Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2011/January 2012 | Page 142

BUSINESS Solar and Renewable The Island's total energy service Amid ever rising fuel costs, it is vital to ensure a home is as energy efficient as possible. That is where Whitwell-based Solar and Renewable Installations Ltd can provide a valuable and professional service, offering advice on the most suitable way for you to save energy and make your property more efficient. Joshua Matthews formed the company nearly 18 months ago with junior partner and Heating Engineer, Tom Harrison. Joshua had been a self-employed electrician for five years and has now built Solar & Renewable Installations into a highly respected firm, carrying out maintenance and installation work for the Southern Housing Group, hotels, building contractors and care homes as well as private customers. A member of the Solar and Renewable Installations team is happy to visit potential clients to carry out a free initial survey and decide the best options to improve efficiency and provide the best benefits at the most reasonable cost. Joshua explained: “At a time when people are becoming really concerned about ever increasing energy costs we want to provide a way for people to save money and help the environment.” Evidence of the service Joshua and his team can provide is on view at their offices in Whitwell, which has recently had solar PV panels, a solar thermal system and an air source heat pump installed. He said: “Anyone is welcome to come and have a look by prior appointment. We want customers to understand what they’re buying in to and to give them confidence in our products and workmanship.” “There are currently grants available for installations that are installed before March 2011 of up to £400 for solar thermal and up to £850 for heat pumps. And potentially long term returns through the Renewable Heat incentive due to be introduced late 2012. Heat pumps are up to 40 per cent cheaper to run than off-grid Gas properties that are heated by Electricity, oil or LPG. Joshua continued: “If a customer has an existing plumbing system in good condition, there is every chance we would only have to change a few radiators and fit the heat pump system, so the installation can work out very reasonable and cause minimal disruption to your family life. However Renewable technologies are not the best option for all people. If we can find a solution, which will save you money based on a traditional system then we will.” Joshua firmly believes there are huge benefits associated with being able to provide both services in tandem rather than for customers having to coordinate more than one supplier, which can sometimes be very inconvenient and inefficient. The whole team are all ready to help you to improve your energy efficiency. Solar and Renewable Installations Ltd 2 Strathwell Crescent, Whitwell PO38 2QZ TEL: [phone] EMAIL: [email protected] 142 www.visitislandlife.com