Energy Discussions - Transition Derry2024-03-28T11:10:29Zhttp://transitionderry.ning.com/group/energy/forum?feed=yes&xn_auth=noSolar Collective / Co-operativetag:transitionderry.ning.com,2009-12-31:2613445:Topic:43242009-12-31T21:24:22.000Zcye bannonhttp://transitionderry.ning.com/profile/cyebannon
Hi there,<br></br>
<br></br>
I have been kicking around an idea for a NI solar co-operative aimed at supporting DIY installation of solar thermal (domestic water heating). Here's how it might work: A few experienced solar people A & B (founding/initial members) help out person C with their DIY solar install. In recompense, person C commits to provide xxx hours assistance on the next collective install. On the next few installations, say for persons D & E, founders A & B need to put in less…
Hi there,<br/>
<br/>
I have been kicking around an idea for a NI solar co-operative aimed at supporting DIY installation of solar thermal (domestic water heating). Here's how it might work: A few experienced solar people A & B (founding/initial members) help out person C with their DIY solar install. In recompense, person C commits to provide xxx hours assistance on the next collective install. On the next few installations, say for persons D & E, founders A & B need to put in less time because person C is now helping D & E out, with only the difficult bits being done by A & B. Eventually the collective grows into a group of people well versed in the easiest and least expensive way to install solar thermal.<br/>
<br/>
If participants such as C, D, or E don't have any DIY capability, say because of age or disability, & can't therefore help out on solar installations, they could always trade time or other skills with the collective instead.<br/>
<br/>
Now what about the hardware and the financial cost? Well, a collective member having their own system installed would have to source their own hardware - the collective would be there primarily to help with installation and to advise on the various hardware & procurement options, and not to otherwise subsidise. At the bottom end of the scale, I know of solar panels made from old domestic radiators and other DIY flat panel variations which, whilst entailing minimal outlay, are rather labour intensive and not always very efficient. Systems using professional ready-made solar panels can however be DIY installed with a capital outlay of as little as perhaps £700? depending on the house, its existing plumbing, and one's hot water usage.<br/>
<br/>
Anyway, end result is a group of collective members all with their own (assisted) DIY installs who are collectively able to assist the next person with their DIY install. A few years ago there was a London Solar Collective where their DIY-supervised installations even attracted grants - we may eventually be able to talk DETI and/or Action Renewables into assisting with the capital costs in a similar way?<br/>
<br/>
Having recently DIY installed a solar evacuated tube setup at my house, and shortly going on one of the carbonzero courses covering the other main solar thermal technologies, if there's any interest out there in this proposal, I am happy to get the ball rolling as person A (or B). Any other interested parties?<br/>
<br/>
All comments/suggestions gratefully received The Age of Stupidtag:transitionderry.ning.com,2009-03-21:2613445:Topic:13432009-03-21T08:55:22.000Zmarian farrellhttp://transitionderry.ning.com/profile/marianfarrell
<a href="http://www.ageofstupid.net/venues/belfast_queens_theatre">The Age of Stupid</a> is the new movie from Director Franny Armstrong (McLibel) and producer John Battsek (One Day In September). Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance? It will be released in UK cinemas on 20 March 2009, followed by other countries.
<a href="http://www.ageofstupid.net/venues/belfast_queens_theatre">The Age of Stupid</a> is the new movie from Director Franny Armstrong (McLibel) and producer John Battsek (One Day In September). Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance? It will be released in UK cinemas on 20 March 2009, followed by other countries. Community Renewable Technologiestag:transitionderry.ning.com,2009-03-10:2613445:Topic:12092009-03-10T23:03:05.000Zmarian farrellhttp://transitionderry.ning.com/profile/marianfarrell
Community Renewable Technologies<br />
<br />
Please find enclosed an invitation to attend the “Community Renewable Technologies” seminar organised by the Northern Ireland Energy Agency in partnership with Derry City Council funded by Europe Direct. This is a free event and will take place as follows:-<br />
<br />
<br />
Creggan Country Park<br />
BT48 9NU<br />
<br />
Friday 13th of March 2009<br />
<br />
10:30am to 1:15pm.<br />
<br />
<br />
The aim of this seminar is to bring together key representatives from the renewable technology field, local council, groups…
Community Renewable Technologies<br />
<br />
Please find enclosed an invitation to attend the “Community Renewable Technologies” seminar organised by the Northern Ireland Energy Agency in partnership with Derry City Council funded by Europe Direct. This is a free event and will take place as follows:-<br />
<br />
<br />
Creggan Country Park<br />
BT48 9NU<br />
<br />
Friday 13th of March 2009<br />
<br />
10:30am to 1:15pm.<br />
<br />
<br />
The aim of this seminar is to bring together key representatives from the renewable technology field, local council, groups and organisations from the wider community. It will be an opportunity for all to share knowledge on the latest research, funding avenues and information on the sustainable use of energy within the community sector.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in attending the event please complete the fax back form enclosed by Monday 9th March or contact Grainne O’Neill on 028 71273072 or email goneill@nienergyagency.org<br />
<br />
Please also find enclosed a copy of the agenda for the event which highlights the topics that will be covered and the list of keynote speakers that will be attending.<br />
<br />
Seminar Agenda<br />
‘Community Renewable technologies”<br />
<br />
Friday 13th March<br />
Creggan Country Park, Westway, BT48 7BH<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Time Topic Details & speaker<br />
<br />
10:30am Arrival Registration, Tea, Coffee & Scones<br />
<br />
10:45am<br />
25 mins Welcome & objective of the day.<br />
<br />
Renewable Technology overview, grants/funding ?<br />
<br />
Ursula Toman, Renewables Coordinator, Northern Ireland Energy Agency<br />
11.10am<br />
5 mins Overview of DCC Energy Strategy Leo Strawbridge, Energy Manager, Derry City Council<br />
11.15am<br />
15mins Case Study on PV , building/design etc Mark Roberts, Liberty Consortium, Derry Playtrail<br />
11.30am<br />
15mins Case Study on park’s micro-hydro/ wind technologies Karen Healy, Environmental officer, Creggan Country Park<br />
11.45am<br />
15 mins Energy Efficiency community buildings & college courses on Renewable Technology Kevin Murray, North West Regional College<br />
12.00pm<br />
15mins Update from Building Control on the latest regulations surrounding the area of renewable technologies. Building Control Officer, Derry City Council<br />
12.15pm<br />
15 mins Discussion & Feedback Lead by Ursula Toman<br />
12:30pm<br />
15 mins Close & Light Lunch<br />
01.15pm<br />
Opportunity to see in-situ the renewable technologies at the Creggan Country Park Weather dependant – Good walking shoes/outer wear essential Green Party Sustainability Forumtag:transitionderry.ning.com,2009-02-08:2613445:Topic:5472009-02-08T09:36:58.000Zmarian farrellhttp://transitionderry.ning.com/profile/marianfarrell
Two events being held at QUB Canada Room, on Tuesday 24th February, which should be of interest -<br />
<br />
1. 11-1pm, Roundtable discussion on 'Sustainable Energy Futures'<br />
2. the 8th Sir Bernard Crossland lecture<br />
<br />
followed by lunch 1-2<br />
<br />
Speakers:<br />
Bertrand Barre (Nuclear physicist)<br />
Jim Kitchen (Head of Northern Ireland Sustainable development Commission)<br />
John Hardy (Secretary, Sustainable Energy Association)<br />
Mike Harper (Holywood Transition Town)<br />
Trevor Whittaker (QUB)<br />
<br />
Please email j.barry@qub.ac.uk to…
Two events being held at QUB Canada Room, on Tuesday 24th February, which should be of interest -<br />
<br />
1. 11-1pm, Roundtable discussion on 'Sustainable Energy Futures'<br />
2. the 8th Sir Bernard Crossland lecture<br />
<br />
followed by lunch 1-2<br />
<br />
Speakers:<br />
Bertrand Barre (Nuclear physicist)<br />
Jim Kitchen (Head of Northern Ireland Sustainable development Commission)<br />
John Hardy (Secretary, Sustainable Energy Association)<br />
Mike Harper (Holywood Transition Town)<br />
Trevor Whittaker (QUB)<br />
<br />
Please email j.barry@qub.ac.uk to confirm a place at the roundtable discussion<br />
<br />
Dr. John Barry<br />
Co-Chair, Green Party, Northern Ireland Region<br />
<a href="http://www.greenpartyni.org">www.greenpartyni.org</a><br />
johnj_barry@yahoo.co.uk<br />
m: (0044) 07876597900<br />
h: (0044) 02891 477937