February 1st, 2010
 Access Renewables are pleased to receive the long-awaited results of the Feed-in tariff consultation held by the DECC which will become effective from the 1st April 2010 for Solar Photovoltaic installations.
The DECC has today confirmed that, under it’s Clean Energy Cashback Scheme, anyone who installs a solar PV system in the UK will be eligible to receive a set rate for each unit of energy that the system produces (kWh) plus an additional reward for any energy exported back to the National Grid.
All systems installed after 1st July 2009 will be eligible for the following rates:
- Solar PV – Under 4kw (retrofit) – 41.3p
- Solar PV – Under 4kw (new-build) – 36.1p
- Solar PV – 4-10kw – 36.1p
- Solar PV – 10kw – 100kw – 31.4p
- Solar PV – 100kw – 5mw – 29.3p
This means that for an average home installing 2kw of Solar PV onto their roof (at an assumed cost of £12,500) using a Microgeneration Certification Scheme-approved contractor would receive around £850 per year, plus reduce their energy bills by around £150.
The new scheme will be managed by OFGEM and will be administered through the customers current electricity provider. The rates are expected to be tax-free, and index-linked.
We are expecting this recent announcement to increase the demand for Solar PV systems in the UK, and so we are encouraging customers to contact us as soon as possible. On the 31st March 2010, the Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant scheme for homeowners will close, as the Clean Energy Cashback Scheme is to replace this. However, you can apply for the grant now (and have 3 months to install) and also benefit from the new scheme. Most homeowners will be eligible for a grant of £2000-£2500.
However, there is currently a shortage of Solar inverters and some solar modules across Europe, and the new scheme is likely to make the things worsen. So in order to meet the deadline for the grant, and to ensure you can have a system installed in time we really stress that you should contact us without delay.
As an expanding business involved in the supply and installation of Solar PV systems, Access Renewables are delighted to receive confirmation of the new rates and the commitment to the industry shown by DECC and the Government. This new package will provide the basis on which we can expand as a business - as levels of trade increase, so too will our company in terms of employees, abilities and strength. Sean Collier of Access Renewables comments: “The new figures seem fair and in-line with other EU countries. This should provide a real incentive to homeowners, businesses and other organisations to install systems for which they will be rewarded for financially, and not forgetting the non-financial rewards of creating green energy of their own. The expected increase in installations will enevitably result in more jobs in our business and the industry in general.”
Link to the DECC’s press release: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn10_010/pn10_010.aspx
Tags: clean energy cashback, Feed-in tariff, Solar PV
Posted in Funding, Industry, Solar Photovoltaics | No Comments »
January 5th, 2010
 £250 off selected systems We are pleased to announce a January Sale of our own on our three most popular Solar PV systems for homeowners. We already have some fantastic package prices available on the Mitsubishi 185w systems between 1.48kw and 2.22kw which we have publicised for the past 3 or 4 months now – however we are also offering a further £250 off these systems, which means you can now get the 8 panel Mitsubishi PV-TD185MF5 system, fully-installed for only £6,749.99 inclusive of VAT and a grant of £2500.
But you better hurry! You must make an enquiry to us by the end of January and also apply for grant funding from The Energy Saving Trust by 31st March 2010 – after this time the grant will no longer be available! Plus, you’ll benefit from the new feed-in tariff from April 2010 on all of our systems.
To see more information on these offers, click HERE to go straight to our special offer page. Remember this is only for domestic customers in England and Wales – if you are in Scotland the grant amount differs (and it’s actually better!).
Tags: january sale, Solar PV
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December 7th, 2009
Work has completed on the installation of solar photovoltaic systems into two Stockton schools as part of an educational programme.
 Electricity-producing solar panels have been installed into Ingleby Mill Primary School in Ingleby Barwick and Bader Primary School in Thornaby as part of a programme launched by npower and Stockton Borough Council.
The npower climate cops programme runs green-themed activities for schools across the UK, and provides grants for energy-efficiency projects which are designed to reduce the Carbon Dioxide production and energy costs at the schools. The programme engages pupils with important climate change issues.
The installer chosen by Stockton Borough Council and npower was Middlesbrough-based installer Access Renewables. Sean Collier from Access Renewables said “We were delighted to be part of the programme as installers and we fully support the npower Climate Cops programme as it highlights the importance of energy efficiency in schools. The systems we have installed will save both energy and money for the schools, whilst being a visible reminder to pupils, staff and visitors to the school.”
The systems have also been installed with a display unit in both schools so that pupils can monitor the system performance regularly.
- Access Renewables provides a range of systems including solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, wind turbines, ground and air source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting.
- Access Renewables are certified installers under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
- For more information regarding the npower Climate Cops programme, please contact npower press contacts. For comments from Stockton Borough Council, please contact their press contacts directly.
- Please contact Sean Collier – Access Renewables on 07534 252472 for further information, interviews or images.
Tags: installation, installers, npower, photovoltaic, Solar PV, stockton
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November 30th, 2009
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2E has today announced that it is no longer accepting applications for Solar Photovoltaics projects for local authorities, schools, charities and other not-for-profit organisations having allocated the entire solar PV ‘pot’ to existing applications.
The news was posted on the scheme website on 30th November 2009, and it means that any not-for-profit organisation who is planning on applying for the LCBP grant for Solar PV will no longer be able to achieve 50% funding from this scheme. All other technologies, including heat pumps, remain unaffected by this announcement and applications are being processed as usual.
 Scheme now closed to Solar PV applications for public sector Additionally, this recent announcement does not affect private grants for homeowners and the grant if upto £2500 to install solar PV on private properties will remain available until April 2010.
Today’s announcement isn’t the first time the scheme has closed after running out of funding. Earlier this year the scheme closed and the Department of Energy and Climate Change released further funding to ensure the industry would not grind to a halt. However, in April 2010 the government-led Clean Energy Cashback Scheme is to come into force which will provide a long term incentive to install renewable technologies such as solar PV and wind turbines. The new scheme is designed to replace the capital grants from Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Therefore we are not expecting the DECC or LCBP to announce any further funding for Solar PV projects.
Not-for-profit organisations are invited to discuss alternative methods of funding Solar PV installations with us to ensure there are no disruptions to project plans. We have access to alternative schemes and financing methods which will assist with the capital costs associated with the installation.
We will post any further news and announcements as they develop. For more information, visit the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website: http://www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk/
Tags: Funding, LCBP, Solar PV
Posted in Funding, Industry, Solar Photovoltaics | No Comments »
November 9th, 2009
Renewable energy installation company Access Renewables has moved into larger premises in Middlesbrough from its original base in Bishop Auckland in a bid to move closer to a number of key customers across Teesside and to prepare for expected growth.
The company has won several contracts in the Tees Valley in recent months and has outgrown its original base in Coundon, Bishop Auckland. Therefore the company wanted larger premises which would be best positioned to serve clients both now and in the future.
Karen Jones of Access Renewables comments “We’ve won a number of contracts in recent months so we needed larger office and warehouse accommodation to cope with demand. At the same time, we were conscious that a large proportion of our business was being carried out on Teesside. Therefore a move to Teesside seemed logical.” Karen continued: “Our new premises not only allow us room to expand in the near future, but will also bring us closer to more clients within the Tees Valley.”
The move also prepares the company for an expected increase in workload as a result of the Clean Energy Cashback Scheme which is due to start in April 2010. Although the exact details have yet to be announced, the industry expects that companies and individuals who generate their own electricity using solar or wind will receive cash-back estimated to be around 3 times the price of purchased electricity. Such schemes are in operation throughout Europe and are hugely popular.
Sean Collier adds “The new tariffs mean that Solar PV has become more of an attractive investment, and boosted by the availability of a £2500 grant available until April next year, we are urging homeowners to install systems without delay. Similarly, not-for-profit organisations can still access a grant of 50%”
The company is now based on Skippers Lane Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough. Access Renewables design and install Solar PV systems which comply fully with both the Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant scheme, and the new feed-in tariff scheme. The installer covers the entire country, and installs systems into hundreds of buildings each year.
Tags: office move
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August 28th, 2009
Following the recent announcement regarding local competitor AAG Swepco Limited entering into administration (here), we are offering advice and guidance to their customers to minimise the effect the closure of their business has on any ongoing projects.
Access Renewables are offering to match the price and specification of a number of products and services. In addition to this, we can also provide advice and assistance with any grant funding applications which you have submitted. In a number of cases, we are able to transfer the details.
Should you wish to order products and services from us, we aim to keep to a similar schedule – ensuring a smooth, hassle-free transition. For assistance, please contact us using our website, or call us on 01388 606024.
Access Renewables provide a wide range of renewable energy systems and services, are members of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and the OFT-approved REAL code for renewable energy companies, ensuring complete confidence in our abilities.
* Price and specification match is available on a wide range of products and services. *We will endeavour to match specification, however in some cases this may not be possible. *We will endeavour to match any genuine quotation, however we reserve the right to remove or amend this offer for any reason at any time.
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July 1st, 2009
A renewable energy company based in the North East has announced it is to hold a series of web seminars to introduce the basic aspects of installing renewable energy systems into homes.
County Durham-based Access Renewables is to use the internet to hold online seminars which are will provide homeowners with an opportunity to explore the various options associated with the installation of a renewable energy system.
 Click the logo to sign-up to the next webinar The 30-minute seminars will introduce participants to the range of renewable energy systems available, the availability of grants and funding, and how each technology can be applied. Each participant will be given a link to the secure seminar area which will include a presentation, hosted by Sean Collier of Access Renewables. Participants can also use the seminar to ask questions in a more informal setting.
Sean Collier of Access Renewables comments “We’ve been looking for a way to engage with our potential customers, and particularly those who are in the early stages of looking for a renewable energy system and installer. Almost all of our domestic customers seek assistance and guidance prior to choosing a system and so by offering our expert knowledge and opinions at a relatively early stage, our customers can make a more of an informed decision.”
The company is offering the free web seminars to homeowners throughout the UK, however they are expected to be hugely popular. Sean Collier adds “The number of places on each web seminar is limited, as we aim to provide a rather relaxed and informal session”. Interested individuals can sign-up for the seminar via the installers website www.accessrenewables.co.uk and can do so from any Internet-connected PC.
There are also plans to extend the seminars to introduce renewable energy to small and medium-sized businesses, to introduce them to the various tax savings and finance options available. Access Renewables are also believed to be the first renewable energy installer in the country to use web seminars as a way of interacting with potential customers.
Tags: advice, domestic, homeowners, web seminar, webinar
Posted in Company news, Industry, Renewables | No Comments »
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Announcement of the Clean Energy Cashback Scheme soon?
December 17th, 2009It’s almost Christmas 2009 and everyone who has been thinking about installing Solar Photovoltaics (or Solar PV to most) was hoping for an announcement to be made by the Department of Energy and Climate Change on what rates will be available when the scheme is expecting to start in April 2010 – a little over 3 months away…
But we are disappointed to report that an announcement has yet to be made (at time of writing) and it looks likely that we will not see one this side of the new year festivities. This is obviously a great disappointment for us, our customers and clients, and our suppliers and we will continue to monitor the situation very closely.
If you wish to receive notification when the details are announced, simply sign-up to our newsletter at the top of the page and we’ll send you a very quick email with the details in.
Tags: Clean Enegy Cashback Scheme, Feed-in tariffs
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