What is stopping you from installing renewables?

admin · Site Admin Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Kent

There are many good reasons for installing renewables, most people can think of many benefits but very few actually get round to doing it.
What are your reasons?

Mantis · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 2

I should be getting the Zen Eager hot water system installed in the next couple of weeks.

I have avoided electricity generation, to date; as the voltaics are so expensive and repayment periods are too long.

I keep looking at the costs and re calculate. It will not be too long before energy costs rise and production costs of the equipment fall to the level that make it cost effective.

admin · Site Admin Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Kent

Hi Mantis

pattypoo · Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Caerphilly

Mantis · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 2

This is not exactly saving the planet stuff but . . .
. . . . . . . To me there a many good reasons not to buy Solar PV now -

1. The price is coming down

2. New technology is imminent

3. I believe the government may improve incentives soon for PV

So I am holding my fire, with the intention of buying in the next 18 months. I am also considering a wind turbine as in the North East, where I live, (Near the coast) there is plenty of wind.

Here again the prices and technology on the turbines is reducing all the time. An installation will currently cost you £4,000 ish but the manufacturers claim the price will reduce to around £2,000.

Not exactly a good closing method, in my opinion, so again I am delaying any acquisitions.

Guest · Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 1:54 pm Post subject: My reasons...

Well just found this (rather cool) site as I am trying to do a cost study now.

main 2 concerns are initial costs / suitability of house.
Windows in existing loft conversion seriously reduce available roof space for PV cells on our south side, and I am unsure of suitability of small wind turbine.

fundiphil
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Boggle · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Ireland

5611Baron · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Sutherland

Brand new to this forum. Happy to be here. I do have some opinions, thoughts and ideas to share. On the subject of alternative energy: I fully support the concept because I believe that each one of us must contribute to CO2 emission reduction. In order to do this, however, each must make a behavioural change. The change must address our individual needs, wishes and desires. The change will not happen without sacrifice and yet too few are willing to change to a less comfortable lifestyle. Buy less, use less, recycle more encapsulates the way forward.

Another point that I have found: The renewable systems that the typical family can use have been overpriced excessively.
A recent case in point is that a system where hardware and connection costs should be £7,000 to £7,500 is estimated to have total cost of $12,000. The company claims that 2 installers can do the job in one day.
If so, a reasonable quote would be close to £9,000 rather that £12,000.
Another case concerns a solar water heater with no moving parts and no need for a cylinder but quoted the same price as a system with moving parts and needing a cylinder. How can this happen?

Then there is the public opposition to making the changes needed to reduce the demand for or increase the production of energy. Price of a product has an effect on the demand for that product. Air travel is too cheap, train travel is too expensive. Air travel benefits from excessive subsidies. Only when the priorities putting Carbon reduction first become more than the priorities of low price, scenic beauty, 'not in my back yard' will we see progress.

Sorry, but I fear that the government will fail and the individual will fail in making changes fast enough. And I am an optimist?

Ed

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The only way to eat an elephant is one small bite at a time. Our 'elephant' is excessive CO2 emissions.