Solar Power

Solar panels at Carraw Farm

Despite the United Kingdom’s reputation for changeable weather, solar power technologies have a proven market and with the prediction of warmer dryer summers on the horizon then this potential is only likely to increase. In this section we look at the potential for increasing the take-up and number of solar thermal, photovoltaic (PV) and combined photovoltaic thermal (PVT) units across the National Park.

Planning permission is generally not needed for residential buildings and once purchased installation can be done in two to three weeks. Investing in solar power technology is ideal for a quick win, especially since public perception of this technology is generally favourable.

Properties with south facing roofs have the potential to be able to meet the majority of both their annual heating and electrical needs with this technology. Larger arrays are also thought suitable for community buildings and business in and around the Park. Solar thermal has been around for some time now and take up in and around the National Park includes Carraw Farm, the Whiteburnshank Centre, Stonehaugh Community Hall and the Battlesteads Hotel.

Solar panels at Battlesteads

Each of these facilities was grant-aided in order to get them established. To-date, there has been limited take up of solar technology across the National Park by home owners, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and community facilities alike. High costs are thought to be the principal cause for this.

Generally manufacturers will offer product guarantees of 20-25 years although given due care and attention many systems will still be effective for 45 years plus. Romag are one of the leading UK manufacturers of PV technology and are based in the northeast whilst specialist advice is at hand through partnerships such as PV northeast.

With the imminent introduction of the Feed-In-Tariff as from 1st April 2010 and the Renewable Heat Incentive from April 2011 and a drop in the cost of units in recent years it is envisaged that this form of renewable technology will become increasing attractive to home owners, landlords, SMEs and community facilities alike. Payback periods for PV look as if they could drop in line with other technologies with 5-7 years not being uncommon.

Increasingly, solar power has been used for non-domestic, ranging from PV powered microwave radio repeater stations on hilltops, to PV powered telephone kiosks. Smaller-scale applications can charge batteries for caravans, electric fences, or even street lighting. PV is widely regarded as best and least expensive means of providing many of the services that are lacking. With Romag well established and a new production plant being set up at the New and Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, the North East is well served by manufactures of PV technology.

Solar Water Heating Fact Sheet from the Energy Saving Trust (PDF - 200KB)

Solar Photovoltaic Fact Sheet from the Energy Saving Trust (PDF - 100KB)

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