of the Government’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, and 54% said that they were aware of the Green Deal finance scheme. Mintel’s research also shows that the PV market, in terms of installed capacity, is expected to show strong growth in 2015 at more than 30% to reach 7.1 GW. This is partly driven by buoyant large-scale ground-
mounted PV installations during the first quarter, before policy changes take effect in April. Growth is anticipated to be sustained in the following three years, albeit at slightly more moderate levels. Total installed solar PV capacity is anticipated to reach almost 11 GW in 2018. The results of the study have been welcomed by many solar panel suppliers, including renewable specialist Rexel UK. Brian Smithers, the company’s Development Director, comments: “The survey further substantiates the position that we have long taken regarding the continuing growth of the solar energy market. The reality is that with energy prices on the up and the fuel poverty crisis escalating, our current approach to energy isn’t sustainable and we must take action today. Solar PV is integral to this, providing an affordable, effective energy alternative and security from further changes.” For more news about the latest developments in solar technology, please see this month’s feature that starts on page 53.
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New research from Mintel has found that as many as 60% of UK consumers who do not currently have solar panels installed on the roof of their home would consider having them installed in the next five years. Free solar panels installed through a ‘renta-roof’ scheme are proving to be the most popular option, with as many as four in ten (39%) saying they would look at the option. The majority of homeowners who have already had panels installed (69%) say that they have paid for the panels and installation themselves, while 22% have opted for free panels through a ‘rent-a-roof’ scheme. The remaining consumers who would consider solar panels would finance them by personally purchasing solar panels (23%) or using Green Deal finance (26%). The key reasons for people not considering having solar panels installed include: they believe their roof is not suited (30%), concern about replacement or maintenance costs (29%) and that they do not plan to be in their current home long enough to benefit from the financial savings they offer (24%).
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A new survey from market researchers Mintel suggests that an increasing number of UK consumers would like to have solar panels on their home, with ‘rent-a-roof’ schemes growing in popularity.
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Survey shows increasing demand for solar panels
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Volume 53 | Issue 5 | May 2015
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see page 51 FOR MORE DETAILS
Study reveals RHI heat meter confusion Keeping cool on the beach
Smart metering manufacturer Itron has announced new research which reveals that 72% of heating engineers have been called back to projects in the last three years to address problems with the installation of renewable heat meters. The research, ‘Understanding Renewable Heat Meter Installations’ was commissioned for the second consecutive year and shows a significant increase of engineers being called back to address installation problems. In addition, approximately 15% of RHI participants surveyed had one of their heat meter installations fail an RHI inspection. The study shows that in the last 12 months
Some reward schemes give you everything you don’t need.
Energy efficient fans from Polypipe Ventilation have been installed in a luxury beach resort in Antigua. The company’s Silavent Green Line 100mm axial fans have been specified by the luxury Blue Waters Resort where the Caribbean sea laps against the shore and guests are able to enjoy 17 acres of tropical gardens and secluded beach coves. Manufactured in the UK, the fans are being shipped over to Antigua and are being used in windowless bathrooms throughout the resort as part of an ongoing upgrade project.
Some reward schemes give you everything. The Plumbers’ Club means you can collect coins towards outstanding rewards and benefits like Love2shop vouchers and over 60 great experiences. Visit grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk for more information.
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