Cymru Solar - the Wales Solar Network

By Tanya Christensen, CPRW's Sustainable Development Officer in the Brecon Beacons National Park

Is there a Welsh Solar Resource?

Contrary to popular belief, Wales has a plentiful supply of solar energy, amounting to over a thousand kilowatt hours each year per square meter. Solar water heating systems collect both direct and diffused sunshine and a well-designed system will supply a normal domestic household with over 90% of hot water requirements from May to September. In fact recent DTI figures show that householders can save between 60-70% on their annual water heating bills. Solar thermal energy is a renewable energy source, its technology is proven and it has a sound Welsh manufacturing base (Thermomax and Filsol). Despite all these favourable conditions, the solar thermal industry has made only slow progress. This is due to a number of barriers: Cost: It is still perceived as an expensive technology. The cost of a professionally installed system can vary from Ł2,000-Ł4,000, depending on the size and type. A DIY installation can bring this down to Ł1,000-Ł1,500. In addition there are a number of regional grant schemes available (through Solar Clubs) and new national ones such as the DTI Clear Skies Programme, which will help reduce costs.

Unfortunately there are a number of solar installation companies operating in the UK using aggressive sales techniques, which are undermining the public's confidence in the industry by charging up to Ł7,000 for an installed system. The advice is, contact the REAL Network on 0845 3304940, who will signpost you to the nearest accredited installer and/or Solar Club. Professional Skills & Training: There is a shortage of plumbers/heating engineers qualified to install solar water heating systems so it is imperative to develop Wales' renewable energy competence base, especially to meet the projected increase in demand for renewable energy installations. A valuable step is the development of the Shine21 course, a Welsh-led initiative. Raising Awareness: There is still a tremendous lack of awareness about the viability of solar thermal technology in Wales, in particular the above average potential Welsh solar resource.

The emergence of Cymru Solar

It was with these barriers in mind, that Cymru Solar took its first tentative steps in October 2001. This was at a meeting in the Brecon Beacons, set up to discuss how regional solar thermal practitioners could pool their resources and address the barriers. Further meetings took place, and in early 2002 it was agreed to register Cymru Solar as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

Members represent a very broad and experienced core of the solar water heating sector in Wales, possibly unique in the UK. They include Welsh manufacturers and suppliers of solar water heating equipment; solar installation companies; organisations involved with energy issues; the Welsh Solar Clubs (including the CPRW/BBNPA led Brecon Beacons Solar Club) and a number of individual members.

The network has been an invaluable forum for its member organisations, and has achieved much in its first year:
An audit of all Welsh Planning Authorities, clarifying their planning requirements for solar thermal panels.
Two presentations on the network to the National Assembly Sustainable Energy Group (NASEG)
Developing an application to the WDA's Environmental Goods and Services Programme, to develop a marketing strategy.
lMost importanly, Cymru Solar is currently awaiting the outcome of an Enfys application for a dedicated

Development Officer.

The potential of the organisation is still relatively untapped, mainly due to the lack of a dedicated officer. To date it has been taken forward solely by its member organisations, including CPRW, which is a reflection of everyone's commitment. A Development Officer would be in a position to further develop the Welsh solar thermal industry, to draw down funding for the Welsh Solar Economy and tap into all the expertise available within the Cymru Solar membership.

Conclusion

Solar Thermal Technology is readily available, affordable, relatively easy to install and the accumulative impact of solar thermal systems could make a significant contribution towards Wales' renewable energy targets. In many ways the technology embodies sustainability in that it is small scale, decentralised, can be adopted by all sections of society and has the potential to significantly address fuel poverty issues. All of the pieces to the 'solar thermal puzzle' are there, but ours is still at the 3 years+ stage, whereas the rest of Europe are in the 5,000 piece 3D league. But Cymru Solar is in the unique position of being able to change that. Visit www.clear-skies.org for more information on the new Ł10m DTI Householder and Community Initiative. Homeowners can obtain grants between Ł500-Ł5,000, whilst community groups can apply for up to Ł100K for grants and feasibility studies. Technologies supported are; Solar Power, Micro-Hydro, Automated Wood Pellet Stoves, Wind Power (up to 5kW), Ground Source Heat Pumps and Wood Fuelled Boiler Systems.

Tanya Christensen is a founding Director of Cymru Solar, on behalf of CPRW and the Brecon Beacons National Park.