Green Energy Week: Is Renewable Energy Just For ‘Greenies?’

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Roberta
Posted in ECO Issues Tagged Barry Nutley, Energy, Green Energy Week, green technology, Renewable

This week we are talking about green issues with a particular slant on renewable energy. Today’s blog is from Barry Nutley at Viridis Energy.

Renewable Energy. Is it just for “Greenies?

Let’s be honest. Historically renewable energy technologies such as solar,wind, biomass and heat pumps, have been deemed as a “luxury” item and only just for “Greenies”?!
Why?

Comments such as “it’s too expensive, you never get your money back, payback takes forever” tell us some of the reasons why.

This seems to contradict many opinion polls that claim that most people would be prepared to pay more for environmental products/services!

So in reality, we can conclude that, in most cases, the money speaks louder than the environment (especially in these trying times.)

Greenwash

The other problem is that we seem to get it rammed down our throats, that it is the only way we can reduce our carbon emissions, and save the planet. Often referred to as ‘Greenwash’. This starts putting many environmentally concerned people off the concept, and narrows the market to, said, Greenies, who will do anything to reduce their carbon emissions regardless of cost (lucky devils!).

Government Schemes

We then come to another problem. the Governmment! Many people say that the Government are not doing enough, and that the grants are not enough. Well let’s be fair to them (a hard concept to grasp I know, but bear with me!).

Who’s heard of the Feed in tariff (FIT), or the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)? I’m guessing that many of you may well have, but by the same token, many of you won’t? And if the Government is failing, then it is because they haven’t done enough to promote them.

Without going into too much detail. These 2 schemes make renewable energy technologies much more financially attractive, whilst still giving thesame environmental benefits! For example, the FIT, started 1st April 2010.

In Summary

A well designed solar PV (for electricity) system should give you a return on your investment of around 8% (tax free, I might add!), with a wind turbine giving much greater returns. All backed by the Government. Now where else can you get that sort of return? Answers on a post card please!?

The plan for the RHI (being introduced in 2011) is to give greater returns (around 12%) for the heat providing technologies (for most of us that would be either, solar thermal for hot water, heat pumps or biomass)! Taking this into consideration. Is renewable energy for “Greenies” now?

@Greenenergychap

Barry Nutley also known as @Greenenargychap on Twitter is director of Viridis Energy.

Viridis has been described as the “Martin Lewis of renewable energy!? They will show you how to make renewables profitable in these challenging times.

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http://www.robcameron.co.uk/ Rob Cameron

An interesting post that demonstrates how poorly communicated incentives are. I has no idea of the schemes listed. I think it is time that the greeny tag was removed from such technologies, they now need to become mainstream, to tackle future energy security

http://www.mypropertymentor.co.uk/ Roberta Ward

Absolutely agree with you Rob. I knew of the schemes but still dont understand how we can implement them in to regular renovations etc that everyone can afford.

barrynutley

Thanks for the comments folks…Most of the technologies can be integrated very easily into a renovation, they are pretty much “plug and play”.. Affordability, has always been the issue, hence these schemes. Next year the Government are planning a “Lease option”… That said, there are companies out there already offering lease schemes…

http://www.mypropertymentor.co.uk/ Roberta Ward

The 'naysayers' will always get more press coverage because it makes a better story unfortunately. We are seriously considering green feed in tariffs for our next project and will be delighted if it works out as planned.

http://twitter.com/AdamsonMarland Dan Adamson

Good point by Rob about removing the “greens only” wrapper. We are pricing a project for a private new build at present, where the client is interested in these technologies not because of any overriding environmental considerations, but because it might make financial sense. Perhaps the tide is turning towards such technologies becoming more mainstream, and I would hope whichever government comes into power recognises that.

http://www.mypropertymentor.co.uk/ Roberta Ward

Wouldn't it be great to think the tide for greener energy is turning? Thanks for commenting Dan.
barrynutley

Hi Dan. Thanks for your comments. One point that you or your client may/may not be aware of, is that in order to qualify for the payments, the systems need to be installed by an MCS approved installer..

http://twitter.com/mattbfranklin Matthew Franklin

I have just written an piece on feed in tarrifs for a business magazine and the thing that struck me was that the scheme is not being sold to people effectively. It is great for anyone with land or buildings and not just homeowners.
Something that can protect you from rising fuel costs, save/make you money and help the environment shouldn't be too hard to promote?

http://www.mypropertymentor.co.uk/ Roberta Ward

Yes, that struck me too Matt, more folks would definitely consider green energy if they could see the financial and green benefits properly. I wasn't aware of the feed in tariff rates either until I spoke to Barry.
barrynutley

You're right Matt.. Too many people don't believe it and think there's a “catch”! But, as you say, it hasn't been promoted very well! Besides, there are still people out there that moan that it's not good enough, and they seem to be the loudest voices!!

Green Energy Week: Is Renewable Energy Just For ‘Greenies?’