PV Gap

Curtis Said:

Why aren't all new homes in the UK built with small wind turbines and solar panels as standard?

We Answered:

To be fair the idea has been mooted around for several years. Solar power has been used to heat water in pensioners bungalows for awhile. The mechanics takes up a room the length of the property and it only works efficiently in the summer. By the time you calculate cost and maintenance against performance, it's little more than an expensive gimmick. If granny isn't on the roof cleaning the panels with her shammy leather then somebody else is.

Wind turbines is a whole different set of problems. They cured the wind pattern issue with a conical, witches hat shaped harvester, but it isn't as efficient as windmill sails. The only way it can work is one large unit supplying an estate, the electronics that would allow a home unit to kick from the mains to battery power are too complicated and bulky for the average house. The cost of replacement batteries and their carbon footprint is also prohibitive.

At the turn of the millenium when literally millions of pounds of lottery money and European grants was being thrown at environmental projects all the community energy ideas had a try out. The only one that worked was energy from waste, but that hits NIMBY, because nobody wants a house next door to an incinerator.

The biggest problem though is people. Your tree is blocking my solar panel two hours per day, your gable end is diverting the wind from my turbine :o)

Kristen Said:

Does anyone know the import tax on solar panels if I'm importing from China to the UK.?

We Answered:

You will pay 17.5% VAT. There is a reduced VAT rate for the installation of renewable energy sources, but not for the purchase of items separately.

There may also be Customs duty. If you know the commodity code of your product, you can check the rate of duty by ringing Customs on 0845 010 9000 or have a look on the website below. You can also search on the website by description but you have to start with a vague search term and work your way through the sub-headings.

Any VAT and duty due will be charged on the cost+insurance+freight value of the panels. It will usually be paid by your shipper and they will invoice you for the amount due (plus a processing fee usually!)

Earl Said:

How many households in the UK use solar panels?

We Answered:

In 3 Months the the UK Produced 15.2 MW of renewable energy in Total.

6.7 MW of that was produced by domestic solar panels or photovoltaics.

Domestic solar panels account for 97% of Installations in the renewable sector yet produce less than half the energy.

Hope that Helps

http://www.bz9.com/g1

Freddie Said:

How much to install solar panels amd ground heat pumps in every house in UK?

We Answered:

would be possible if they spent the money they have spent to bail out the banks, and on the war, they could have done it.

they could have even opened there own production factorys to make the parts and sell them at the production costs.

trouble is, it's a lucrative market, solar panels would make a lot of rich people loose there income, so it wont be happening.

Rebecca Said:

anyone in the uk got solar panels?

We Answered:

Of course everything depends on where you live, what size and type of panel you get. Expect to pay £3000 to buy and install a panel to heat your water. It should be able to heat 50% of your hot water needs in the winter and all of it in the summer. Most countries that are serious about renewable energy like Denmark, Germany and Portugal give grants or tax incentives to help convince people to fit them. Can't see Gordon Brown doing that any time soon.