Tag Archives: energy bills

News

Energy firm continues diversification journey with new solar cleaning business

INNOVATION and diversification continue at a renewable energy firm which has added a sparkling new service to its award-winning portfolio.

Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the Carbon Zero Group based in Old Colwyn, St Asaph and Mochdre – is one of the few companies in the sector to offer solar panel cleaning in addition to installation and maintenance.

The development comes after the business welcomed more than 100 guests and exhibitors to its inaugural two-day Solar and Battery Expo at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay.

While some window cleaners will give solar panels a squeegee and scrape as part of their offering, Carbon Zero’s Managing Director Gareth Jones says customers who have invested in PV technology should stick to specialists to ensure systems continue to operate efficiently.

“We are the only company in the region and one of the few renewable energy businesses in the UK to offer a dedicated specialist cleaning service,” said Gareth, a Net Zero Ambassador for the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council’s Net Zero North Wales network, and Vice President of the Federation of Master Builders in Wales.

“We have the expertise to do it, are fully insured and have a dedicated vehicle to clean solar panels, unlike window cleaners who will do it in addition to other areas of a property.

“As the weather improves, we will see demand increase. Solar systems are sold as a ‘fit and forget’ and some people think the glass is self-cleaning, but this is far from the truth.

“Dirty solar panels can limit system operation by 30% and be catastrophic for older systems, with old technology. Just like rain doesn’t wash your windows clean, rain also doesn’t fully clean solar panels.

“This is a specialist’s job and maintenance should be completed by experts who know how to treat and handle them. Plus, businesses will need a maintenance contract to satisfy insurance requirements.”

He added: “For us the priority is providing an end-to-end experience for our customers, from the moment we discuss their renewable energy needs through to advice, installation, and maintenance, that relationship continues for many years to come.

“Our recent Expo was an example of that, with collaborators and partners joining us to celebrate the industry and be on hand to help those needing our guidance on a range of issues.

“This surge in interest, led to us taking on new staff in the past weeks having announced our highest ever accounts, so we thank everyone for their support and encourage anyone who has any solar panel or renewable energy system needs to give us a call or keep up to date with the latest news on the sector via our popular new YouTube podcast, Eco Talk Rewired.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

To watch the podcast, visit YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EcoTalkPodcast.

News

Award-winning butcher turns to solar following huge spike in energy prices

ONE of the country’s leading meat producers is using solar power to produce its award-winning sausages.

And the move to renewable energy is helping to bring down spiralling electricity prices at Edwards, the Welsh Butcher, which hit the news last autumn when its bills soared from £2,500 to £15,000 a week.

The company took the decision to contact Carbon Zero Renewables, which has been installing solar energy systems across the country for more than 15 years.

They installed 238 state-of-the-art solar panels on the roof of Edwards’ 23,000 sq ft Conwy headquarters, and the 120kW system is already paying dividends.

Early results show it will ensure a saving of more than £30,000 and 20,200 kg of CO2 a year – the equivalent to planting almost 950 trees.

Employing more than 80 staff in the town, founder Ieuan Edwards sees a light at the end of the tunnel and says this is the next step on their sustainability journey.

“The move to renewable energy aligns with our values and of course given spiralling energy costs we needed and wanted to do something,” he said.

“It’s a challenging time for everyone but this is also a long-term investment that will have a positive and sustainable impact on both our carbon footprint and overall costs for years to come.”

Ieuan added: “We thank Carbon Zero Renewables for their support and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again or recommend their services.”

Ieuan first opened his butcher’s shop in Conwy 40 years ago. Following years of success the company expanded into a nearby production facility, where it makes its award-winning products for leading UK supermarkets, foodservice and meal-kit sectors, and international retailers.

Their growing and ever-popular range includes sausages, beef, pork and chicken burgers, gammon, bacon, and seasonal products.

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Carbon Zero Renewables and Net Zero Ambassador for the North Wales and Mersey Dee Business Council said it was a privilege to collaborate with one of Wales’s best-loved businesses and help them make a difference to the environment.

He added: “Why more businesses aren’t looking at solar energy is quite mind boggling when you consider the effect it has on not only profits but also the world around us.

“The technology installed at their factory is the safest on the market, can be monitored 24/7 and allows for independent analysis of every solar panel on the roof, not just the overall system like others that are out there at the moment.

“Companies are realising that it’s not just about wanting to do something, it’s about having to do something for continuity and to future-proof, because this problem is not going to go away anytime soon.

“Edwards, the Welsh Butcher has recognised that as part of its overall green strategy and I’m sure they will continue to reap the rewards.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

For more on Edwards, the Welsh Butcher go to www.weareedwards.co.uk.

News

How to save hundreds on your annual heating bill and get help with energy debts

With energy bills set to rise by up to £96 in 2021 for 15-million families due to Ofgem’s price cap increase, UK boiler installation company, Boiler Central has compiled a list of government grants, benefits and expert tips to help you cut costs on your heating bill without compromising on comfort.
UK Grants and benefits
Cold Weather Payments
What is it?
One-off payments to help with heating costs each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature for a certain period.
Who is eligible?
Those that already receive any of the following benefits: Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
Winter Fuel Payment
What is it?
An annual, one-off payment to help you fund fuel costs during winter.
Who is eligible?
Those born on or before 5 October 1954.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
What is it?
£140 off your electricity bill (as long as your supplier is signed up to the scheme).
Who is eligible?
If you’re on a low income or getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit, you may be eligible to apply.
Green Home Grants
What is it?
A voucher towards the cost of installing energy-efficient improvements to your home. These improvements could be to upgrade your insulation or install low-carbon heating, for example. The voucher must be redeemed, and home improvements made by 31 March 2022.
Who is eligible?
Homeowners or residential landlords.
Grants to help pay off your energy debt
What is it?
A grant from a charitable trust to help you pay off debts to your energy supplier.
British Gas Energy Trust offers grants which are open to anyone (you don’t have to be a customer).
Scottish Power Hardship Fund, Ovo Debt and Energy Assistance, E.on Energy Fund, EDF Energy Customer Support Fund, Npower Energy Fund and Bulb Energy Fund all offer grants specifically for their customers.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who is struggling to pay off their energy debts. Those who apply will need to provide detailed financial information in the application. Charitable trusts also like to see evidence that you’ve received debt advice before you apply. This can increase your chances of making a successful application.
Further information on how to claim the grants or benefits listed can be found on GOV.UK
Practical tips to save money on your energy bills
Although grants and benefits aren’t open to everyone, there are some lesser-known ways to save money on your energy bills by making small changes in your home. Myles Robinson, co-founder at Boiler Central shares his expert tips for keeping your house warm during winter:

1. The ideal thermostat setting for winter is 18-21 degrees. Turning the temperature up higher won’t make your house heat up quicker and will instead use more fuel and increase your heating bill.

2. If you’re drying clothes, a proper drying rack is the best option. Drying clothes on the radiator will block the heat.

3. Poor roof or wall insulation can mean losing up to 35% of the heat in your home. Making sure you have good-quality insulation will save you money in the long run.

4. Cover your letterbox with a seal or use keyhole covers to prevent heat from escaping and make sure your house can heat up quicker.

5. Switching to an eco-friendly showerhead means you’ll use less hot water per shower, and less energy to heat the water.

6. If possible, use thermostatic radiator valves so you can control the temperature of each radiator. Make sure the thermostat valve is turned to zero in areas that you don’t use.

7. Switching to an A-rated boiler can help you save up to £315 per year through reduced energy consumption.

8. As soon as it gets dark, draw your curtains or blinds to prevent heat loss. Lined or thermal curtains are a good option.

Please visit: www.boilercentral.com