First Solar Panels Installed

REAP’s Solar Project saw its first PV (photo voltaic) panel installation going up at a house near Elgin last week. The 12 PV monocrystalline panels will be generating up to 2.8kw per hour for use by the household or for feeding back into the grid from next week when they are accredited. Every unit of electricity generated will earn 43p for the household. Over a year, for this installation, this should add up to around £1,000 and save around another £200 from offset energy.

Householder Claire Ross is delighted with the panels and the speed and ease of the installation by Galloway Renewables based in Forres. Claire said “I was surprised at how quickly I got used to the panels, I thought I would have to live with them for a while.  The panels are all black and fit in with the property very well”.

REAP has had over 100 enquiries for solar panels, and team members have carried out over 90 surveys across Moray, Nairn and Huntly for householders, community projects and businesses. REAP can survey for both PV panels like the ones above, or for solar thermal panels for hot water heating, sourced from AES Solar, also based in Forres. REAP staff will come out to your property at a time to suit you and advise on whether you could benefit from solar panels. If you have an unshaded, south facing roof you might be able to benefit from either PV or solar thermal panels – the team will be able to advise on the other factors involved.

Solar water heating

“Solar water heating can provide up to 50% of your hot water over a year, and almost 100% at times in summer”, said Eddie Brown, REAP solar project co-ordinator. “Anyone in a household of two people or more could benefit, especially a family with children using a lot of water for washing, showers, baths etc. Our suppliers and installers, AES Solar in Forres provide reliable panels at a very competitive price, and have a great reputation – and we are supporting a local firm and helping create local jobs through our CCF funded project”

 The REAP team had a successful launch in Elgin Town Hall in May and can be found at many events and shows around the area through the summer. Events attended so far include Nairn Show, the Huntly and Forres Farmers’ Markets and they, along with the insulation team will attend the Keith Show on 7/8 August.

If you’d like more information about any aspect of REAP’s work, to book a free solar survey, find out about insulation or get help with your community group’s energy efficiency or renewables ideas, contact 01542 888070 or e-mail info@reapscotland.org.uk