Solar PV Blooms At Chelsea Flower Show And At First Solar Town!

Solar PV installations continue to make the news, both in major commercial and residential applications across the UK ...Starting on a topical note, the world's first retractable photovoltaic awning is being showcased at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, 25-29 May. A flexible, lightweight solar film system, the 3kW awning has an estimated annual power output of 10-15 per cent of typical home consumption. As well as all the advantages of a conventional canopy, the surplus solar energy generated provides a guaranteed revenue stream from the UK FeedIn Tariff Scheme (FiTs).In a recently completed Microgeneration Certified Scheme, a 75 kWp photovoltaics system consisting of 250 polycrystalline panels was fitted to a Lincolnshire industrial estate, which is estimated will produce 45 megawatt hours of energy per year.On the domestic front, a huge solar project in the West country is expected to be shortly underway as thousands of solar PV panels are planned to be installed on the roofs of domestic residences, schools and businesses properties across Wadebridge in Cornwall, and thus, become the first Solar PV powered town in the UK. Aiming to have a total of 1MW installed by 2012, at least a third of the town's electricity will be finally generated by 7MW of solar power installed by 2015, or the equivalent of 15,000MWh a year.According to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), renewable energy should provide between 30-45% of the UK's electricity by 2030. An added incentive will be provided by significant cost reductions expected over the next twenty years across a the entire range of renewable technologies, including heat pumps and biomass.The types of solar PV panels being designed and manufactured are evolving too with new cladding systems, intended to be less obtrusive by neatly integrating with the fabric of a building and which can be installed into the walls and other surfaces.While the current government review is looking at large scale solar developments over 50kW, it's very obvious that the solar industry is going from strength in both domestic and commercial sectors, which it has to do if it's to significantly contribute towards the UK's carbon emission targets set for the next twenty years.Candidates interested in entering the renewable energy industry receive full curriculum training, skills knowledge and nationally recognised qualifications at the AbleSkills Renewable Energy Centre, an approved, established trainer in key renewable energy courses, including solar PV courses and solar courses for thermal heating.First time students and experienced electrical installers obtain an essential introduction to working with sustainable technology on a short but critical renewable energy awareness course, offered at AbleSkills.