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As renewable energy installers and as part of our ISO 14001 management system objective, we have taken several measures to reduce our carbon footprint and become ‘greener’. For example, we have installed solar PV and thermal at our Glasgow office.

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTqIOGaYDQE)

Issues facing installers of microrenewable products

#microrenewable

10 facts you might not know about solar PV | Campbell & Kennedy

Although the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has become more common place these days, the background of this technology is still unknown to many.

Here are ten facts which you may not have known about solar PV:

Although solar PV has become more popular in the last few years, the technology has been around since as far back as 1883, when the first photovoltaic cell was built by Charles Fritt, although it only had 1% efficiency.

The modern photovoltaic cell was developed in the 1950’s, when Bell Laboratories created the first efficient photovoltaic cell.

The first use of the photovoltaic cells were in toys and other minor uses.

One of the early adopters of solar technology was the space industry, who used it to provide power aboard their spacecrafts.

Solar photovoltaic comes from the Greek phōs meaning "light" and "voltaic" from the name of the Italian physicist Volta, after whom the electric volt is named.

Solar energy is the most abundant energy resource on the planet, with up to 173,000 terawatts of solar energy striking the Earth at any one time, which is more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy use.

Solar PV cells are usually made from layers of silicon, which create an electric field across the cell when light shines on it due to silicon’s semi-conductor qualities.

The biggest solar energy project in the world is located in California’s Mojave Desert, where 350,000 mirrors will reflect light into boilers, causing the water within them to boil. The steam from the boiling water will turn a turbine, creating electricity .This will provide clean, renewable energy for 140,000 homes.

Solar energy produced through solar PV or solar thermal technology emits far less greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.

Solar PV and Thermal installations continue to become more and more popular as prices for systems have significantly decreased over the last few years.

Campbell & Kennedy are approved MCS solar installers, with vast experience in carrying out installation, commissioning, MCS certification and FIT registration of Solar PV systems. Campbell & Kennedy manage the whole process from feasibility study, design, installation and commissioning to customer liaison.

For more information please contact [email protected] or call 0141 435 7774.

- Source: C&K Website

Potential impacts of Scottish independence on Solar PV installations

In six months’ time, Scottish residents will vote in the independence referendum, and the outcome of this referendum will have a significant impact on the continued development of Solar PV and other forms of renewable energy in Scotland.

Potential ramifications from Scottish Independence

The Better Together camp argue that Scottish Independence would halt the growth of green power in Scotland, with Labour’s shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint stating that one third of total British investment in renewable energy comes to Scotland, while Scottish consumers contribute less than one-tenth of the cost of support for clean energy.

That financial support would be set to rise sharply this decade from a current £2bn a year to nearly £8bn a year by 2020, when the current system of Renewables Obligation Certificates and feed-in tariffs is largely replaced by a new system of “contracts for difference”.

By becoming independent, any companies who were looking to invest in the renewable energy sector in Scotland would not be able access the subsidies which are currently offered to them from the UK government, such as feed-in tariffs. The independent Scottish government would have to develop their own renewable policies and subsidies for renewable investment, and during the development of these policies potential investors would be put off from investing in Scotland.

Another uncertainty would be the possibility of increased energy bills for Scottish consumers in order to subsidise the disproportionately high number of turbines in Scotland compared to other areas of the UK, which the independent government would need to pay for and would therefore be added to consumer’s bills.

In addition, the Energy Secretary Ed Davey has warned that there would be no obligation for Westminster to continue to buy Scottish-generated power, with competition from other markets such as Ireland, France and the Netherlands.

Potential opportunities from Scottish Independence

However, there are also arguments from those who support an independent Scotland that Scotland is currently in a much stronger position with regards to capacity margin compared to south of the border, which would mean that the energy market in the UK would continue to rely on the importation of substantial quantities of electricity from Scotland.

Scotland is already a net exporter of electricity, with huge recent growth in the deployment of renewable generation, and without Scottish generation and Scottish renewable energy, the spare capacity margin across the GB grid would already be in negative figures.

Following independence, Scottish renewable energy will continue to represent the most cost-effective means for the rest of the UK to meet its renewable ambitions.

Between January 2010 and April 2013 the renewable energy industry announced £13.1 billion of investment with an associated 9,100 jobs. The Scottish Government has committed to continuing increasing capacity in Scotland, as they state that without the use of windfarms, Scottish customers will face higher bills by up to £166 per year within a decade.

The independent Scottish Government has proposed plans to establish an Energy Partnership with the Westminster Government to ensuring that the two governments jointly steer the approach to the energy market and also that Scotland's long-term interests are better served.

Through this partnership, it is proposed that the Scottish Government can ensure that new investment in Scottish generation is not compromised by any decisions taken by the Westminster Government, such as their proposals to overhaul the structure of the electricity market.

In addition, the proposed nuclear stations which Westminster have granted permission for will significantly increase energy prices for consumers, but an independent Scotland would not have to subsidise these nuclear plants, which would mean that Scottish consumers would not have to pay these increased prices.

In order to provide the best solution to future energy generation in independent Scotland, it has been proposed that Scotland would continue to participate in the GB-wide market for electricity and gas, reflecting the integrated transmission networks between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

This would mean that Scotland would continue to provide safe and secure supplies of electricity and gas, as well as helping the rest of the UK to meet its renewable energy targets. This is also in line with the trend for increasing integration of energy markets across Europe.

An independent Scottish electricity system could also be designed to suit renewable electricity rather than conventional centralised power generation, such as ending the priority to Feed-in Tariffs given to the big energy companies over independent generators. This would also help the growing community renewable energy sector.

Effect on Solar PV

From the information discussed thus far, it is clear that there is a great deal of uncertainty on renewable energy in an Independent Scotland with regards to continuing to receive subsidies.

Both commercial and domestic installations of solar photo-voltaic (PV) system currently receive Feed-In Tariff (FiTs). FiTs have replaced government grants as the main financial incentive to encourage uptake of renewable electricity generating technologies, to help meet the target of 15% of total energy from renewables by 2020. FiTs can be generated from most domestic technologies in all sizes up to 5 megawatts, including solar PV and wind turbines

However, as previously mentioned, solar PV installations in an independent Scotland would no longer receive these Feed-In Tariffs from Westminster, and it would be therefore be required by the Scottish Government to establish a new form of green energy subsidies.

For more information please contact [email protected] or call 0141 435 7774.

Source: Campbell & Kennedy Blog

#solar #indepedencereferendum

Electrical safety in the workplace

In one of our previous blogs, we discussed the importance of electrical safety at home. However, it is equally important to take precautions in the workplace, with over 1,000 accidents at work involving electric shocks or burns reported to the HSE each year, including around 30 fatalities.

Shocks from faulty equipment can inflict severe and permanent injury and can also lead to indirect injuries because of falls from ladders, scaffolds, or other work platforms.

Faulty electrical appliances can also lead to fires. In addition to causing injuries and loss of life, fires will cause damage to plant, equipment and property.

The following are some basic steps which all companies should take to ensure electrical safety in the workplace:

Ensure all electrical systems are installed to BS7671 Requirement for Electrical Installations

Make sure any electrical equipment is suitable for the environment in which it will be used

Appoint a qualified electrical contracting company to carry out regular testing maintenance on electrical installations and equipment to keep them in good working order

Avoid using adaptors and overloading socket-outlets

Ensure that power cutoff switches are easily accessible and identifiable for fixed machinery

Put protection in place for light bulbs and other easily damaged equipment, which can cause electric shock if broken

Ensure cable ends always have their outer sheaths firmly clamped to stop wires working loose from plugs or inside equipment

NEVER repair damaged cable with table – completely replace the damaged sections

Campbell & Kennedy are experienced electrical contractors, with fully qualified electrical engineers who are trained to the latest industry standards. C&K can manage full electrical contracts including fire alarms, door access, CCTV, emergency lighting, lighting controls, street lighting, disabled refuge systems and more.

For more information on our electrical contracting services, please contact [email protected] or call 0141 435 7774.

#Electrical Contracting

How to get the most from your solar panels

Now you have taken the decision to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on your property, it is important to ensure that you maximise their usage in order to gain the most benefits from your system.

The following are some of the ways which can maximise the potential of your solar PV system:

Cut your exports

You should try to use as much of your power as possibly during the day when the solar panels are creating electricity. This can be achieved through using timers for appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, as well as carrying out tasks such as ironing and charging devices likes mobiles and laptops during the day. Any surplus energy you generate is sold back to the National Grid, for which you will receive a Feed-In Tariff from the Government.

Reduce your usage

By reducing your overall energy usage, you will reduce your energy bills which occur when you have to buy electricity from your electricity company. A standard solar PV system can produce up to 75% of your annual electricity, so by reducing your energy usage your system will be more likely to provide all of the energy you need.

Install an export meter

If you are receiving Feed-In Tariffs from the government, it will be assumed that you are exporting around 50% of power generated from your solar system. If you believe you are exporting more than this, you can install an export meter which will ensure that you will get paid for every KW you feed into the grid.

Use electrical storage heaters

Solar PV can be used to fill any electrical storage heaters you may have in your property, which can help you to save money by reducing your heating energy bills. The heat can then be released whenever you need it.

Use storage batteries

Another way of maximising your solar PV system is by investing in storage batteries, which allow you to store surplus solar electricity and then use it at night or on sun-free days. This reduces your reliance on traditional power suppliers, however these batteries can be costly and need replaced every five to ten years.

For more information please contact [email protected] or call 0141 435 7774.

Source: Campbell & Kennedy blog

#solar pv

A Summary Guide to Feed-In Tariffs - Campbell & Kennedy

Ofgem have recently published the latest set of Feed-In Tariff rates, which are valid from 1st April to 1st July 2014 and apply to a wide range of renewable energy technologies.

An overview of Feed-In Tariffs

Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) are part of a scheme which pays people for creating their own “green electricity”. FITs have replaced government grants as the main financial incentive to encourage uptake of renewable electricity generating technologies, to help meet the target of 15% of total energy from renewables by 2020. FITs can be generated from most domestic technologies in all sizes up to 5 megawatts, including solar photo-voltaics (PV) and wind turbines.

How FIT’s work

For most people, solar PV is the most feasible option to generate green energy. The following is an overview of how FITs work with solar panels:

Electricity is created by solar panels and your electricity suppliers pays you each unit of electricity you generate

You can use the electricity you generate, meaning you don’t have to import from the grid

You export electricity back to the grid when you don’t use it and you're paid an export tariff

You can import electricity from the grid when you need additional power

Financial Benefits

The financial benefits from FITs are:

A payment for all the electricity you produce, even if you use it yourself

Additional bonus payments for electricity you export into the grid

A reduction on your standard electricity bill, from using energy you produce yourself

FITs can be received by anyone, including households, landlords, businesses and even organisations such as schools and care homes.

FIT payments

The UK Government's Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) makes the key decisions on FITs in terms of government policy. The energy regulator Ofgem administers the scheme.

The FITs are revised every 3 months, and has a lifetime of 20 years. Once you are receiving Feed-In Tariffs, the rate you get will increase in line with inflation in accordance with the Retail Price Index (RPI).

To view the latest FiT prices, please visit our article on FiTs at http://www.campbellkennedy.co.uk/index.php/blog/blog/item/229-a-summary-guide-to-feed-in-tariffs-fits.html

Your energy supplier will make the FITs payments to you. The large energy suppliers are required by law to provide them; smaller suppliers are not, but many have opted to offer them anyway.

Eligibility

For you to qualify for FITs, the installer and the products you use must both be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

Campbell & Kennedy are approved MCS installers, with vast experience in carrying out installation, commissioning, MCS certification and FIT registration of Solar PV systems.

Campbell & Kennedy manage the whole process from feasibility study, design, installation and commissioning to customer liaison.

For more information please contact [email protected] or call 0141 435 7774.

#solar pv #feed-in tariffs

10 posts!

#10 posts #tumblr milestone

The government is set to extend Primary Authority to fire safety from next April as part of efforts to relieve burdens on business through guaranteeing that regulation is enforced efficiently.

#fire safety

Retrofit of Solar PV Panels

What does Retrofit mean?

Retrofitting or Retrofitting is the addition of a new technology to an older system or property. With regards to Solar PV, this involves the installation of energy efficient technology onto an existing building.

Increasing the energy efficiency of existing buildings is an important topic. Measures which are available to new build developers such as increased wall and floor insulation, highly efficient energy saving windows and high levels of air-tightness can be prohibitively expensive or disruptive when applied to existing infrastructure.

Therefore homeowners and Housing Associations are looking to renewable energy solutions which can aid in the reduction of fuel costs and help to achieve environmental targets.

Solar energy is an ideal solution for offering significant improvement in energy efficiency.

Before carrying out retrofit

Before embarking on your retrofit project it is essential to have the installation site assessed by an experienced installer to ensure the suitably of the area for the solar panels.

The following checks should be carried out prior to installation:

Check for any broken or corroded roof fittings which may allow materials to fall through when weight is applied.

Examine the roof edge to check it offers protection to prevent tools/materials/manpower from falling

Establish if there is a presence of asbestos or any other hazardous contaminates which will need specialised removal

Ascertain if the roof supports and rafters are in a suitable condition to support the extra weight from the installation

Check for any evidence of damp or corrosion which may indicate an underlying problem and jeopardise the safe construction of the Solar System

Be aware of any potential dangers caused by power lines or any other electrical equipment on or immediately adjoining the installation site.

Using an experienced installer for retrofit

It is important to ensure that you use a highly skilled and experienced installation company when carrying out a retrofit of Solar PV who will provide the full installation package, from site appraisal to system certification. Campbell & Kennedy have completed some of the largest solar PV and LED Lighting installations for social housing clients and homes throughout the UK.

In addition, the company has three other divisions and provides electrical contracting and fire protection equipment installations as well as their traditional aerial and satellite TV installation services. For more information please contact us at [email protected] or phone 0141 435 7774.

#Solar #retrofit

Great video on renewable energy technologies - a case study featuring solar and microwind (by theenergysavingtrust)

Campbell & Kennedy shortlisted for two awards at the upcoming prestigious SELECT Electrotechnical Awards 2013

#SELECT #Electrical Contracting

The rollout of EE’s 4G network is continuing across the UK, with more than 60% of the country now covered by 4G.

Here at Campbell & Kennedy we have already received reports of complaints from residents about disturbance to television signals due to interference from 4G. Therefore we strongly recommend that you take pro-active action to prevent an influx of calls from residents regarding their television signals.

at800 (the organisation funded by the UK mobile operators to provide corrective support for households whose Freeview services could be affected by the deployment of 4G) have already advised that they will distribute filters to properties to overcome any interference caused. However, for those in communal buildings, they will only receive the filter if their building is registered.

Our team of engineers are fully trained and prepared to deal with any problems caused by 4G. We can register your buildings on your behalf and install all the required filters to the launch amplifier on each communal system. Our customer service team have also been fully trained to deal with calls relating to 4G interference.

- See more at: http://www.campbellkennedy.co.uk/blog/blog/item/152-4g-rollout-continues.html#sthash.iJP6w19M.dpuf

Campbell & Kennedy has established a new company vision to better reflect the goals and direction of the business

#electrical contracting #solar #technology

C&K resolve television signal issues through SCS upgrade

Client:

Speirs Gumley, one of Scotland’s leading property managers and letting agents, selected Campbell & Kennedy to remedy a problem which had arisen in a block of 31 flats at Montrose Street, Glasgow.

Due to recent construction of a new 9 storey building behind the existing flats, residents were left without a television signal, as the signal to the existing MATV aerial system in the building was blocked.

Strategy:

After reviewing the case details, Campbell & Kennedy came up with a solution to design, supply and install a shared system in the building using a Single Cable System (SCS).

This system allowed Speirs Gumley to provide the residents with access to a variety of HD, 3D, Digital Television and Digital Radio channels, all from one satellite dish. The system also reduced the need for drilling, stripping, re-cabling or impact to the building.

Once designs were approved, the fully qualified team were on site the following day to install connections, carry out wall plate upgrades, and begin installation of the receiver boxes.

Result:

The successful installation of the SCS resulted in new Sky subscribers, as well as new FreeSat connections. This ensured that residents now had access to a high quality TV service, with both the client and the residents pleased with the helpful and efficient service from Campbell & Kennedy.

For further information please call us on 0141 435 7774, email [email protected] or visit www.campbellkennedy.co.uk

The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) has welcomed recommendation that private sector landlords be required to undertake a mandatory five-yearly check of electrical installations in their properties

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