- Local residents visit the PV showhome (courtesy of Phil!)
A community working group has been formed to look at how our energy needs can be developed to meet the challenges of climate change and increasing oil prices.
For more details contact Tim via energy@transitionchepstow.org.uk
Solar Panels (Photovoltaic)
Due to Government changes to the financial incentives (Feed in Tariffs – FiTs) the case for investing in photovoltaic (PV) panels is substantially reduced from 12 December 2011. The high take up prior to this date enabled the Energy Group to hit its target of 50 local PV installations early (13 November 2011) though it is acknowledged that not all these installations had direct Energy Group involvement. Map of local PV installations
The new FiTs are thought likely to still deliver an attractive/effective return on investment of about 6% to 8% but payback periods on invested cash will increase substantially compared to the period 2010 to 2011. Given that these returns are tax free, RPI index linked, give investors much more control over their spiralling energy costs, technology developments will continue to improve matters, and ‘green’ contributions help towards countering Climate Change – many will continue to see PV as a worthwhile investment.
The Energy Group will continue to encourage the adoption of PV since we are convinced that it has a key part to play going forward and we will happily support any seeking assistance & guidance on the subject via our website and our very knowledgeable members.
Click Here for a case study on a local solar PV and air source heat pump installation.
For more information about PV including the key variables that could influence your potential PV application look at the following guides;
Is your property suitable for PV electricity generation?
Estimating solar PV energy production and costs
An introduction to ‘feed in tariffs’
Approved products and installers
What are alternative approaches are there?
The main benefit of understanding the key variables before inviting potential installers to give quotes is that you can become an ‘informed purchaser’ and better understand what is being quoted for and what is excluded.
For help with clarification about technical issues or to seek other guidance email pv@transitionchepstow.org.uk and we will endeavour to assist you.
Household Energy Monitors for Free Loan to Local Residents!
Courtesy of South Wales Energy Advice Centre, Transition Chepstow Energy Group now has 10 household energy monitors to loan to the community.
Help save money on your electricity bills and cut you carbon footprint with these small, simple to install devices!
For more information or to borrow an energy meter, contact Tim at; energy@transitionchepstow.org.uk
January 2010 - Chepstow’s bid for Low Carbon Community prize
In December 2009, Transition Chepstow worked in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council and South East Wales Energy Advice Centre in a £500,000 Low Carbon Communities bid.
The bid included green energy generation and energy saving measures at the Leisure Centre, Bulwark Community Centre and Thornwell Football Club together with other exciting ideas that are still being finalised!
Unfortunately, on this occassion the Chepstow bid was unsuccessful. However, the partnership plans to look for other funding opportinities for these ideas.
For more information contact Tim via energy@transitionchepstow.org.uk
Chepstow To Be UK’s Most Insulated Town
Chepstow will shortly be the UK’s most insulated town saving residents £100’s off their heating bills. Every household in the town is being visited by members of the Transition Chepstow initiative to discuss the benefits of loft and cavity wall insulation and to encourage residents to insulate their homes. In Transition Chepstow’s last phase of promoting insulation the take up rate increased insulation by 92% in the Garden City area. These visits will be replicated throughout Chepstow in the coming months with the aim of making Chepstow the UK’s most insulated town.
Tim Melville, Transition Chepstow’s Energy Group co-ordinator noted that ‘It’s really a question of why we can’t afford not to insulate our homes to counter rising fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions. An average household heating bill could hit £1,200 this year and conserving energy is the easiest way to keep bills down.’
Without sufficient loft insulation the average house you can loose up to £1 in every £4 spent on bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST) there are still up to 1.5 million UK homes with no loft insulation and almost 13 million with too little – that’s 1 in 2 homes with no or too little loft insulation. The EST advises that insulating your loft to the correct thickness of 270mm could actually make a saving of up to 15% off your heating costs, which for the typical household could be as much as £155 (£180 based on £1,200) a year.
To insulate your loft, if you are over 60 or are in receipt of qualifying benefits2 insulation is its free. For all others loft insulation is heavily subsidized and costs £2001 for a typical 3 bed semi – saving the cost of insulation in just over a year and saving energy costs every year. Cavity wall insulation is also free for the over 60’s and those on qualifying benefits2 and costs £2001 with an average saving of £1001 per year.
If you want information on insulating your home or to take advantage of the free or grant aided offers just call the South East Wales Energy Advice Centre free on (0800) 622 6110. The Centre is managing the scheme on behalf of Monmouthshire County Council. 1 Costs/savings for a typical 3 bed semi
2 Qualifying benefits for free installation: Income support; Housing Benefit; Council Tax Benefit; Income Based Jobseekers Allowance; Attendance Allowance; Disabled Living Allowance; Disablement Pension (which must include constant attendance allowance); War Disablement Pension (which must include the mobility supplement or constant attendance allowance); State Pension Credit; Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (where household income is less than £15,592; all households where one or more members is 70+.
