Solar Media Staff

Aerial surveying company Bluesky has secured a €2.4 million investment to fund research into the development of a web-based renewable energy rating platform. Working alongside its European partners, Bluesky will use geographic data to assess the suitability of individual properties for solar energy generation and create an online portal housing this data.

Caplor Energy has now completed the 49.6kWp solar array, installed on the roof of Greendale Carpets & Floorings’ warehouse, located in Herefordshire. Comprising 260 monocrystalline photovoltaics panels, the installation will generate nearly 42,000 units of renewable electricity and save over 23 tonnes of CO2 each year.

Fronius has announced a promotion extending its manufacturer’s warranty by ten years. Until December 31 this year, customers who extend their standard inverter warranty from five to 10 years will see their guarantee increased to 20 years free of charge.

Oakapple Renewable Energy has employed two architectural technologists to help design and build its pipeline of UK solar projects. The new recruits, Andrew Brearley and Kit Maplethorpe, are part of the company’s £100 million investment programme.

A recent surge of interest in solar by the public sector in Scotland is raising hopes of a brighter future for the energy source north of the Border.

Privately held international home products company, IKEA is in the process of installing 2,600 solar panels on the roof of its Wednesbury, Birmingham branch. Following a £278,600 investment the store now expects to generate around 112,600kWh of electricity per year, reducing the store’s CO2 consumption by over 1,148 tonnes over 25 years. The solar panels will be fully operational by December 2011.

Joining the growing number of rent-a-roof companies currently working in the UK, Premier Home Solar Ltd (PHS) is now installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on domestic properties, completely free of charge.

Leading certification body, BABT/TÜV SÜD Product Service, has started providing assessments of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules for the UK market only 16 months ago and is now proud to announce its 100th customer under the UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), making it the leading MCS certification body for PV modules.

Working in partnership with Vela Solaris, the Solar Building Company has launched Polysun Software, enabling solar installers to design tailor-made photovoltaic systems utilising a professional and accurate simulation software tool.

Solar photovoltaics distributor Rexel has released the results of its Global Energy Efficiency survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, discovering that lack of education on energy efficiency is holding the UK back when it comes to energy savings.