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Solar PV novice - Generation Meter Readings
Good morning all, I'm a solar pv newbie; just had a 15 panel Sanyo 3.75Kw array installed with a Fronius inverter. Sadly the inverter is tucked away in an inaccessible corner of the loft and I've just ordered an Owl monitor so I can keep track of what's going on easily. The house is in Monmouthshire, faces south, south…
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Reduced rate VAT
Installing insulation should only be charged at the reduced rate (5%, check the HMRC website for the full list of conditions). I've just had some insulation installed and had to point this out to the installer (the installer is very reputable and did a good job). Has this been an area which has been abused previously…
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solar panels and anti freeze
I have just had someone at the door doing an energy use survey. I looked up the company online and noticed the following in their FAQ. our panels require no repair or upkeep after installation. However it is advisable etc. ....... monitoring the PH level of the anti freeze. This for solar panels that you get FITs on? Since…
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PV Solar FIT installation modification
Hi all, I am considering having some PV panels installed in order to generate electricity and benefit under the feed-in-tariffs. I am hesitating at the moment, however, since I am also considering an extension to my house in 5 or so years time, which will alter the roof significantly. Ideally, I would install the PV system…
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A Dilema
I had always planned to have solar PV installed in February this year as I would have funds available from a maturing bond. I had a number of quotations in November last year and chose a supplier on the basis of a February 2012 installation. With the FIT payment being reduced I was not going to proceed. However as the…
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B & Q 20w Energy Saving Bulbs
Bought some 20 watt spiral energy saving bulbs from the shed B & Q. Put them in the fittings & turned them on........ They flicker, come on very very dim then suddenly burst into life. Very off putting & not at all like my other 20 watt energy saving spiral bulbs. Are they faulty ?? They are driving me nuts to be honest…
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Cohousing
For anyone interested in finding out more about cohousing and related topics or sharing their experience and ideas I've just set up a Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/groups/323789307661989/ There are many different groups around the UK and abroad, rural and urban, with varying degrees of sharing and a wide variety…
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Government cut to solar tariffs blocked as appeal fails
The government has failed in an appeal against a decision which blocked its attempts to reduce solar subsidies. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16721328
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Cooking With Breast Milk Instead of Dairy Milk
One of my vegan friends posted this on my Facebook wall. ht[x]tp://ww[x]w.youtube.[x]com/watch?v=SLBqbO4McUU&feature=player_embedded (Remove the [X]s. The board won't let me post links. @_@) It got me thinking. My wife is currently nursing. We often end up with a lot of spare milk. Has anyone used breast milk as a cooking…
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Ethical sunscreen for ski trip
My precious firstborn is off skiing and needs suitable sunscreen/block for face and lips - the sort that a teenage boy will actually use. Any recommendations? Supermarket own brand is fine if 'cruelty-free'
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Advanced Heating Controls
Anyone have experience or suggestions relating to advanced central heating controls? I wake up at various times ranging from 4.30 to 6.30 and would like some way of turning on my heating from maybe an android app or similar. I've also been looking at a product called dataterm from warmworld.co.uk which looks interesting…
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Scottish Grid upgrade plans
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16685623 all part of their independance agenda? :D
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Sea Raser - tidal power system
mentioned on sky news: http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16154445 direct link is : http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/our-green-electricity/and-the-sea/searaser hmmm - thoughts?
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Home powerpack, no more electric bills....want one?
OK…..Hypothetically?……5 years from now…… For £4,500? You can now buy your own…. lets call it…errr…a ‘GENERPOWERPACK4’, what is it? It generates electricity ……But it does not use any fuel……well a tiny bit…….and is almost silent…..It’s the size of a domestic washing machine……it provides a constant 4kW of power at 230 volts…
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PassivSystems/HELMS, etc etc
Has anyone had these installed, the wireless energy saving system. I had the guys in from Solar UK to give a quote which came in at £2300 or £26pm for 120 months with their finance deal, wasn't interested in that which then got reduced down to £22 pm but as we're in the middle of organising a new kitchen told the guy until…
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safesolar company, just signed up any info
hi we have just signed up to a company called safesolar have gone for the 3k canadian solar split array 10 panels have been seen by severl companys and felt happiest with this one, but woul like some reassurance lol.
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where to recycle ink cartridges?
hello all, anyone recommend an ink cartridge recycle company please?not necessarily for cash for me ,to benefit a charity would be good too. thanks
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burning peat
Why is it OK to burn peat in your fire but not to use peat in your garden. At least using peat in your garden doesn't destroy it. I'm getting fed up with the radio adds about environmentally friendly peat heat.
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FiT payments changing on Apr 01
with the upcoming change in the FiT payment on April 01, and not having received my first payment yet.. can people with experience please explain how they have dealt with this change when inbetween the 3 month payments. experiences and any tips to overcome difficulties would be appreciated.
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solar 2012
Hi I have large south facing roof in cornwall. £12k to invest and wanted to know if I should buy solar panels? We work from home alot so all appliances could be run in the daytime a family of 5. Any thoughts,recommendations of suppliers or fitters, makes or models. What would be the FIT if I go ahead now. Thanks