Encouraging article in the FT today (sorry, can't add a link - I've used up this month's free allocation and I'm too mean to subscribe) noting that a record number of homeowners have installed PV panels this month (2200 homes). It's all down to FITs which have really converted the economics (just wait until my inheritance rolls in!). Hopefully the vast majority of those installations will perform well (we don't want a repeat of the old double glazing salesman scenario). What is not clear is how many people are funding the installations upfront and how many are taking up the "rent your roof" offers. Also, there's nothing about advice on optimal usage (timeshifting appliance operation, for instance). Hopefully that is being given but one wonders.
Parenthetically, this summer has been great for my solar hot water system - my gas usage has been way down - I know the payback period is horribly long but none-the-less it gives me a sense of satisfaction.
On the double glazing front, our local paper this week carries an advertorial for a glazing concern trumpeting the fact that its windows have BFRC ratings. Without outwardly lying the article is misleading in that it states that the BFRC rating range is A to G (true) but doesn't say anything about Building Regs requirements (soon to be Band C or better under Approved Document L1B). It would be very easy for the uninitiated to think they were really "doing their bit" when all they are in fact doing is complying with minimum standards! I feel a letter to the press coming on.
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