Reuters have a big report on how US architect Todd Bogatay and his neighbours are using solar and wind micro generation to live “off grid”, and making very little in the way of sacrifices to do it.
“People used to be attracted to living off-grid for largely environmental reasons, although that is now changing as energy prices rise”
Of course it helps to live in Arizona with good wind and plenty of sun but it is an interesting read and the photographs are definitely worth a look.
The report also quotes Nick Rosen author of the book “How to Live Off-Grid.”
“Because of technology advancing … and because of high house and energy prices … there are a lot more people moving off grid.”
Well OK, but in my mind, I don’t see the imperative to move completely off grid, but as Nick says, solar, wind and other technologies are advancing to make home generation a more attractive option, reducing energy costs and potentially feeding back to the grid. All we need now is feed in tariffs in the UK to keep things move forward and bring balance to the grid …… OK so now I sound like Yoda, so I’m going to stop.
Technorati Tags: solar-power, wind-power, micro-generation
Written by ashleys on May 27th, 2008 with no comments.
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The UK Climate Change Minister Phil Woolas has told The People that the government will help taxpayers install solar and wind micro generators in their homes. In new measures apparently to be announced by Gordon Brown next month the government will put up £1.5 Billion over the next three years, all to be funded by energy companies. 40% is to go to low income homes. Individuals will be able to get a survey from the energy saving trust and the results will outline what needs to be done.
This seems to be a good approach as it ensure it includes energy conservation in the equation we should always be the first thing a homeowner looks at prior to investing in micro generation. However I am still of the opinion that the UK should be looking at feed in tariffs as a more effective way to drive the uptake of micro generation, and help foster supporting industries.
Anyway all we have to do now is wait and see what the the announcement really says!
Technorati Tags: Solar-power, micro-generation, wind-power
Written by ashleys on May 26th, 2008 with no comments.
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Just a quick pointer to a fairly recent news item on the New Scientist about a group of scientists at Swansea University who are developing a way to paint solar cells on to the steel sheets that are usually used to clad large buildings.
Very interesting stuff!
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Written by ashleys on May 25th, 2008 with 1 comment.
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There are presently plans to build a large wind farm on the central mainland of Shetland, the legitimacy of which is quite rightly be discussed. Micro generation is one of the potential alternative sources of energy for the islands if the farm where not to go ahead. One group who are against the project is SustainableShetland.org which is helping to grow resistance to the project.
There is an interesting debate going on presently in The Shetland News letters pages where questions have been raised about the reality of Sustainable Shetland’s proposed alternatives. Here is that organisation’s reply. Good stuff!
Micro generation is increasingly seen as a potential contribution to the solution, which can only be a good thing
Technorati Tags: Wind-power, micro generation
Written by ashleys on May 24th, 2008 with no comments.
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Allan Asher, the chief executive of Energywatch has been in the news for his recent words on the general lack of competition in the energy industry. The Times online reports on this and comments
“It would be good, therefore, to dismantle some of the barriers that make it tough for new suppliers to enter, particularly those that are trying to develop innovative businesses in renewable energy and micro generation.”
Hear, hear, absolutely and lets get the whole idea of feed in tarifs back on the agenda as soon as possible too.
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Written by ashleys on May 23rd, 2008 with no comments.
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Barratt’s latest development of three towers in London’s docklands is called the Elektron, (corny name or what). Each tower has been fitted with a wind turbine and PV solar panel array. The development also has a low carbon emission communal heating system.
Given that the whole housing market appears to be going south rapidly though , I am not sure that Barratts are going to find the apartments in the development easy to shift. It would interesting to see if the environmental features make it them more or less attractive to pontential buyers. What do you think?
Read more here
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Written by ashleys on May 19th, 2008 with no comments.
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