<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/balcony-solar-approvals-put-on-fast-track-as-uk-races-to-bolster-energy-independence/>
"The UK government announced over the weekend several measures designed to
bolster national energy security, including approving the sale of ‘plug-in
solar’ systems and bringing forward the next annual renewables auction.
Framed as a direct response to the war in Iran and its impact across the wider
Middle East, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband outlined a package of measures
designed to go “further and faster” in pursuit of national energy security.
Key to the government’s vision of national energy security is a combination of
small-scale household solar and accelerating the country’s move away from
natural gas.
Following the example set by Europe, Miliband announced that plug-in solar kits
will be made available in the UK for the first time.
While there are plans afoot to bring the technology to Australia, there are
several hurdles that need to be dealt with first. But the technology is simple
in its conception and basically allows anyone to set up their own solar panels
and even a connected battery.
Plug-in solar is most commonly seen on balconies across Europe and are helping
apartment dwellers save on their electricity bills. In Germany, for example,
already half a million of these plug-in solar systems have been plugged in over
the last year alone.
The UK expects that these plug-in solar kits will be able to be installed in
gardens or on walls and balconies, providing an alternative for renters and
those living in flats, units, and apartments, who may otherwise not have the
option to install rooftop solar panels.
The plug-in solar kits are plugged into a mains socket like any other device
and reduces the amount of electricity that is otherwise taken from the grid,
cutting energy bills and enabling everyone to do their own little bit for the
environment.
The government will work with the relevant bodies, consumer groups, and
industry to introduce new standards and amend regulations so as to introduce
plug-in solar kits as soon as possible.
The other main step the UK government is taking is bringing forward its next
annual renewables auction to July in an effort to provide even greater
certainty to clean energy investors and add more renewables to the grid
quicker."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
