In this issue:

Spirit Solar hits One MegaWatt

On 20th August 2011 Spirit Solar reached the One MegaWatt milestone. That's one thousand kilowatts of solar power installed. We have installed hundreds of domestic systems and several nondomestic systems on school buildings, agricultural buildings, and various community buildings, including a hospital and a synagogue. We have also installed a number of ground mounted systems, one pergola mounted system and a unique 10kWp system on a curved roof. See more at: http://www.spiritsolar.co.uk/previous-solar-panel-installations.php

At the time of writing (mid-September) we are up to 1285 kWp. Total annual generation is forecast to be approximately 1,050,000 kWh, saving 600 tonnes of CO₂.

Southfields School goes solar

On 12th August 2011 Spirit Solar commissioned a solar photovoltaic system at Southfields Junior School in Swindon. The system comprises 40 x Suntech 245W panels (shown below) with an expected overall system output of 9.8kWp.

Deputy Head teacher, Nicola Anderton, says: "We believe that schools need to lead the way on environmental issues. Southfield School is an eco-friendly school and this project is helping us toward our silver award." She went on to say "we were very impressed with how incredibly tidy and efficient the installation team were." The school is "chuffed to bits" with the installation.

Meet the team

This month: Mike

Mike runs our Devon branch and does everything from the initial survey to installation. He has over five years' experience in the renewable sector, encompassing solar thermal, solar PV and heat pumps.

Three in a row...

This street in Chalfont St Giles boasts three consecutive houses with installations by Spirit Solar. Mr Heywood referred his neighbours who in turn proceeded to have installations. This earned Mr Heywood a £300 "recommend a friend" bonus from Spirit Solar for each house.

Mr. H says: "I first approached Spirit Solar after a friend expressed how pleased she was with her installation. I was very satisfied with the service provided by Spirit Solar- they did exactly what they said they would do. Furthermore, the staff were very knowledgeable and were able to answer all of my questions. The system has been installed now for almost a year, and is performing slightly above the guideline estimates. I was able to recommend Spirit Solar to my neighbours when they came to have a look at my system."

Update on the Renewable Heat Incentive

The Renewable Heat Incentive is a Government-backed incentive for renewable heat generation technologies such as solar thermal (hot water) and heat pumps. In March 2011 the Government introduced its intended "phased approach" to implementation of the RHI. Phase 1 targets big emitters in the non-domestic sector- this covers everything from large-scale industrial heating to small businesses. However, phase 1 also introduced the Renewable Heat Premium Payment for domestic properties. This is a grant of £300 and is available from 1st August 2011 until 31st March 2012. The Premium Payment is intended to bridge the gap until the domestic RHI is launched in October 2012. Systems installed before October 2012 will qualify for the RHI.