DIY Renewables

It’s suddenly getting easier to generate your own clean energy. The Government are trying to clear a path to enable more households to install small scale micro-generation, including solar panels and small wind-turbines, by reducing planning restrictions. Legislation is being considered for the autumn. ..and it could go further… Alistair Darling has recently said that energy companies could be set tough new targets to cut the consumption of electricity and gas in the home. They would have to meet these targets, for example, by requiring their customers to fit wind turbines or loft insulation, or pay a financial penalty.

In the meantime some retailers have recognised the potential explosive growth in interest from consumers who wish to take personal action and reduce growing household energy & financial costs. Currys is piloting a scheme in three of its stores selling solar panels for £1’000. They offer an in-store consultation followed by a free home assessment to check that their property is suitable. B&Q on the other hand launched this week the sale of roof-mounted wind turbines and solar thermal panels. Over the next few weeks they are also offering large discounts on energy saving materials (such as insulation) and energy-saving appliances (such as low energy light bulbs and condensing boilers).

However it is B&Q’s launch of £1’500 roof-mounted wind turbines in 107 stores nationwide & online, that has really caught the imagination of the media and general public. Locally, HHP was invited on the 4th October to join Paul Johnson from B&Q in a live discussion on Radio Nottingham about this subject. Although we are concerned about the performance of such wind turbines and the manufacturers’ claims about energy production ( click here for further information about HHP views and see an interesting article in the  Observer ), we were pleased to hear from Paul that they were taking a very responsible approach. Each customer that applies for an installation will have a structural survey to ensure building integrity and assistance to apply for Government funding of approximately £500*; A condition of the funding is that the household must improve the energy efficiency of their homes – and where can they go to for that –B&Q of course to purchase a wide range of energy saving products. B&Q will also assess the viability of the wind turbines by considering how windy the area is.

For more information about B&Q’s greener energy initiatives, see www.diy.com. For detailed information about B&Q’s wider approach to environmental and social responsibility – Click here