Solar Power
Solar Power in the North East
Photovoltaics (PV)
The North East of England is home to a range of companies and organisations with expertise in the development and promotion of PV. With the assistance of One NorthEast, several of them have formed a cluster group PVNorthEast to provide a focus for both regional activities and for those who are interested in what the North East has to offer.
The North East also has one of the most advanced PV development centres in the UK. The New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) at Blyth operate this PV Technology Centre. The centre has a well equipped solar cell process line and characterisation laboratory, which is operated by an internationally recognised research and development group with over 60 man-years experience in delivering PV R&D programmes in collaboration with universities, research institutes and industry. The Centre can provide research support and a full range of testing facilities
Solar Hot Water
There are several companies providing these systems to commercial and domestic users. The link below provides information and technical details from a case study; where Zen Eaga Solar installed solar hot water system to nine flats in a sheltered housing scheme in Redcar. More information about solar water heating and a list of suppliers is available from the Solar Trade Association. Solar Hot water systems are also included in the work of the NEREG Microgeneration subgroup, as this is one of a number of technologies which could be integrated into buildings to provide small scale generation of the building's energy needs.
Grants are available for solar from Clear-Skies
Solar Hot Water installed to nine flats in a sheltered housing scheme in Redcar, 2005
The North East of England is home to a range of companies and organisations with expertise in the development and promotion of PV. With the assistance of the Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast, several of them have formed PV-NE to provide a focus for both regional activities and for those who are interested in what the North East has to offer.
The New and Renewable Energy Centre is dedicated to meeting today’s energy challenges by supporting developers of innovative technologies. NaREC encompasses a range of independent research, testing and development facilities across the spectrum of energy industries. Their specialised team of technical and engineering consultants work with developers to bridge the gap between innovation and commercial realisation.