Renewable Energy Solutions For Homeowners In Caithness
26th September 2008
Homeowners in Caithness have the opportunity to find out more about how micro-renewables systems, such as heat pumps, solar panels and wind turbine schemes, can help reduce the energy costs for domestic properties.
Two events, which have been organised by Caithness Energy Advice, will take place in October from 12 noon until 6pm in the New Weigh Inn, Thurso on the 8th and Mackays Hotel, Wick on the 9th, and entry is free. There will be a free eco-kettle up for grabs - everyone attending the event will be entered into the free prize draw.
Sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Active Sustainable Energy Solutions Ltd, a number of companies from across Scotland will be in attendance to demonstrate the range of micro renewable systems currently available for domestic buildings.
Ian Nicol, managing director of Active, said: "This event will give people the opportunity to come along and see for themselves the benefits renewable energy systems can bring to their homes. Our engineers will be setting up a demonstration heat pump unit at the event. By letting people feel for themselves the level of heat which can be generated we hope to show how practical renewable technologies really are.
"Many of these technologies have been around for a long time and it is only now that energy prices have risen to such an extreme that people are taking a serious look at alternative solutions to their heating problems. Technologies such as heat pumps are very effective and are already used extensively in colder climates of Europe. There is no reason we can't do the same here in Scotland."
Caithness Energy Advice believe that the threat of a further 40% increase in domestic energy bills in the near future will encourage homeowners to start generating their own power for on-site use. And as the level of energy needed to operate systems such as air source heat pumps is considerably less than what would be needed to heat a house through conventional means investment in renewable technologies makes sound economic sense.
The technology on display at the events will include solar systems, ground and air source heat pumps, micro-hydro schemes, bio-mass options and wind schemes. Representatives from charity organisations will also be attending the events to offer advice on the grants that are available to assist consumers with their energy needs.
Exhibiting companies include:
Active is a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions for domestic and commercial properties offering a range of products and services for home heating and cooling from its offices in Inverness and Aberdeen. The firm works with some of the worlds leading manufacturers and is ideally placed to offer consultation, help with planning, produce designs and offer the full turnkey solution from installation through to support and maintenance.
Community Energy Scotland is a Scottish charity specialising in community advice and grants associated with renewable energy. They will be present at the events and available to offer advice to consumers who are thinking of installing renewable energy equipment. The charity prides itself on building confidence, resilience and wealth at community level in Scotland through sustainable energy developments.
Grampian Heat & Power supply products ranging from wood burning boilers and heat pumps to district heating systems for domestic and commercial customers. Their products are available to consumers who are undertaking renovations, new build projects or simply replacing old inefficient equipment. Grampian Heat & Power aim to provide each customer with a heating solution to satisfy their individual needs and requirements.
Highland eco-design provide a low cost service to individuals and businesses wishing to take advantage of small-scale water power in the form of a micro hydro. Highland eco-design undertakes different key stages to assess the feasibility of a hydro-power installation. They try and ensure that costs are kept to a minimum and that the information given at each stage is sufficient to encourage consumers to adopt hydro-power installations.
North Energy Systems (NES) supplies a wide range of energy systems including solar panels, super insulation blinds and wind turbines. They provide leading brands and a specialist design service to help the consumer make the right choices for their existing or new building. NES will have representatives at the event to discuss renewable options with the community and potential consumers, and review their products in further detail.
ILM Highland is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation. It was set up to provide valuable services to benefit the community, economy and environment of the Scottish Highlands. They have been providing an insulation service for over 13 years offering guidance on what insulation measures are required and if there is a possibility of obtaining a grant or financial support to help cover the costs of the work.
Absolute Solar & Wind Ltd are one of the fastest growing accredited BRE/low carbon building programme installer companies in Scotland. The firm specialises in the design, supply, installation and maintenance of a wide range of renewable technologies for both domestic and commercial users.
The organisers also intend to hold evening events for invited guests from within the local construction industry. Guests will include architects, plumbers, electricians, construction companies and housing associations. Caithness Energy Advice aim to encourage such trades to consider training to become installer of micro-renewable systems and so making the supply chain easier for Caithness home owners.
For further information about the event contact Caithness Energy Advice at angela[AT]caithnessenergy.co.uk or 01847 896524.
