Celtic Green Energy reveals the benefits of Solar power.
In 2022, the Ukraine war caused an unprecedented energy crisis highlighting the UK’s dependence on Russian oil and gas that exposed our vulnerability to fuel security. Fuel prices rocketed, businesses folded and families were plunged into a cost of living crisis. The cost of fuel impacted on transport, raising food, heating, motoring and consumer goods prices. The general public became energy anxious and the Government had to step in to try to help the most vulnerable with new energy and fuel campaigns. This vulnerability to energy security prompted the Government into spearheading home grown renewable energy solutions with the extended development of windfarms, nuclear and solar. Advancements in technology and falling equipment prices has suddenly made solar power systems more affordable and increasingly attractive to consumers.
Renewable energy systems are widely seen as the way forward for a greener economy, lowering the impact on the environment, lowering carbon and reducing costs. A number of affordable solutions are now available to the general public and businesses that can help in the quest for climate change and energy efficiency. One example is where the Government is keen to promote the sale of electric vehicles to meet strict G4 net zero carbon goals, however with this interest, widespread confusion and anxiety follows. Never before terminology such as ‘range anxiety’ and ‘charge-point anxiety’ are appearing with the growth in electric vehicles and a weak infrastructure.
Fuel poverty within a poor housing stock is raising environmental concerns and the Government has addressed this issue with the availability of renewable energy solutions to the less fortunate on benefit or low income through the ECO4 grant scheme. This however has caused a ripple effect of scurrilous opportunists trading off FREE solar claims to all, when in fact, all but a few are actually entitled to the scheme. Even when those who are fortunate to qualify, find that the installation teams are shipped in from far away and leave with little or no support for the householder. When systems fail, they are left with little or no aftercare and are left facing a costly ‘white elephant’. Fortunately the industry regulator MCS Certification has strict guidelines for the Solar Power installation service and consumers are advised to check out their website for approved and registered suppliers.
Understanding the needs of the consumer and offering a strict code of conduct is essential for a reputable installer. West Wales based Celtic Green Energy has an enviable reputation serving the region for the last decade with renewable energy solutions for domestic, business and farming sectors. “We have people from all walks of life approach us with their energy concerns” quotes Sales Director Stuart Jupp. “What’s reassuring about my job is that I can give them genuine help to secure their future, their energy bills and relieve their anxieties. Anyone who uses electricity has potential to use solar power, although some properties may be ineligible due to prevailing conditions such as a ground floor flat!”
For the uninitiated, a solar power scheme is an installed system that includes a series of large flat photovoltaic panels that are placed on a southward facing roof that captures the suns rays – even on a cloudy day. The rays stimulate the photovoltaic cells to generate electricity that is then processed through an inverter ready to be fed into the property for use. Any surplus electricity is fed back to the national grid generating a small income, but it is now recommended that batteries are fitted to capture this latent energy and reuse at night.
As every property is different and every consumer has varying energy use, every solar panel system is tailored to the individual’s needs. A good starting point to specify the ideal scheme is based on a properties existing energy consumption where a system will be designed to match those needs. A Solar Surveyor will visit the site to identify the location, its constraints and discuss with the customer their objectives. A detailed quote and energy performance projection will be offered to the customer that will help their decision process. Most business installations will pay back their investment within 2 years, whilst domestic schemes will pay back the investment within 4 to 5 years – based on the prevailing energy costs.
The main use of energy during the winter months is to provide heat, whether that is gas, coal, oil or electric. The fossil fuels are on the Government’s hit list to reduce carbon emissions, so is keen to encourage the sale of Air Source Heat Pumps which are three times more energy efficient than other heat sources. These are large fan assisted units that sit outside the property and reverse condense cold air into heat (the opposite action of a refrigerator). The Air Source Haet Pump will then provide sufficient heat to power a conventional central heating system, but given the nature of the beast, operates slightly differently to the traditional method of a gas or oil system. As these require electricity to power them, they do consume energy 24/7 – however, with a solar power system, they can undertake this free of charge during the daytime and if a solar battery system is installed, can run free at night too.
Solar power is seen as the great saviour for many as it offers a perfect solution for the nation, businesses and the private individuals. With it’s green credentials, Solar is an ideal gateway product that provides power for many energy intensive applications such as heating, refrigeration and charging that ultimately helps reduce carbon, the environment and cut costs. The last year has seen a dramatic rise in the sales of electric vehicles, and a subsequent rise in the installation of home EV charging points. Add a solar system with solar batteries to the equation, and consumers will be able to charge their cars for free and dramatically cut the cost of their motoring.
Solar Batteries are now seen as the key essential accessory for any Solar power system as they help maintain provision of energy after dark. With advancements in technology falling off the back of the electric vehicle industry, there is now a wide variety of choice for batteries offering various degrees of performance, durability, cost, longevity and warranty. Any reputable installer will be able to advise the virtues of the right battery for the individual that best suits their lifestyle demands and budget.
Sum up…
Next time you awake to a fresh morning cuppa and look out to a sunny day, remember that sunshine could be providing you with free electricity to power your kettle – as well as your washing machine, cooker, television, charging your electric car and lots, lots more! The possibilities for solar power are endless, so if you are concerned about your rising energy costs and want to do something about it, make your next step be a phone call to Celtic Green Energy who will be able to advise you on the best way forward. You can call their energy help line 01269 500388 or learn more and visit their website at www.celticgreenenergy.co.uk
Here’s to brighter tomorrows and sunnier savings!
