Latest News

Solarcentury supports European solar days

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:22:41 GMT

We are joining solar energy organisations across Europe to raise the profile of solar energy and promote the use of the sun as an energy source throughout Europe. The first European Solar Days will be celebrated on 16-17 May 2008 when over 4000 different events will be staged in ten European countries.

Notably, the celebrating countries exclude our company's country of origin, the United Kingdom, whose government this month witnesses increasing pressure to support renewable energy with a Feed-in Tariff mechanism, similar to those seen across much of Europe. Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) provide a proven long-term financial incentive for generators to invest in renewable energy. European countries with long-term feed-in tariffs include Germany, France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Belgium, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic.

Jeremy Leggett, our Executive Chairman says: �Solar power is a proven technology that has the capability of dramatically cutting C02 emissions on buildings across the world. As the urgency to implement renewable energy sources increases, it is vital that the industry clubs together to help people understand how this remarkable stuff works.� He adds: �We�re proud to see the EPIA and ESTIF co-ordinate in this way, just sorry that our own home nation is not supporting solar to any where near the degree of that of the rest of Europe.�

The origins of European Solar Days began in Austria in 2002. The idea was then taken up by Switzerland and Germany. Germany now dedicates a week to this successful renewable energy awareness-raising campaign. �The �Woche der Sonne� in Germany has become the most successful Solar Campaign ever staged and has been a key factor in the increased use of solar energy throughout Germany,� says Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, Managing Director of BSW-Solar.

Solar energy is one of the most accessible and affordable sources of renewable energy available to ordinary citizens and can be used on any house or office building. And this is not only true for southern countries such as Spain and Portugal. Solar energy installations can also be found in northern countries such as Norway and Sweden, where there is an ever growing number of installations.

Solar Days are now being bought to the rest of Europe, with Belgium, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Slovenia joining in 2008. Other countries are expected to join the initiative in 2009 and it is planned to extend the Solar Days throughout Europe in the future. The European Solar Days, which are coordinated by ESTIF in close cooperation with EPIA, are supported by 25 organisations at a national and European level.

For further information on European Solar Days events see: http://www.solarday.eu

Dawn of an energy famine

Fri, 02 May 2008 10:11:18 GMT

Read the full Guardian article here.

The feed-in Tariff - an open letter

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:17:32 GMT

Read the letter here.

A UK feed-in tariff could revolutionise the UK energy market - make your voice heard and sign the petition here today.

Lily Allen gives backing to feed-in tariff

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:34:02 GMT

Read the full article here .

A UK feed-in tariff could revolutionise the UK energy market - make your voice heard and sign the petition here today.

Solar so good for our house - Guardian article on the merits of solar PV

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:05:40 GMT

Read the full article here

Solarcentury named as CNBC �Low Carbon Pioneers�

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:34:58 GMT

We are today celebrating our award for being a �Low Carbon Pioneer� by CNBC European Business Magazine. The annual ranking highlights the Top 100 European companies, who have truly demonstrated a courageous or groundbreaking stance on climate change or embraced a future, low-carbon solution in the form of clean technology or renewable energy.

CNBC�s list made note of our award-winning C21e solar tiles, an �easy to fit, easy on the eye solar roof tile that could be a turning point in this sector,� and the �spectacular growth� recently seen by the company.

Our Executive Chairman Jeremy Leggett said of the award, �CNBC�s recognition of Solarcentury�s work in the carbon reduction field is encouraging, and an indicator of the dedicated approach the company�s employees have exhibited since Solarcentury�s inception in 1998." He added: "Shifting away from fossil fuels towards a low-carbon economy requires the solar industry to make the transition an easy one. We will continue to strive to make this happen, delivering the best in solar innovation for the built environment, with an aim to see this highly effective technology on the roof of every new building.�

Derry Newman, CEO of Solarcentury, added: "Our solar electric roof tiles have a vital role to play in cutting carbon dioxide emissions. Making solar simple, these tiles don't need a specialist installer and produce a streamline finish in line with the natural roof. We're convinced demand for this technology will continue to grow, making solar the intelligent energy generation choice of this century.'

For more information, click on the logo below.

Solar4Schools and the Co-Op provide free Green Energy for 50th Solar School

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:23:25 GMT

Cherry Orchard Primary School in Greenwich, South London, has become the 50th school to receive free solar panels with Solar4Schools . As part of their National Green Energy for Schools Campaign, the Co-op will be donating the second half of the funding required for the solar installation. Other Schools can now apply for funds through finance company, Quartz.

Solar4Schools is a partnership between Solarcentury and energy provider Scottish and Southern Energy. The scheme is designed to help schools to apply for government funding for half the value of a solar energy installation. The scheme provides 4 kWp solar photovoltaic (pv) systems (or multiples of 4).

Solar 4 Schools' 50th PV installation at the Cherry Orchard School, London.

Without the funding available through Solar4Schools, these systems would cost around �20,000 each. �10,000 is provided through Solar4Schools as part of the Department of Trade and Industry�s Low Carbon Building programme. In Cherry Orchard Primary School�s case, the additional �10,000 needed will be provided by the Co-op's �1,000,000 fund, established to provide 100 schools throughout the UK with free with green energy.

The Solar pv technology creates no pollution and is silent in operation. The 4 kWp system installed at Cherry Orchard School will generate around 3,300 kWh a year, equivalent to the electrical consumption of an average three bedroom house in the UK. This will prevent nearly two tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere annually. Since fifty solar pv installations have been funded by the Co-op and Solar4Schools, the scheme is currently preventing around 100 tonnes of CO2 being emitted each year.

While corporate funding for solar pv is only available for a limited number of schools, Solarcentury is collaborating with Quartz to provide an affordable financing option. Without any capital outlay, a 4kWp system with a 50% grant can be purchased over three years for just �977.66 a quarter, or �650.12 a quarter over five years. Financing from Quartz on Solarcentury installations is also availble to schools not eligible for Department of Trade and Industry grants.

Jeremy Leggett, CEO of Solarcentury comments: �The 50th project completed by Solar4Schools and the Co-op represents an important milestone in solar installations in this country. Solar installations in schools not only prevent CO2 emissions and generate clean energy, but also serve an important educational purpose. If children growing up see solar energy working and powering the school they attend every day, their attitudes to renewable energy and the environment will be shaped accordingly.�

Schools are invited to apply for funding by filling in the Solar4Schools Online Application Form or by emailing their contact details to: solarschools@solarcentury.com .

Solar leasing now available to the Public Sector

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:13:34 GMT

Solarcentury is proud to announce a new leasing product for charities and Public Sector organisations. The lease provides easy access to the Government's generous 50% grant scheme without the need for upfront capital investment.

Many public sector oganisations are unaware that the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) provides up to 50% grant funding to install solar photovoltaic panels on their buildings.

Now, in combination with our leasing scheme public sector and charitable bodies are able to access to these funds and spread the costs of payment over five years. As part of a carbon reduction, energy saving or CSR strategy a photovoltaic installation provides a long lasting, maintenance-free solution with numerous benefits for the organisation.

As well as reducing energy bills directly and providing additional revenue from ROCs (Renewable Obligation Certificates) and the sale of excess electricity, a PV display - which comes free with every system - encourages energy efficiency and helps engage employees in energy saving initiatives.

The combination of 50% grant funding and spreading payments over three to five years is available to all NGOs, charities and Public Sector Organisations including: Schools, Universities, Churches, Fire stations, Local Authorities and Emergency Services as part of a refurbishment or new build programme.

For more information please contact 020 7803 0166 or e-mail commercial@solarcentury.com

You can read more about it at the Business Green website .

Solarcentury wins prestigious award for innovation

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:17:49 GMT

As part of the UK Technology Innovation and Growth Awards, we have been awarded the �Cleantech Advancement of the Year� category at this year's ceremony.

These awards recognise individuals and organisations currently driving the success of the fastest growing technology companies in the UK. This particular award was presented to us, as a company which has shown strong developments in its contribution to clean technology. Passing a stringent judging process, our company underwent investigation by an esteemed panel of industry judges. The award not only seeks to recognise companies who have succeeded in market growth, but also to recognise innovations in technology and the good business practices which support future success.

Jeremy Leggett, Solarcentury Executive Chairman said: �This award pays great testimony to current growth of the market for solar products, as more organisations seek to generate their energy onsite in order to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. Solarcentury could not meet the demands of this rapidly growing market without significant support in the form of investment, by those who recognise the value in tackling climate change in this way.�

Our Chief Executive Derry Newman said: �With further investment in the production of building-integrated solar photovoltaic technology, Solarcentury is continuing to increase its manufacturing capabilities, especially here in the UK � reflected in our recent manufacturing agreement with the Sony UK Technology Centre. We're excited by the speed of change in this industry, and aim to continue to lead the way in solar product innovation.�

UK�s first solar mortgage launched

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:51:22 GMT

Click on the image above to visit the Solar Mortgage site

The UK�s first solar mortgage has now been launched in Northern Ireland. In partnership with Ulster Bank, we have introduced the innovative new product which is available for both existing and new mortgage customers in Northern Ireland. It offers significantly discounted borrowing for the purchase and installation of the latest solar photovoltaic technology as well as full management of supply and installation through an arrangement between ourselves and Ulster Bank. The groundbreaking deal also includes full support of the customer through any building control, planning or grant applications.

The new mortgage is viewed as an innovative step from the financial and renewable energy communities. Reflecting a rising interest in solar power as an investment for the home, the decision by Ulster Bank to offer the product demonstrates a belief that this trend is set to continue. The mortgage is being trialled in Northern Ireland prior to wider roll out later in the year.

The mortgage offers a 50 per cent reduction on Ulster Bank�s standard variable rate for three years to cover the cost of purchasing and fitting the solar photovoltaic technology, in addition to the convenience of the whole process being handled by a leading provider.

A close-up of our award-winning C21e tiles.

Solarcentury CEO Derry Newman says: �We are delighted to be working with Ulster Bank in launching such an innovative product that makes solar more accessible and affordable. Solar photovoltaic technology is a clean, reliable and readily available alternative to fossil fuels, which generates clean electricity, producing power directly from daylight.�

He adds: �We are particularly pleased to offer our own photovoltaic roof tile, which is manufactured in the UK including components from suppliers in Northern Ireland. This integrates seamlessly into the roof, adds value to properties and significantly reduces the exposure to the homeowner from future energy price rises.�

Ulster Bank Head of Mortgages, Derek Wilson, says: �Mortgages are an extremely important part of our business and we consider this to be a significant innovation in the marketplace as well as an important step in helping bring domestic renewable energy technology into the mainstream.�

�This new product will help make installation of solar panels much more affordable and cost effective and provides reassurance to homeowners because the whole process is managed by a pre-approved, high quality supplier and installer.�

Dr Andy McCrea, Director of Northern Ireland�s renewable energy champion, Action Renewables, welcomed the new solar mortgage.

�Ulster Bank is leading the way in Northern Ireland and in the wider UK mortgage market with the introduction of this solar mortgage. We consider this to be an extremely significant development which will help make solar technology more affordable and will help further raise awareness of the important issue of addressing climate change. I would urge homeowners to consider the product as a convenient and cost effective means of reducing their carbon footprint.�

For further information see: www.solarmortgage.co.uk