Solar Media Staff

Devon-based construction company, Kier, has completed the acquisition of renewable energy specialist Totnes-based Beco Limited.

Plans are now on display for a 5MW solar farm to be constructed on the outskirts of Swindon. Local residents and farmers met at the Roves Farm Visitor Centre, Sevenhampton, to find out more about the £12m project, and its effect on the area.

Kyoto, Japan-based manufacturer Kyocera has launched the “Solar Power Expo” website, which has been created to educate all ages about the use of solar power and to promote how solar energy can help tackle the environmental problems that the world faces daily.

Despite the fact that 2010 was the 12th coldest year since records began, the UK has had an incredible year in terms of solar power installation figures. As the New Year rang in, Energy Regulator Ofgem posted up its latest figures, recording over 45MW for the period April 1 to December 31, 2010.

Solar Guide, the free online resource for homeowners and engineers, has launched a new version of its solar photovoltaic (PV) feed-in tariff calculator, which can now be embedded on other solar websites.

EvoEnergy has installed the largest solar power system in the East Midlands, and one of the largest projects in the country since the Government’s feed-in tariff was introduced, on the roof of Nottingham-based builders’ merchants, John A. Stephens.

Long an industry stalwart in terms of its support of all things photovoltaic, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has launched a new initiative entitled ‘Your Sun Your Energy’. This new campaign aims to promote the uptake of PV among the general public by providing information on the myriad advantages of solar energy and generally filling the knowledge gap regarding this most bountiful electricity source.

Redland’s newly introduced PV tile system is proving its effectiveness by generating more power than anticipated in computer modelling, reaching 3.4kW of electricity at peak output at one of its first UK installations for roofing contractors Steadfast Roofing.

St Michael's Catholic High School, in High Elms Lane, Watford has fended off 1,000 other schools in the UK to win the nationwide solar power competition sponsored by British Gas.

The Seniors, a family of four with two young children, wanted to reduce their reliance on external utilities and decided to do so by installing renewable energy sources. By installing solar photovoltaics and solar thermal systems, the Seniors were able to reduce their contribution to CO2 emissions.