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Renewable Energy Category

Ed Miliband announces "green loan energy plan"

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Energy and Climate Secretary Ed Miliband has announced a "green loan" energy plan for homes, to help people pay for improvements to their homes to make them more energy efficient. Home owners can borrow up to £10,000 to make improvements to their home.

Consumers will be offered long-term loans to install insulation, solar panels or other green technologies, which they can repay through energy bills, spreading the upfront cost over a number of years. The loan remains attached to the property where the technology was installed, allowing the resident to move house, knowing the new owner has taken over the repayment for the technological system.

The Pay As You Save (PAYS) scheme, which was first announced last year, has already been trialled by around 500 homes. Loans are expected to be available from 2012.

Economy 7 – Is it worth it?

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Many of our customers have historically been signed up to an economy 7 package.

Given the name I can understand how people would assume that it must be good value. Consumers often forget that to receive a very attractive night rate you must pay more for electricity during the day.

This means that the savings are not always there. To prove the point I have done few basic calculations.

Is 40% of your total electricity usage at night?
Typically economy 7 rates are presently in the region of 15p/kWh during the day and 5p/kWh at night. A typical standard rate is 11p/kWh for any time usage.

This means that for Economy 7 tariff to save the home owner money they must use around 40% of their electricity at night. For homes that are heated with storage heaters this is easily achieved but for home that use gas or even a heat pump this is often not the case.

For most people even putting the washing machine and an hot water cylinder immersion heater on at night will not increase night usage to 40% of their total.

I am not saying that Economy 7 is a waste of time but it is important to realise that it is not always the cheapest option.

Leicestershire Community Climate Change Grants

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Community Climate Change Grants can provide up to £5,000 towards community projects in Leicestershire. If you are a registered charity, village/community building, community group, religious organisation or parish town council you could be eligible for the grants. As long as your project helps to improve energy efficiency and reduce the impacts of climate change it will be worth contacting Leicestershire County Council.

Intelligent Energy Solutions are MCS approved installers which is a requirement for all government grant schemes and incentives.

Solar, Heat Pump, Wind & Rainwater Harvesting Self Survey Forms

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

For anyone who is keen on renewable energy, but at a loss where to start, Intelligent Energy Solutions has the answer. It has launched a series of easy to complete self survey forms for all of the technologies they offer.

The purpose of the self survey forms is to enable the customer to understand the important factors when asking for a quotation for a renewable energy installation. The information provided can be used to generate a detailed quotation from IES without the need for a site visit. This means that IES can keep the installation costs down, and the customer has a better understanding of what’s involved. If a price is quoted that later (due to a site visit) cannot be honoured, the customer will have the option of having their deposit refunded.

The forms are in PDF format with interactive form features. As such, the form can be filled out and returned on line or the customer can print and complete the form manually.

The forms are accessed by the Intelligent Energy Solutions VIP area. Fill out the enquiry form or pick up the phone to obtain login details. This area of the site also contains pricing and lots of other useful information.

Renewable Energy Decision Tool – Solar, Heat Pumps, Rainwater and Wind

Monday, January 19th, 2009

Many of our customers tell us that they are interested in renewable energy, but unsure which technology is right for them. As a result of this, are team at Intelligent Energy Solutions has launched a brand new web based renewable energy decision tool. This will allow all of our potential customers to quickly and easily determine which technology is right for them.

The tool can be found at the following link.
Solar, Wind, Heat Pump, Rainwater Harvesting – Which is right for me?

This intelligent, but user friendly tool, consists of 14 simple questions that most homeowners will be able to answer easily. The software engine behind that tool will then produce a tailored report that tells you which technology/s are most appropriate for your property. The generated reports can be applied to both commercial and domestic properties. The report, if appropriate, also makes comments about your existing fuel and insulation levels.

We think we have made the task of navigating through the complex world of renewable energy simple and straightforward. We hope you agree.

The tool is currently undergoing testing. If you find any problems or have any suggestions please feed your comments back so we can make the tool even better.

OWL Wireless Energy Monitor

Friday, November 7th, 2008

Wireless Energy / Electricity Monitor
Intelligent Energy solutions are now supplying the OWL wireless energy monitor.  Everyone thinking about their energy bills should have one!

This clever little gadget monitors your electricity usage in real time and displays the usage on a compact wireless portable display.

Easy to Install
The unit is simple to install. Fit the batteries (included) in the monitor and clip a large peg over one of the meter cables by your electricity meter. This unit then automatcially transmits wirelessly to the display.


Save 25% off your electricity bill
The display tells you how much electricity you are using at any given time. Even if you just switch on a 100W light bulb the system immediately tells you that you are using 100W more than you were. It also tells you the cost of doing this. What surprises most people is that when they switch ‘everything’ off they are still using some electricity. The challenge is then to work out which ‘hidden’ appliances are still drawing electricity and modify how you use them.

The manufacturer says that it will save you 25% off your electricity bill.

The system tells you:-

1. The rate at which you are using electricity in Kilowatts.
2. The cost of the electricity you are currently using
3. The Co2 emmissions of the electricity you are using
4. Temperature of your home
5. Humidity of your home

Intelligent Energy Solutions are selling this neat device for £39.95 (inc VAT & P+P), while stocks last. Call us now to get yours!

To order a unit either pick up the phone or enter “Energy Monitor” with £39.95 as the sum in our payments page. When diverted to our card payment page include your address and contact details. We dispatch within 24hours by 1st class delivery.

New Renewables Brochure

Friday, September 5th, 2008

We have just released our latest product brochure.

Please feel free download a version here
Intelligent Energy Solutions Renewable Energy Brochure

If you would like a paper copy then please email us using the web enquiry form.  Alternatively call us on 01509 768565.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Renewables for everyone (no matter what your income)

Sunday, August 31st, 2008

Here at Intelligent Energy Solutions we are passionate about the idea of renewable energy solutions for everyone.  However, in the last few years the investment cost has been relatively high, and to make this kind of outlay the owner needs to take a long term strategic view. This type of approach unfortunately is often not suitable for those with lower incomes.  And of course, these would be just the sort of people who would benefit the most from savings on their energy bills. 

With the advent of more and more grants this will hopefully become less of an issue.  This type of technology could then be available for everyone, particularly those that who need it most.

Renewables – Enhanced Captial Allowances

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

Why should businesses invest in renewable energy?

Very simple – to save money.

In 2001, the government introduced the enhanced capital allowances scheme to encourage businesses to invest in low carbon technologies.

In essence the scheme means that companies who invest in certain energy saving technologies can claim 100% of the cost against the profit for that year.

Capital allowance for plant and machinery is normally only 20% each year. So if you chose to buy an energy efficient heat pump instead of a conventional boiler you would save a considerable amount in tax.  This could equate to over 30% of the value of the heat pump.

If you think this sounds like something you would be interested in we would suggest talking to your own accountant.  You can also give us a call about an energy solution suitable for your business.

Why is my Carbon Footprint Important? Can I reduce it and save money?

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008

Carbon Crazy?

The words ‘Carbon Footprint’ seem to have been on everything in 2007. In 2008 it’s set to get even bigger.

But, ever wondered exactly what it means for you?

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon that a person, company or household produces in a year. Your home is usually the largest contributor to your carbon footprint, on average it is responsible for over 6 tonnes of Co2 emissions each year.

What are Co2 emissions?

Co2 is a gas called carbon dioxide. It is a green house gas that contributes to global warming and defines your carbon footprint. We are all responsible for Co2 emissions in a number of ways, from the exhaust of your car to the coal power station that generates your electricity.

How can I reduce my Carbon footprint?

There are many things we can all do to minimise our personal impact on the environment. This could be as simple as avoiding long haul flights or improving the insulation in your home. Intelligent Energy Solutions install a range of household Co2 reducing technologies, making it as easy as possible for you to make a big difference.
These systems include
- Solar Panels Water Heating and Solar PhotoVoltaic
- Wind Turbines
- Heat Pumps

I’ve heard these systems are expensive?

No, the benefits outweigh the cost significantly. Fully installed systems start from around £3000. Grants are also available that will cover up to 50% of the installation cost. Not only will such a system reduce your carbon footprint but it will also cut the cost of your energy bills year after year.

Will the installation create a lot of mess?

Many installations will create no mess and no fuss. The installer often only requires access to your property for a day or two.

Why should I bother?

Energy bills are increasing. By installing a system you can significantly reduce your monthly outgoings. Everyday that passes you waste money by not harnessing the free energy that is around us all.
Global warming is not going to go away. Saving the planet is a key government priority. Environmental taxes are already in place, with more to come.

Who should I contact for advice?

Intelligent Energy Solutions is based in the heart of the Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire. From the East Midlands we cover the whole of central England. We are happy to offer free advice and no obligations quotations. Please Call or e-mail for a chat about your needs.

You can also get additional information about your Carbon Footprint, including a Co2 calculator by visiting our carbon and sustainable energy links page.