Solar Media Staff

The current Managing Director of Riomay, Alan Aldridge, has been named as the new Chairman of the Solar Trade Association (STA). Aldridge succeeds Howard Johns, who stepped down earlier this month.

In an interesting turn of events for the UK energy market, E.ON and RWE npower have today pulled out of their 50-50 joint-venture: Horizon Nuclear Power. The companies say they do not plan to go ahead with the new nuclear plants, and will instead “focus on other strategic projects that will deliver earlier benefit for customers and the company.”

The Solar Building Company has recently secured new distribution and support partnerships with Data Design System (DDS) and Sungrow Power Supply.

Myriad CEG has recently completed a 10kWp solar PV installation on Romford Town Hall. Comprising 54 Sharp solar modules, the system is expected to save the council over 4,000kgs of carbon emissions a year.

Bristol City Council has completed what is believed to be the largest solar schools programme in the UK.

Solar Made Easy has launched a new lead generation service designed to benefit both installers and consumers. The new website hopes to demystify solar energy by offering independent advice to consumers about domestic solar panel installation in order to help them make an informed buying decision.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has released new proposals to simplify the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC). The alterations are expected to save UK businesses millions of pounds in administrative costs.

Over the last couple of years I have been participating in an MCS working group that addresses roofing and mounting issues for solar PV and solar thermal systems. This work has led to the publication of MCS 012 – Product Certification Scheme Requirements: Pitched Roof Installation Kits – Issue 1.0.

Rexel UK has launched phase two of its sustainable home at the BRE Innovation Park. Originally built in June 2007, the Sigma Home has been showcasing best practice in efficient retrofitting to help show visitors what they could achieve with current technologies.

Solarsense has completed a 50kWp solar installation at the Hand Stadium in North Somerset. The project, which will reduce Clevedon Town Football Club’s energy bill and carbon footprint, is thought to be the largest in the area.