Rexel: Rooftop PV Could Force Change
DECC's announcement could be a turning point for the solar industry, says Jerry Hamilton, director of renewables, Rexel UK.
Change doesn't happen until its impact can be felt or seen by people at home. We might switch home insurance providers if our neighbour tells us about the great deal they have and where we can get hold of it, and the same concept applies to rooftop PV. If the local school or office block reduces its energy consumption through the installation of solar panels, the temptation to follow suit is increased.
Behaviour change is spread by direct, quantifiable impact "“ usually in terms of cost savings - and word of mouth. Real, long-term change in the energy industry therefore needs to be driven by the needs and behaviours of the consumer. The recent proposal from The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) may have caused scepticism amongst some in the solar industry, but it is a positive step towards encouraging renewable electricity generation at a local level in our homes, and on the rooftops of businesses and public buildings. We are at a real turning point for the industry and all moves towards increasing awareness and enthusiasm for renewable alternatives while also reducing energy consumption, are beneficial to everyone. As the renewables sector develops, we need to embrace new ideas and proposals that further drive progress and greater adoption.
DECC's proposal: is it the correct decision?
In an ideal world, there would be sufficient financial schemes in place to support the growth of both rooftop PV as well as large-scale solar. DECC's plans emphasise the need to maintain the growing momentum behind renewable energy investment in the UK while recognising the need to redress the balance across the PV sector "“ by capping funding to the rapidly growing large-scale solar industry and securing the long term funding needed for rooftop PV. This will provide support for the generation of energy where it is being used, on the rooftops of our homes, public and commercial buildings. By investing in quality rooftop PV, businesses and consumers will be protected against future volatile energy prices and see cost savings. They will help the UK move toward reaching its carbon reduction target of 80% (from the 1990 baseline) by 2050.
It's about quality PV installation
A critical step in this move will be for consumers to buy the right, quality products to ensure a long life for their solar installation. The good news, contractors today are more experienced, products are becoming less expensive with efficiencies made every step of the way. DECC's plans to secure long-term funding for mid-scale solar projects will encourage the market to improve product offerings which provide long-term sustainable solutions that are affordable for consumers and businesses. However, as an industry we have a responsibility to ensure anyone considering the installation of PV understand the dangers of compromising on quality solar. It is imperative for the long-term sustainability and development of the market that we do not get caught out by a pricing war over KW peak approach, as this would almost certainly come back to haunt us.
With more financial support available for mid-scale rooftop PV, the government's Solar Strategy can be driven forward, a plan focused on rolling out solar more widely, with the potential to support and create tens of thousands of jobs. Growth in renewables is about stimulating a "˜low carbon economy' and supporting local communities by driving job creation. People will come to understand the importance of renewable electricity generation if they see communities thriving.
Securing energy for future generations"¦
The UK is making positive changes but more needs to be done to secure energy supply for future generations and eradicate fuel poverty. A recent campaign launched by the Energy Bill Revolution, claimed the UK is the second worst performer in Europe, behind only Estonia, for the number of people struggling to pay their energy bills. The Cold Homes Week campaign, supported by a range of companies and not-for-profit organisations, has urged the government to act and address the problem of fuel poverty across Britain's homes. DECC's proposal facilitates a longer term view toward securing our energy supply. We only need to take one look at the news to understand why relying on fossil fuel based energy supplies is a risky and irresponsible long term strategy. We are at a pivotal moment in the history of energy and contentious global situations only further highlight the need for robust energy security.
The Rexel Foundation launched last year with a mission to improve energy efficiency for all through the support of research, grants and grass roots projects in the area of energy efficiency. Rudy Provoost, the Foundation's Chairman, envisions a future for the energy landscape in which new and evolving technologies will not only fundamentally change our energy behaviour, but also improve our energy infrastructure by increasing the use of alternative sources of energy through better transmission and storage capabilities and greater capacity for local generation.
To help consumers manage their own energy and improve access to energy for all, we need a decentralised and shared energy model, one in which people can produce and sell their own energy back to the grid. Greater integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, such as rooftop PV, will allow for increased capacity and flexibility and an overall "˜smarter grid'. By splitting the banding for rooftop schemes, we're paving the way for this smarter infrastructure, a future in which every UK resident has access to energy, greater control over their energy management and is conscious of how their behaviour impacts their energy consumption.
DECC's proposal is a bold and a necessary step in addressing the need for a more flexible energy model. By ensuring the most cost-effective projects get full backing, cost savings and benefits will be shared by homeowners and businesses alike. If we are to change attitudes towards energy usage, and ultimately behaviour, we need to make it impactful to everyone "“ at home, in the office and throughout our everyday lives. The energy model of the future will, and should be driven, by the needs of the individual and it is time they see the true merits of renewable energy generation.
The challenge now is to ensure that consumers and businesses recognise the best solutions that are available to them. In tandem with incentives, the industry and government need to make sure the benefits of solar PV, the relative merits of different solar solutions, and the financial support schemes available, are properly communicated to the public and business community.
©2014 Permission required. Angel Business Communications Ltd.
