The Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) has awarded £24 million of funding to Energetik to support two major extensions of its community heat network across the London Borough of Enfield. This brings the total support provided by HNIP to just under £39 million, following an initial grant and loan award of over £14 million for the construction of the Meridian Heat Network in 2020. The additional funding will increase the network’s reach and enable Energetik to supply very low carbon heat to over 50,000 homes, building on its previous forecast of 15,000 connections by 2026 and making this scheme the largest to be awarded HNIP funding to date. The extensions will link together and significantly decarbonise all existing heat networks in the London Borough by connecting them to the upcoming Meridian Water energy centre at Edmonton Eco Park. The energy centre will connect to the North London Waste Authority Recovery Facility once complete in 2026, delivering very low carbon waste heat to customers through a network of underground district heating pipes. The northwards extension will link the Meridian Water Heat Network with the existing Ponders End Heat Network, serving two new housing developments comprised of over 3,300 homes and the civic centre building in Enfield Town. The westwards extension will follow the route towards the Arnos Grove Heat Network, heading north towards the Oakwood Heat Network and connecting two care homes along the way. These extensions are a strategic step forward for Energetik, maximising the long-term decarbonisation potential by allowing more homes and buildings to benefit from heat that would otherwise be wasted.  Energy Minister Lord Callanan said: “Changing how we heat homes and workplaces is a vital part of how we will end our contribution to climate change, which is why we’re investing in cutting-edge low-carbon heating technologies to help us meet our bold climate targets.  “Thanks to this Energetik project, backed by a further £24 million of government funding, up to 50,000 households across North London are going to feel the direct benefits as we continue making our towns and cities cleaner places to live and work.” Jayne Clare, Managing Director at Energetik said: “This funding decision is extremely positive for Enfield and our Company. The expansion of our low carbon heat networks will provide the required infrastructure to unlock untapped potential and deliver maximum carbon savings across the borough. This an immense step forward towards achieving Enfield’s carbon goals.” Ken Hunnisett, Project Director at Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management said: “Energetik was one of the very first projects to be awarded through the Heat Networks Investment Project and it is great to be able to support them further with a second award in the scheme’s final year. One of the major benefits of heat networks is their ability to expand and decarbonise over time, and Energetik is a shining example of how this can be done for the benefit of a significant 50,000 homes across North London.

Solar Energy Scotland welcomes the inclusion of solar into the Scottish Governments and Scottish Green parties’ draft policy programme, as announced earlier today. The document outlines the joint commitment from both parties to confront some of the greatest challenges faced in Scotland to date, responding to the climate emergency, supporting economic recovery and strengthening a green and fair recovery from the global pandemic. Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett said: “Scotland has a more ambitious target on net-zero than the rest of the UK, so we are looking forward to working closely with the new government to ensure solar energy can play a full part in the race to cut carbon emissions. The opportunities are huge, from a new generation of solar parks, to co-location with wind farms, large rooftop schemes and using onsite solar to decarbonise heat and transport.” Solar Energy Scotland Chair Thomas McMillan said: “The solar energy industry in Scotland welcomes the clear recognition in the cooperation agreement of the important role solar can play in Scotland’s drive to meet our 2030 climate obligations. As the cheapest, most readily deployable renewable technology, with substantial benefits for the economy and helping to tackle fuel poverty, it is time for the sector to be allowed to grow and flourish. Scotland’s solar opportunities could see deployment increase 15-fold by 2030, and this would deliver a solar sector in Scotland proportional to what is being achieved elsewhere in the UK.” Solar Energy Scotland is calling on Government to set a minimum solar deployment target of 4GW by 2030, with an ambitious Government delivering as much as 6GW over the next decade.

Installing a solar power system is a big decision. Finding out the right installer is a bigger decision. A solar panel investment is a matter of more than twenty-five years, and you cannot hire just about any company, which claims to install solar panels. It will help if you choose a solar installer who carefully looks at your requirements, your roof, stands behind their work, and honors any warranty. Take a look at the website and company values The company’s mission and vision statements, objectives, and values offer a glance into a business’s DNA, and you understand how you will be treated as a customer. If the values of the company match with what you are looking forward to, shortlist it. Look at their experience and longevity Gain information about the number of years they have been working in this field. If they are reliable, they will mention their past projects on their websites. Spend some time checking those and the certifications of the company. Examine the warranties Solarpower panels last for years without much maintenance. If an issue occurs, you should know who to contact. The solar energy system has several warranties, from the manufacturer warranties for various parts to workmanship warranties from installers.  The latter warranty adheres only to the specific work performed by the installer and usually spans over a period of ten years. Understand the warranty carefully to know what is included or excluded and check with the installer to learn about hidden aspects of the warranties. Also, ask the installer if you have to pay charges during the check or replacement of any equipment. Who will install the system? Full-service installers involve their in-house team members to complete the project – designing, installing, monitoring, and maintaining. Sometimes, solar installers depend on subcontractors to perform all or part of the work involved in installing the system. There is nothing to be disappointed by this as it is a normal practice in the industry. You have to pay attention to the level of transparency from the installers about who will install the system – the installers themselves or the subcontractors. Also, try to know why they use the subcontractor and what portion of the work will be done by the subs. Everything boils down to one point – who will be responsible if there is a problem and who will you go to for a solution. If they answer clearly, you can go ahead with the company or switch your attention to its competitors. Verify their online reviews and speak to their customers Never hire a company without listening to or reading the recommendations. You may talk to friends and neighbors who have also installed solar panels. The reviews about a company from its users and customers are a great way to know about its services. Check out social media platforms and Google reviews to get an insight into the company’s workmanship. Peace of Mind A purchase should never pressurize you. Is the installation company pushing hard? If yes, you may not be alarmed immediately as many reputable solar installers offer incentives to their staff with commissions. But, if you notice that the representatives are moving from door-to-door, insisting you sign a contract without reading it and convincing you that solar will be great for your roof while others refuse to install without repairing the house, understand that these are signs of high-pressure sales tactics. Keep your eyes and ears open for choosing a solar installer. Make sure that the company is reliable and has been in this industry for a long time.