In the news, which is likely to delight European manufacturers of solar panel component parts, the European Commission has proposed a tariff of around 47% be imposed on the import of cheap solar panels, mostly streaming into the Eurozone from China.

Benefiting from China’s heavily state subsidised solar panel industry, EU manufacturers estimate Chinese control of the market stands at 80%, and measures must be put into place in order to protect the EU’s own manufacturing industry.

However, many solar installation firms remain wary that levying against imports will push component prices up, threatening the stability of the market place and putting pressure on firms who have used Chinese products in the past. A report by Swiss analysts Prognos estimates that any levies could cost the European solar industry upwards of 27billion euros.

Britain’s position is to continue lobbying against measures that it considers constitute protectionism and hurt the competitiveness of the solar panel market in the UK. The fear is that the UK will be the hardest hit of any EU member forced to consider new levies against imported component parts, with the costs of solar installation set to rise as a result. More than 80% of solar installed in the UK comes from China with domestic suppliers struggling to fill the shortfall.

The UK Solar Trade Association has already spoken out against moves that would restrict free trade and the growth of the solar market, with a particular area of concern being the effect on ground-mounted solar PV (Photo-Volatic) units.

So just what are the concerns to installation companies?

David Hulme, MD of Renewables 4 Business gave us his thoughts;

‘We made a commercial decision some time ago to only install solar panels manufactured by non-Chinese companies as we had concerns over product quality, longevity, warranties and their performance. Our decision has been vindicated by the recent issue, however the net effect has been a rise in product prices across the UK. When businesses install Solar PV systems, either roof or ground mounted, they want peace of mind to know the products of a very high quality and they’ll last for 25 years minimum so that’s what we help them to achieve.’

Renewables 4 Business are Commerical Solar PV specialists who also offer a wide range of additional energy saving systems for all your energy reduction or generation needs.

If you are interested in learning how Solar PV can be of benefit to your buisness, please contact Renewables 4 Business on 01925 764586.

Increasingly companies are setting public energy reduction goals as businesses better recognize the link between reduced energy consumption, cost savings and an improved bottom line as well as a lower company carbon footprint.

During this recession and with energy prices starting to rise, companies who do not have a formal energy reduction goal should establish one this year to take advantage of the benefits not fulfilled by an emissions reduction goal.

In the past five years, leading companies have set public carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction goals and reviewed and reported progress annually. The process of achieving these goals demonstrated to organisations the power of energy reduction.

A lighting upgrade project that was previously “deferred maintenance,” for instance, is now a project with strategic benefits and a strong financial payback.

Gary Brandwood, Commercial Business Manager at Renewables4Business said “Many leading companies have publicly set energy reduction goals. Establishing an energy reduction goal offers benefits that carbon reduction goals do not in today’s business climate. Energy reduction directly translates to money savings, which is easier to sell internally, especially to line managers and board members who are skeptical about climate change. Reduced energy use is straightforward to understand by many in the company. Instituting an energy reduction goal is straightforward but requires internal education and top level management support before making it a publicly stated goal.

Gary continued “Goals can be set as either as absolute or intensity targets. Investing the time to secure top level management support for a public energy reduction goal is well worth it. Energy visibility and accountability within most companies is diffuse and nonexistent. A publicly stated energy reduction target powerfully focuses the company to execute on the reduction opportunity. This public commitment galvanizes accountability, support and process improvements.

Energy reduction has broad, organisational support, fits in with the need for companies to be operationally lean during a recession, and reduces the company’s environmental impact. When announced and tracked publicly, corporate energy reduction goals save the company money, increase profits and ensure progress toward environmental objectives.

For an explanation of how you can take advantage of the new Energy Bill, please contact Gary Brandwood directly at Renewables4business on 01925 764586 .

With ever increasing burden from the Government to encourgae carbon reduction within buildings, it can be a daunting task to tackle the critical issue of managing your property assets sustainably.

The effect of sustainability on commercial property is a heavily debated topic, but is now seen by many surveyors and estate agents as a mainstream issue with the potential to influence property prices.

However excatly how it influences those prices, and by how much, remains to be determined in the UK. So far there is no quantifiable percentage figure which can be used in cases were building showcase sustainable features.

Stuart Thornhill, Partner at Jonathan Cornes Associates, Chartered Building Surveyors said; “It makes business sense for everyone involved in the building/construction industry to consider issues such as carbon emissions, supply efficiency, heat and energy on any commercial property. Sustainable buildings can help to cut utility bills and demonstrate a business’s commitment to sustainability. You can save money on building and operating costs of commercial buildings by improving resource efficiency and including equipment and technology that uses low quantities of energy and water.”

Building Regulations are increasingly focused on ensuring sustainable development. Any new builds or adaptations will need to comply with requirements controlling environmental issues such as energy efficiency.

The government is also introducing a number of measures that require businesses to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings. These include air conditioning system inspections and Energy Performance Certificates.

Property Aspects Magazine appreciates the contribution in writing this article, from Jonathan Cornes Associates

Gary Brandwood industry expert from Renewables4Business explains how you can light up your business in more ways than one.

Gary talked to Property Aspects Magazine about the reasons why LEDs should be the default choice for your lighting needs.

The technological advances in the development of LEDs have been fast and furious, with manufacturers competing to design suitable fittings for every application in the workplace and at home, while working to lower the retail price to a tipping point of mass consumer acceptance. Today, these goals have largely been met. Now LEDs offer a far more competitive solution with greater levels of sustainability, energy efficiency and performance.

LED light fittings are more cost-effective than their traditional counterparts, and specialty LEDs have become widely available for the different lighting applications in modern buildings. However, perhaps the greatest advantage is the energy savings which can be up to 80% producing a great return on investment with payback periods typically between 1 and 3 years.

Gary also provided a few tips to help you make sense of the many energy-efficient lighting solutions on the market today, and how to choose the best LED fitting for your lighting needs.

1. Buy quality fixtures from an expert supplier
2. Beware of the cheapest on the market
3. The new Lumens rating makes buying LED bulbs much simpler
4. LED bulbs contain no mercury
5. LEDs give instant light, and many LED bulbs are dimmable
6. LEDs won’t contribute to heat buildup in your building
7. Don’t let the retail price shock you – you’ll save much more on running costs

Gary commented: “The trend in lighting is moving towards more widespread adoption of LEDs for commercial as well as residential use. Today, builders of new homes are installing LED bulbs in many fixtures, and as LED bulb prices continue to go down, this trend is going to grow”.

Businesses are also widely adopting LED technolgy and retro-fitting their warehouses, factories and production plants both internally and externally. A little knowledge about these bulbs will help you get the best value for your money.

For more information about the new Energy Bill, please contact Gary Brandwood directly at Renewables4business on 01925 764586 .

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, has recently announced the new Energy Bill.

The Energy Bill had been the focus of an on-going debate between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats recently but Davey said “The decisions we’ve reached are true to the Coalition Agreement and we can have essential electricity market reforms up and running by 2014 as planned.”

If the reforms do indeed go ahead they will allow the government to meet the carbon reduction and renewable energy obligations, as well as supporting up to 250,000 jobs in the renewable energy industry. The changes will involve the creation of a Government company which will attempt to maintain confidence in low-carbon electricity projects, thus hoping to encourage investment.

Ed Davey also announced that market support for the low-carbon sector will begin at £7.6 billion – in line with current 2012 prices – a figure which is expected to rise to £9.8 billion in 2020, making solar power technologies a crucial element to meeting renewable-energy and carbon-reduction targets.

According to the British Photovoltaic Association, the government’s new Energy Bill “will help diversify our energy mix”. With sharp price hikes in the oil and gas markets – British Gas is to increase prices again in 2013, adding further to the average energy bill. Furthermore, it is expected that electricity from renewables will rise from the current level of 11% to 30% by 2020, and a significant part of this will be solar PV that creates clean electricity.

In November the government also officially opened the Green Investment Bank, a scheme which hopes to increase investment in renewable energies, including solar PV.

Gary Brandwood, Sales and Marketing Director at Renewables 4 Business said: “Renewable energy is increasingly powering U.K. businesses and the economy too. Knowing that the government’s fixed tariff ensures a minimum investment return will be a relief to those with solar PV systems, as oil and gas prices continue to rise indefinitely, causing energy insecurity and financial uncertainty for many people in the UK.”

For more information about the new Energy Bill, please contact Renewables 4 Business on 01925 764586 .

As a private, social or commercial landlord, you can supplement your rental income by installing a Solar PV system on your property or properties. This will generate a new 20 year guaranteed income stream through the Feed-In Tariff (FiT) scheme and also appealing free or low cost electricity for your tenants.

Gary Brandwood, Sales and Marketing Director at Renewables 4 Business said: “Landlords can make serious money from the light that hits their roofs, even if the property is empty!  This income stream could then help you to pay for vacant property business rates”

He Continued “An energy efficient premises is easier to find a tenant for and also keeps existing tenants happier, as tenants are likely to stay for longer and pay higher rents if energy bills are reduced.”  We estimate that you could achieve around an average 10% yield from the investment in solar PV each property rising each year in line with RPI – if you have a mortgage on the property, you could use the income to reduce long term mortgage debt.

Is Solar PV right for your properties?

• Solar PV is a well-established, low-risk technology, with very little maintenance required
• Installation is straight forward in most cases – with minimal disruption to your tenants or the property
• If you have limited roof space, you can also use disused land or outbuildings
• No planning permission is required for the majority of roof-top Solar PV systems; where planning is required, a service is available to support you
• Feed-in Tariff scheme offers income from both generation and export rates, meaning you get a regular income, and your tenants enjoy free or low-cost, low carbon electricity
• If roof areas are causing you an issue, combining a re-roof with solar PV will enable the whole project to pay for itself rather than it being just a substantial capital outlay
• Capital allowances may be available to you to reduce the effective cost of a system, providing elevated returns

Renewables4business are Solar PV specialists with professional roofers, they offer a wide range of solutions and systems for your entire property portfolio.

If you are interested in learning how Solar PV can be of benefit to your property, please contact Renewables 4 Business on 01925 764586 .

Controlling voltage is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce electricity use and cut carbon emissions.

Nearly all organisations pay for electricity they do not use because they do not control the voltage of the electricity that flows around their site.

Tighter control means more savings. Power wastage costs can be avoided and as electricity prices rise, every 1% of power savings will have a greater impact.

Voltage regulation reduces, controls and balances your supply voltages. Typically, this will deliver site savings of 5-17%, although savings of 20% or more are possible when applied exclusively to certain types of electrical load such as direct motors and traditional lighting.

In addition, lowering and controlling incoming voltage reduces maintenance requirements and extends the life of electrical equipment.

It can also help you avoid fines from not complying with the Carbon Reduction Commitment Act.

Gary Brandwood, Commercial Business Manager Reef Energy Solutions who are leading experts reducing energy costs in the NW, said: “Commercial voltage optimisation is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce electricity use, cut carbon emissions, reduce electrical breakdowns and increase the life of electrical equipment”.

He added: “we see many firms looking for ways to reduce their energy spend and not taking advantage of Voltage Optimisation as it’s not easily understood.

By doing this they could make a significant difference to their monthly energy bill each and every month with instant results and a very fast payback period”.

If you are interested in learning how Voltage Optimisation can be of benefit to your property, please contact Reef Energy Solutions on 0845 3032921.

Property Aspects Magazine is grateful to the assistance and knowledge provided by Reef Energy in helping us to compile this article.

The government has unveiled plans to exempt some of Britain’s biggest industries from charges for clean electricity.

The Energy Bill confirms that households will be expected to pay about £100 a year on average to get more power from nuclear and renewables.

But it looks as though energy intensive firms won’t have to pay the extra charges. It’s feared that if their energy bills rise too high, they’ll move manufacturing jobs abroad. The move may prove controversial with consumer groups.

We spoke with Gary Brandwood, Sales and Marketing Director at Renewables 4 business said: “The government has recognised that if you are trying to cut global emissions of carbon, it’s futile driving away firms to pollute somewhere else. But many households may wonder why they’re being forced to pay extra whilst big firms are not”.

Gary continued “Our aim is to enhance business premises and domestic homes by reducing the amount that is spent on their energy bills – something that everyone can connect with. The Green Deal is definitely building momentum and funding is also available from ECO for certain measures”.

The Bill confirms that households would provide £7.6bn of subsidy to nuclear and renewables by 2020 to keep the lights on and to meet targets on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

The government says the investment will shield the UK from volatile gas prices and force down costs in the long run.

But ministers have also announced that some of biggest industrial polluters in the UK – like steel and cement – may not be asked to pay extra. These global firms threaten to take their jobs elsewhere if power bills rise.

If you would like help and advice in order to cut your energy bills, contact Gary Brandwood direct at Renewables 4 Business on 01925 764586 .

Property Aspects Magazine appreciates the expertise provided by Reef Energy Solutions in publishing this article.

The construction of sustainable commercial property has been hindered by a severe lack of funding over recent years.

This is according to expert, Stuart Thornhill,from Jonathan Cornes Associates, Chartered Building Surveyors in the North West, who has outlined the various hurdles developers and planners must overcome to create a low-energy building that is attractive to tenants.

Jonathan Cornes, Partner at JCA, Chartered Building Surveyors said; “It is no surprise that you don’t hear up and down the country about major cities launching these kinds of programmes because there are some real dangers to be ironed out in terms of financing deals.”

Building eco-friendly property understandably requires significant financing and without the support of the government, private funding is currently the only way to raise capital.

Green commercial property has many attractions to tenants. Reduced utility bills and overheads mean business property can become more sustainable and workable for future generations.

“There also needs to be an increase in tenant demand for these green commercial development projects to be completed. The country faces a “real challenge” in making the country’s office space more environmentally-friendly. When tenants understand the benefits and are prepared to pay a premium for a retrofitted, highly energy-efficient building, that is when the market will move.”

Being energy efficient, or ‘greener,’ is considered ‘key’ for businesses in the 21st Century. Since the Green Deal has been introduced to encourage business to be resourceful with their energy, companies have been expected to join the trend of cost-effective and resourceful power usage, regardless of their signing up to the deal or not. It was also expected that power generation companies would reap the benefits from this trend.

However Salford-based power generation group Ener-G has recently moved its focus to overseas to help cut their losses. The group reported a pre-tax loss of £1.77m in the year to 31 March 2012, down from a £5.35m loss in 2011, while revenues dropped from £122.3m to £113m. Ener-G “designs, develops and finances energy efficient, sustainable and renewable solutions on a business-to-business basis globally,” and won a 3i Private Business of the Year award back in 2010.

While time is yet to tell whether the Green Deal is fulfilling its objective, confidence in its ability to help businesses and power-gen groups alike seems to be waning. In August 2012 it was announced there would be a further £7m loan to The Green Deal Finance Company to help ensure it is ready to offer finance to Green Deal Providers in early 2013, but Green Wise reported that the £700m insulation industry will contract by almost half unless the Government reforms its flagship energy efficiency scheme, causing a possible 16,000 job losses.

Ever since its announcement, there has been constant criticism of the coalition that they have been reluctant to launch the plan and been scaling back on their promises constantly.

Ener-G commented on their recent move, saying they had been laying foundations for accelerated growth in new international markets, including USA, Latin America and Eastern Europe. However they maintain their growth potential lies in pipeline projects overseas AND in the UK.

All that can safely be said is, it’s a difficult time for going green in the UK, power-gen company or otherwise.

Are you a power generation company working in the North West?

Are you struggling to survive in the UK market or are you thriving?

Or are you a small to medium sized business in the region trying to go green?

Either way, we’d like to help tell your story. Please contact us with your story via: info@m3publishing.co.uk