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14
May
2012
Stress the fiscal benefits of solar panels
With the solar industry floundering slightly, electrical contractors should stress the fiscal benefits for consumers that install solar panels. Recently, demand for sustainable technology has dropped off because of the reduction in the Feed-in Tariff subsidy. However, energy efficiency is still a major concern for the British public, as fuel costs remain high compared with years gone by and other nations. Mike Shufflebotham, sales manager at Green Building Store, stated: "It is...
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11
May
2012
Is the solar sector in need of rejuvenation?
With the announcement that solar panel installations have fallen by 90 per cent since the Feed-in Tariff subsidy was reduced, it has become apparent that the solar sector is in need of regeneration. While the government claimed that the reduction of subsidies was to end the "solar booms" and busts of the past and bring more stability to the sector, there has been a drop in demand since the changes came into effect. Consumer verve for the installations has dropped off, with many...
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03
May
2012
Has consumer interest dampened for solar?
More and more electrical contractors are now branching off into solar technology, in a bid to grow their services and join the eco trend. There are many benefits to be had by offering solar panel installation, as it can boost company reputation and tap into new markets. However, some are reluctant to take make the transition, as there is a fear that the reduction to the Feed-in Tariff scheme has dampened enthusiasm for solar panels among consumers. Ellie Tenant, interiors journalist,...
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25
Apr
2012
Manchester renewable sector boosted by solar schemes
Electrical contractors working in Manchester's the renewable energy sector have experienced a boost of late, thanks to solar schemes. More than 9,400 people are now employed across 611 companies in the renewable sector in the north west, Manchester Media reported. What's more, in the region there is a turnover of £1.2 billion across the sustainable energy sector. The Renewable Energy Association claimed to the news provider that the positive outlook is thanks to a series of...
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20
Apr
2012
Don't hide your business' green credentials
With the government consistently encouraging companies to adopt green practices and low-carbon technologies, a business' eco credentials are becoming an integral part of their success. For electrical contractors, showing that they work within green guidelines, use low-carbon vehicles and support sustainable technology, such as solar panels, can be an excellent string to add to their bow. Consequently, when approaching marketing strategies and unique selling points, companies should not...
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19
Apr
2012
Is there a new market for solar?
Electrical contractors that work in the solar sector will no doubt have been trying to renew interest in the technology since the end of the court battle over the Feed-in Tariff. Key to this is finding new markets and businesses may be in luck, as it seems that farmers are getting on board the solar bandwagon. One such farmer is Edward Davies, who has installed one of the largest solar panel operations in Shropshire, the Shropshire Star reported. As part of the £1.2 million project,...
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16
Apr
2012
Solar sector experiences fall in demand
Despite the fact that the uncertainty created by the Feed-in Tariff controversy has come to end, there seems to be more bad news for the solar sector. The number of new solar installations in the UK has dropped from 8,802 in the last week of March to 430 in the first week of April, new figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, reported by Building.co.uk, have shown. A fall of 95 per cent, the news follows the announcement that it is now compulsory for buildings in the UK to...
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12
Apr
2012
FMB: Building rule proposals are impractical
New building proposals to get people to make eco improvements are impractical and could backfire on the government, according to one industry expert. Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), claims that trying to get consumers to spend money they don't have on home renovations is counterproductive and will not have the support of the people. "There is an urgent need to improve the energy efficiency of our existing homes but people should be...
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11
Apr
2012
New phase of home energy efficiency programme
A new phase of the government's home energy efficiency programme has been announced to help the poorest members of society. Some £540 million will be used as a part of the Green Deal to help those most vulnerable in Briton manage rising energy costs. Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg made the announcement yesterday and has called on energy companies to provide an estimated £1.3 billion a year for the scheme. "It is shameful that the UK still has so many families unable...
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11
Apr
2012
Don't forget about your carbon footprint
While many electrical contractors are now in the business of helping Britons reduce their energy consumption, it is important that they don't forget their own carbon footprint in the process. It is essential that businesses try to select the most carbon efficient vehicles possible, to lower not only emissions but fuel costs. This is particularly important following the 2012 Budget, in which chancellor George Osborne announced that the government will go ahead with the planned hike in...
