Technology

As well as stressing the importance of energy savings, Community Energy Scotland's network of development officers has considerable experience in guiding communities on the various technologies available.   The technical nature of the equipment may seem daunting to the person in the community charged with taking care of the community hall etc. but they may be comforted to know that other communities have already adopted many of these green energy technologies, all of which are now tried and tested. 

 In addition to meeting the immediate energy demand for the hall, installing renewable energy systems has a longer-term benefit in that running costs are reduced and greater levels of comfort within the hall leads to more community members using the hall or leisure space.  As energy costs continue to rise, these savings on running costs are becoming increasingly vital. 

For examples of some of the systems which community groups have already installed, check out Our Projects

Decentralised energy is produced at a local level and means that the power generated if produced close to where it is used so less energy is lost in transmission and distribution.  Community Energy Scotland, through its predeccessor company HICEC, has pioneered the Wind2Heat concept, small 6kw off-grid wind turbines which provide direct heat to storage heaters within community facilities.  Wind2Heat systems have been installed in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, with the first being installed on the mainland at Ardnamurchan in the next few months. 

BERR have produced a Wind Speed Calculator where you can enter the postcode of your proposed site and get a code which will then give you wind speeds at that specific location 10, 25 and 45 m above ground level.

Reduced VAT on energy-saving materials
Energy saving materials and equipment installed can be charged at a lower VAT rate. If the materials and equipment go into a new buildinge, you won't pay any VAT at all. Your building contractor should charge these lower rates on the installation work as well as on the materials and equipment itself.

Find out more information on the reduced rate at HM REvenue and Customs online here.