A Report from Eco Savvy
Sunlight is free, and many Arran households are implementing solar PV to capture this free resource, cut electricity costs and minimise fossil fuel dependence to benefit our environment.
Eco Savvy is excited to report that out of the 25 households we are helping along in Solar PV projects, 4 installs have taken place now, with many more being scheduled to take place in the next weeks before the project end. Eco Savvy is funded by the Scottish Government to provide energy efficiency audits, and through these audits, realised the exciting potential for households and the Arran environment to benefit from solar PV installations. Wanting to make the process as easy as possible, and being an impartial advice service, Eco Savvy did extensive research on installers, the quality, track record and the best deal that they could give to households interested. With EPCs conducted by energy auditor Charlotte to inform them on savings and what to implement to get the most out of Solar PV installation, households were then able to make an informed decision on installers. Most have gone for the same installer, offering a deal that averages around £4,500 for the maximum kilowatt installation for domestic homes which is 14 panels. Eco Savvy has also helped with the interest free loan applications to Home Energy Scotland. After the install Eco Savvy helps with the FIT application and can also conduct the mandatory EPC post install.
Though the Feed In Tarif deadline of April has been a significant nudge for residents to accelerate PV plans, the high percentage of inefficient and old housing stock on Arran means D55 EPC ratings may never be achieved; and we are seeing many residents are moving forward with PV projects without the bonus of the Feed In Tarif.
This is helping us help Arran cut significant carbon emissions, as solar electricity is green renewable energy and doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. It is estimated that these four installs will save up to 4.77tonnes of CO2e annually. On top of this, households are getting paid for the electricity generated by solar PV by the governments Feed in Tarrif, or by selling electricity back into the grid through and export tariff.
Please see below for insight into the first four installs of the project so from the people themselves!:
All have consented to names, quotes and locations being used.
Toni and Jim Mackenzie, Lamlash
1. What was your motivation to get solar panels and what are you most looking forward to now they are installed? *
Benefit to the environment Being an all electric household, we are looking forward to lower fuel bills eventually. It is quite exciting to see how much power they are generating each day even in our present winter conditions.
2. How did you find the free service that Eco Savvy provided to help you progress with solar PV and is there anything in particular that was beneficial? *
We were very impressed with Eco Savvy and how they continue to be very helpful with advice on form filling etc. By implementing their recommendations for reducing our CO2 emissions we have improved our EPC rating considerably. The report they produced to improve our home’s performance rating was very detailed and interesting and a guide to other areas we could upgrade at a later date.
3. Would you recommend getting solar panels to other residents on Arran? And what would be your advice for anyone considering getting them? *
Yes, certainly but we would suggest everyone took advice from Eco Savvy before going ahead with any options as they are very knowledgeable and only interested in reducing Arran’s carbon footprint.
Logan installations have been very dedicated to the process and have gone above and beyond, even replacing a broken rooftile which happened long before the install took place!
Helen Ross, Whiting Bay
1. What was your motivation to get solar panels and what are you most looking forward to now they are installed? *
Utilising energy from the sun to provide electricity for our house and to others through the national grid offers great potential to protect natural resources and our climate. Compared with other sources of electricity, it is safe and relatively cheap to generate electricity and there is no loss between the source of electricity to powering our kettle as there is for electricity from the national grid (Electricity distribution losses on average accounted for 8% of transported volumes and between 3.1% to 10% for the individual Distribution Network Operators in 2014 (source). It has been my ambition for many years to have solar panels and I am looking forward to seeing whether we can be self sufficient in energy use this summer as a result.
2. How did you find the free service that Eco Savvy provided to help you progress with solar PV and is there anything in particular that was beneficial? *
The support from Eco Savvy was great – helping to find a good contractor and finalise getting the work done and providing the Energy Performance Certificate were particularly helpful.
3. Would you recommend getting solar panels to other residents on Arran? And what would be your advice for anyone considering getting them? *
I would really recommend getting solar panels to people who have the roof facing in the right direction. Help is available from a variety of sources and it doesn’t take long to fit them these days.
Any other thoughts?
Thank you very much for helping me to achieve my dream.
Jan & Chris, Brodick
“We really are delighted with our new solar installation, arranged for us by Eco Savvy and installed by Logan Installations. These new panels seem to make better use of overcast days, so even when it’s cloudy, they generate enough to cover our flat’s base load. Of course, when the sun shines we get 3kw – enough to run our washing machine and, more importantly, charge up our electric car. Eco Savvy told us about an interest-free loan from Home Energy Scotland, which makes the installation really affordable.”
1. What was your motivation to get solar panels and what are you most looking forward to now they are installed? *
To recharge our electric car and do our bit for the environment.
2. How did you find the free service that Eco Savvy provided to help you progress with solar PV and is there anything in particular that was beneficial? *
The service has been very helpful: informative, supportive and friendly. In particular, we discovered an interest-free loan was available.
3. Would you recommend getting solar panels to other residents on Arran? And what would be your advice for anyone considering getting them? *
Absolutely. Seek advice from Eco Savvy. Do it immediately, before the FIT ends.
Any other thoughts?
Even on a dull day, our base load is covered by our PV generation.
Carol McKinnon, Shiskine
1. What was your motivation to get solar p anels and what are you most looking forward to now they are installed? *
Solar panels use renewable energy which can only be a good thing. Also cutting a bit from the electric bill is a good thing too.
2. How did you find the free service that Eco Savvy provided to help you progress with solar PV and is there anything in particular that was beneficial? *
Eco Savvy were great, making it so easy and straightforward to get things moving. Charlotte in particular practically organised everything for us, I didn’t really need to do anything. I’ve thought about getting them installed for a while but really didn’t know where to start, what installers to use, etc. I also hope to have the Solar iBoost installed to help with hot water.
3. Would you recommend getting solar panels to other residents on Arran? And what would be your advice for anyone considering getting them? *
Yes, I’d recommend getting them done but you’d need to be quick as the cut off for FIT payments is 31st March and all the paperwork needs to be with your electric supplier by that date.
Any other thoughts?
Thank you Eco Savvy!
For more information contact Charlotte via ecosavvy.energychallenge@gmail.com or speak to one of the team at the office on 01770 302 642.