The visit was  part of their educational program. The Idea is to teach younger generations about the environment and how we can make it more sustainable by using greener technology.

The children were educated on how to save energy by using what nature has provided. In this case the topics covered Solar thermal technology and how it is powered by our sun. 

It was explained to the children that more energy from the sun strikes the Earth per hour than all other energy consumed on the planet each year. Converting free heat from the sun into energy, is a global priority as sunshine is free. It does not have to be purchased, mined, refined, imported or transported. Which is why, with the cost of fossil fuels rising rapidly we must look technologies like Solar thermal.

The children were asking many questions and seem to respond very well to the subject. At Camel Solar we believe that it is very important to interact with the local community and educated them, on new and greener technologies.

When the children grow up maybe they will start to look at using these greener technologies as a primary source of energy knowing the harm,pollution and cost of the alternatives.

From all of us at Camel Solar, we just want to say thank you for visiting the factory, we were delighted to have you and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Sunshine is free. It does not have to be purchased, mined, refined, imported or transported. Which is why, with the cost of fossil fuels rising rapidly and with business-operating margins becoming ever tighter, building owners and occupiers are now giving serious consideration to solar thermal systems for commercial and industrial HVAC applications.

That said, a number of myths persist around solar thermal technology, which need to be addressed to help fm’s and other specifiers understand and appreciate the benefits of the technology.

First of all, many people still think that solar thermal technology is not suitable for the UK climate.

Just because the UK is renowned for its sunshine-free climate, does not mean that solar thermal technology cannot deliver hot water and benefits as those situated in sunnier climates. In the northern hemisphere, for example, the optimum performance of a solar thermal collector will occur when the unit faces due south. However, thanks to the efficiency of sleek, modern collectors, installations facing south east, south west, or those which are even orientated westward can now provide a meaningful energy input.

Both conventional and façade type solar thermal collectors can supply up to 60% of a building’s heat demand over a year. Solar irradiation in a UK winter is about 30% of its summertime peak. Even so, with a suitably sized array, hot water can still be generated. It is not unusual for water to be heated to 60°C in October and November, for example, helping reduce carbon emissions.

Another interesting point to note is that in the Middle East and southern Europe, solar thermal systems have even been linked to absorption chillers to provide chilled water by using heat from the sun. It is a perfect synergy of technologies, which proves that contrary to popular belief, solar can be used for both heating and cooling.

Performance efficiency and life expectancy is another area of concern for those of us active in the solar thermal sector. The myth persists that pretty well all types of collector look the same, behave at the same levels of efficiency and last as long as each other. Not true.

The design and manufacture of the collector is critical in determining its efficiency and life expectancy, and should be one of, if not the critical factor in selection and specification.

For example, the design and welding method used to connect a collectors copper absorber pipes and manifolds to the back of the absorbers will have an impact on efficiency of the heat transfer process. The type of coating used on the collector will also affect its performance.  The construction also impacts on the efficiency over time when corrosion can dramatically reduce performance.

Evacuated Tube type Collectors also vary in efficiency. These collectors typically comprise high-efficiency, double-walled evacuated glass tubes (known as a Sydney tubes), each containing a heat absorbing plate. The vacuum between the tube’s twin walls works in the same way as a thermos flask helping reduce both convection and radiative heat losses from the absorber, to improve the collector’s efficiency, in cold, ambient conditions such as the UK. The glass is made from borosilicate which has a high chemical and thermal shock resistance. This efficiency is further enhanced by a high efficiency selective coating applied to the outer wall of the inner glass tube, and in some cases the absorber, which helps increase the amount of solar absorption while minimizing reflection. The result is a solar thermal collector which can absorb anywhere from 92%-96% of the sun’s energy, enabling it to work effectively even during the coldest winter months. Tests show such units can achieve temperatures well above boiling point and some units have stagnation temperatures of around 250^oC.

The industry accepted mark of quality is the Solar Keymark. At present, the Solar Keymark is a voluntary third-party certification mark for solar thermal products, demonstrating that the products conform to the relevant European standards and fulfils additional requirements. It is a CEN/CENELEC European mark scheme, dedicated to solar thermal collectors (based on European standard series EN 12975) and factory made solar thermal systems (based on European standard series EN12976). The Solar Keymark was developed by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) and CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) in close co-operation with leading European test labs and with the support of the European Commission.

Solar thermal technology is an effective renewable solution for many different UK commercial HVAC applications. Once that point is understood, specifiers should appreciate that not all solar thermal collectors are the same. Be critical of the panel’s design and manufacture. The Solar Keymark provides the significant quality distinction in the market place. It gives consultants, contractors and end-users much needed assurance that collectors offer excellent energy efficient performance and are designed and manufactured to the highest standards.

As unemployment soars, UK debt worsens, GDP falls and British economy dwindles even further, one industry going from strength to strength is the solar industry. Providing thousands of jobs, as well as energy to thousands of households and businesses, it is supported by government incentives, encouraging the UK to go green. Government subsidies, mean people can save and even make money through the installation of solar panels via a number of schemes, including the Feed-in Tariff, Renewable Heat Incentives, Capital Allowance and Carbon Trust projects, rewarding those joining the plight of sustainability.

When the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) was introduced it offered consumers the opportunity to make money by selling excess energy to the grid at a high rate, guaranteed for 25 years. The popularity of the scheme soared and whilst the government’s budget was stretched, the demand for PV panels caused prices to decrease and budgets for technology research to increase. The competition has fuelled the industry. Whilst the government addresses the division of subsidies as energy rewards, the FiT still gives consumers an opportunity to actually make money by installing solar energy converters. Employed in many countries around the world, the FiT has given renewable energy generation massive appeal.

The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme (RHI) asks if: “You want to reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills, become more self-sufficient in energy, and earn some extra income”. (Link:http://www.rhincentive.co.uk/) Introduced in 2011, the scheme, also set by the government, is supported by the Treasury and takes into account the degression of payments over the years. Signing up to the RHI, should allow you to pay back the costs of the initial installation over a given period. It’s worth verifying the insulation of your property or building to best take advantage of these schemes.

Capital Allowance is also enhanced by making the change. Where designated expenditure for solar panels, machinery and equipment is made tax deductable, making it more interesting for the corporate world to take part in the world of sustainability. Encouraging investment in renewable energy, the government have created two rates for businesses, to get the best from the new technology.

The CRC Energy Efficiency scheme (formerly the Carbon Reduction Commitment) is an obligation set by the government, for businesses to report their carbon emissions if and when over 6,000 MWh of electricity is used per year. By switching to cleaner energy options and reducing carbon output, fees for the pollution will reduce significantly and companies positions in the carbon league table can improve, boosting reputation and consumer desirability. In order to meet the proposal to cut “at least 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, by 2020″ (link: http://www.carbontrust.com/resources/reports/footprinting/carbon-reduction-commitment), the Carbon Trust want to reward responsible energy-generating businesses.

Find out how you can benefit from installing the latest in solar thermal equipment by contacting one of our team today.

By

Camel solar

Lowering pollutant emissions, such as carbon dioxide, is essential if we want to abate global warming. Rising sea-levels, diminishing ecosystems and frequent natural disasters are the results of our efforts exploiting the world’s resources. It’s more important than ever before to take responsibility for the world’s future. Fossil-fuel is becoming an even dirtier term as we see the plights of struggling species. During combustion, toxic chemicals pollute our air and water, leading to public and planetary health problems. Whereas, solar thermal energy already exists. By harnessing what nature can support, we can generate heat without the harmful consequences we currently endure. Combustion will go bust.

An alternative is nuclear power, which relies on thermal energy released when splitting atoms – a  process called nuclear fission. Whilst nuclear power plants don’t pollute the atmosphere day-to-day, there is a threat of severe damage if an accident or natural disaster occurs, as seen with the Fukishima plant in Japan. After a series of disasters, it’s posited as the most volatile power plant. In 2011, an earthquake and tsunami created an explosion that released extremely dangerous radioactive materials into the environment. Not since Chernobyl has there been such a cataclysmic nuclear event in history. The safest way to create energy, is to harness it from renewable energy sources, radioactive materials, always have a risk of extreme damage.

Renewable energy from the sun, wind, tides, rain and geothemal heat are naturally occurring and naturally replenished. Once systems are installed, it’s a cost-effective and reliable way to harness energy. Politically speaking, renewable energy is more interesting for the economy and for individual independence. Rather than relying on unstable oil importation from foreign suppliers, money can be invested into local infrastructures and businesses. Dependance on non-renewable energy sources is a hot-topic for governments around the world. Government legislation reflects and supports the changing attitudes towards lowering carbon fumes and international associations and businesses are making it more achievable to utilise naturally replenishing forms of energy. In poorer countries, harnessing available energy could allow economies to develop. In richer countries, it can dramatically lower carbon emissions.

Renewable energy is more stable than non-renewable energy. The renewable energy grid is also more diverse. There’s no reliability on plants, mines, foreign diplomacy, trade and transportation. Once the system is in place, renewable energy is independent and cost-efficient. The costs associated with renewable energy rely upon maintenance, labor and product fees. As reliance on renewable energy increases, the prices will reduce systematically. Schemes and incentives endeavour to increase popularity and therefore decrease costs.

On a global scale, renewable energy is the answer to many of our political, environmental and health issues. Criticisms against the use of renewable energy however, range from the space they take up, the aesthetics of the equipment, the variable and intermittent nature of the energy supply and the non-renewable nature of the equipment needed to convert energy into its useful forms. As the renewable energy sector flourishes, these areas of concern are being improved and updated constantly. Renewable energy is a responsible, clean and cost-effective way of living in the modern world and our commitment to it can only improve the industry. The alternatives far outweigh the criticisms of this emerging sector, worldwide.

by

Camel Solar

It is essential that we learn to harness solar energy effectively in order to sustain our own energy production. Saving the delicate o-zone layer from harmful carbon emissions is an imperative. Solar energy is not only the future of global energy production, it is a major part of the answer to future burdens on the planet, the future of the globe itself.

The sun is a natural, free and inexhaustible source of energy. As a vast resource, solar energy has the potential to offer more energy than we could ever use. National Geographic explain that, “Every hour the sun beams onto Earth more than enough energy to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year.” (http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/solar-power-profile/). With advanced technology, the efficiency of generating the energy we need is not only achievable but more rewarding. Implementing solar energy technology into building projects is the future.

According to SolarEnergyFacts.com, “The worldwide demand for Solar Energy is currently much greater than the amount we have been able to supply.” (http://www.solarenergy-facts.org/) As technology develops, consumer desire to be part of the developing industry is expanding. With the augmenting price of oil, coal and gas, consumers are more inclined towards energy production they can rely on and energy production that is cleaner and healthier for the world now and in the future.

Camel Solar our passionate about the environment, science and efficiency, Camel’s intricate research is constantly developing to bring you optimum products, with maximum efficiency.

by

Camel Solar

FEEL THE WARMTH WITH SOLAR THERMAL INNOVATION

Glan Blake-Thomas, Managing Director at AET, the supplier of the Camel Solar^R thermal collectors to the UK market, explains how new, aesthetically attractive and energy efficient designs open up fresh installation opportunities for building services contractors, consultants and architects.  

Sunshine is free. It does not have to be purchased, mined, refined, imported or transported. Which is why, with the cost of fossil fuels rising rapidly and with business operating margins becoming ever tighter, building owners and occupiers are now giving serious consideration to solar thermal systems for commercial applications.

Solar thermal systems use specially designed solar collectors to harvest heat from the sun for use in both space and water heating applications. Typically, these can include flat plate collectors, stylish façade collectors and evacuated tube collectors for large scale applications where a premium performance is required.

Whatever the type of collector installed, solar thermal systems generally work by storing the heated water in an insulated storage vessel which is usually connected to a boiler or which contains an electric immersion heater to supplement the collector’s output at times of high space heating or water demand.

Until recently, the majority of solar thermal systems were limited to small domestic applications in the UK. However, stricter planning rules, which require new commercial buildings to meet up to 20% of their energy demands from renewable sources (commonly called the Merton Rule) have seen the number of commercial solar applications start to increase. This is because, unlike many other renewable technologies, solar thermal is a proven and durable technology which is cost effective to install for the majority of commercial applications.

Improvements in collector efficiency and the recent introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, under which the government will pay a tariff for each kWh of energy generated by a renewable technology, will lead to further increases in both new build and retrofit applications. The use of renewable technologies is also being driven by businesses wanting to be seen to be green in response to increased public awareness of environmental issues. In addition, a solar thermal installation will also save on the amount of carbon taxes paid by larger organisations under the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Because solar thermal technology is so simple and reliable, it is suitable for a wide variety of commercial applications. However, it is particularly relevant for businesses that use a high volume of hot water such as hospitals, hotels, breweries, dairies and public and private swimming pools. In the Middle East and southern Europe, solar thermal systems have even been linked to absorption chillers to provide chilled water using heat from the sun; it is a perfect synergy of technologies – the hotter the sun, the more cooling that can be produced.

In the northern hemisphere, the optimum performance of a solar thermal collector will occur when the unit faces due south. However, the efficiency of sleek, modern collectors will ensure that installations facing south east, south west, or those which are even orientated westward can provide a meaningful energy input.

Until now, collectors have often been mounted on a building’s roof or on an adjacent patch of ground. However, the decision of where to site a solar array has become a lot easier with the recent development of solar thermal collectors specifically designed to be integrated into a building’s façade. Façade mounted collectors are particularly suitable for applications where there is insufficient space on a building’s roof or where the roof is shaded by adjacent buildings, or even for applications where a roof faces north, away from the sun. In addition, the collectors are ideal for buildings with flat roofs in areas where planning rules or aesthetic demands preclude a roof-top installation.

Both conventional and façade type solar thermal collectors can supply up to 60% of a building’s heat demand over a year. Solar irradiation in a UK winter is about 30% of its summertime peak. Even so, with a suitably sized array hot water can still be generated. It is not unusual for water to be heated to 60°C in October and November, for example, helping reduce carbon emissions.

We have recently completed a study on the feasibility of solar thermal applications in the UK. It found that for a school using 4000 litres of hot water a day, a solar thermal solution would save approximately 45,000kWh of energy with a corresponding reduction in CO₂ emissions of roughly 10 tonnes. From a financial perspective this will shave around £3000 from the school’s gas energy bill each year and possibly 5 times that if electricity was the energy source. For large scale consumers, like hotels, where hot water consumption can be up to 10-20 times this amount, the story becomes even more powerful as the savings will have a significant impact on the bottom line.

Based on this study, AET has calculated that energy savings coupled with government payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive will give a return on investment for a solar thermal installation of approximately 7 -8 years.  However, with energy costs set to rise in the near future that payback period is likely to reduce still further. All of which serves as proof that there has never been a better time to consider a solar thermal installation.

For more information on AET’s renewable solutions, contact the company direct by email on sales@flexiblespace.com

Glan Blake Thomas | Managing Director

Camel Solar products now appear on the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme. It’s possible to find them under the ECA energy scheme which is managed by the carbon trust on behalf of the department of energy and climate change.

Now these products are recognised by this organisation it means that they qualify for an Enhanced Capital Allowance.  So if a business or corporation purchases these products, they would be able to claim capital allowances on their investment as the products are energy saving or more efficient than existing equipment. This investment can then be off set against taxable profits of that period.

The scheme is in place to help businesses become more energy efficient and also help reduce the impact these businesses have on the environment. The commercial sector is one of the highest contributors to CO2 emissions. We hope that this scheme will start to reduce these emissions so we can start to meet 2020 targets.

To find out more click here.

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The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) allows businesses to claim capital allowances on investments on equipment that is energy saving or more energy efficient than existing equipment, against the taxable profits of the period of investment.
The scheme generates financial savings for a business but also makes the business more sustainable and energy efficient reducing its impact on the environment. The reason this scheme is in place is to help meet energy and co2 targets by 2020.

Benefits

- Provides Tax Relief up to 100% of investment
- Businesses paying corporation tax at 28% can expect a return of 28p for each pound invested.
- The product needs to be on The Energy Technology List (ETPL) to gain the full ECA.
- Products not on the ETPL will only receive up to 20% tax relief.
- Financial benefit can be greater for a company or individual investor depending on how much corporation tax they pay and if they pay income tax
- Reduces payback period
- Generates cash flow
- Reduced energy costs over time
- Not only having the new ECA as a benefit, investing in Solar thermal and other energy saving products will reduce a company’s energy bills, as operational costs are reduced. This will also reduce a company’s Climate Change Levy, creating savings year upon year. 

 Saving energy to a higher level
- Capital allowances enable businesses to write off the capital cost of purchasing plant and machinery, for example equipment such as Solar thermal, against their taxable profits. They take the place of depreciation charged in commercial accounts.
- General Rate without being on ETPL is a 20% allowance.
- New energy product = £1000
- 20%General rate of new energy product £1000 = £200 capital allowance
- Capital allowance is then claimed against taxable profits of the period of investment
- If, however, business invested the same amount in high efficiency Solar panels from the ETPL, it could claim a 100% first-year capital allowance of £1,000 against the taxable profits of the year of investment.
- Company pays corporation tax at 28%
- New energy product = £1000
- 28% of £1000 = £280
- So the allowance would reduce the tax bill by £280 creating an advantage in cash flow for that year.
- The 100% first-year capital allowance relieves all the qualifying spending. Therefore there is no unrelieved spending to carry forward against profits of later years.
- If a company makes £2000 profit they can write off £1000 of expenditure and only pay tax on £1000 of profit.