CR Smith Blog

Today, (25^th January) three Court of Appeal judges upheld an earlier ruling that the Government acted illegally when it cut the Feed-in Tariff for solar panels before a consultation on the subject had concluded. As a result, the higher tariff of 43.3p has been reinstated for all installations before 3 March 2012, when the new rate of 21p will now come into effect.

Kevin Eadie for CR Smith said:

“The government has been forced to reinstate the 43p feed-in tariff and on the face of it, that seems like good news for business and for those who want to press ahead with their plans for installing solar panels. But there is still uncertainty; the Government might still appeal.

“Our main concern remains the stability of the solar PV market. Going back and forth over the tariff does not address the original issue, which was that the government ‘pot’ was running dry. The stop start nature of the market over recent months also puts unnecessary pressure on businesses and their operations and could needlessly dissuade people from using this very effective ‘green’ technology.

“We see the solar panel business as a long term venture on our part, and it is vital that the industry builds its reputation on robust regulations and good quality workmanship, not uncertainty and indecision.”

“As a sixteen year old school leaver, an apprenticeship got me working. By the time I was 20, it had also given me my entry into business and means to start my own company.  I’ve never doubted the good that it did me.

“I believe that apprenticeships are crucial for future growth. We need a new army of tradesmen to help us out of the current stagnant economy and it is important to teach young people skills that will help build a strong nation and help fuel their personal ambitions.

“Many companies, of all sizes, take on apprentices both because of a sense of social responsibility and because they appreciate the need to train people for the future. But this is a costly business. It can be two years before a young apprentice delivers any return on investment.

“The Youth Contract, which incentivises employers to take on apprentices through wage subsidies is a welcome step forward as it is the first initiative to truly recognise that it is employers that create jobs, not colleges or even government. It makes perfect sense to get young people into a job and stop putting obstacles in the way.”

Following an exhausting yet productive end to 2011, CR Smith is now busy preparing for the possibility of the feed-in tariff (FIT) changing again within the solar industry. Moves to make the government reverse its decision to slash the FIT from 43p to 21p are currently being played out in court.

Alisdair Blues, Renewable Energy Sales Manager advises: “If the government is forced to reinstate the 43p FIT, we’re ready for a rush of orders as people take advantage of the higher rate, just as we experienced in November. In the short term, reinstatement of the higher rate would be a much appreciated boost for business and good news for those who want to press ahead with their plans for installing solar panels. However, our main concern remains the stability of the solar PV market. Once it is clear what the courts decide, we can assure our customers that we will only take on jobs that we can promise to install before the feed in tariff drops again in April.

In the short term we are selling systems with a FIT rate of 21p.  Our systems are priced competitively enough to still offer a great return on your investment. If, on the 9th of February, the rate does increase to 43p our customers would benefit from a “win-win” situation. They would secure a system at our new reduced 2012 prices but take advantage of the generous 2011 feed-in tariff rate, giving them unprecedented returns.

“The recent high winds demonstrated the importance of a thorough, high quality job and we are delighted to report that none of our customers suffered any problems with their panels. We see the solar panel business as a long term venture on our part, and it is vital that the industry builds its reputation on robust foundations and good quality workmanship.”

To guarantee your system is fitted before March 31st, call our office on 0800 200 444  today to arrange for one of our advisors to survey your property for suitability.

Visit our website to see our great January offers.

Click here for the January Sale

A very Merry Christmas from CR Smith

With winter now firmly upon us, CR Smith can offer you afew more handy tips to look after your home.

 
CR Smith FIX is our repair service, which offers to repair or replace your broken or faulty products. Keep FIX in mind this season to repair your broken or misted windows, handles, hinges, guttering, doors and conservatories.

 
Here are a few handy tips to help prevent the winter weather causing damage to your home:

1. Keep your heating system on a low temperature at all times to maintain system circulation and heat.

2. Bleed your radiators for optimum effectiveness.

3. Close your curtains to help keep the heat in the rooms, even if they are not in use.

4. Locate your stopcock so that you can turn it offquickly if necessary.

5. Test out your stopcock to make sure that it will function correctly in case of an emergency.

6. Insulate any pipework or faucets in open areas where they may possibly freeze.

7. Prepare for power failures. Make sure you have a torch, blanket and mobile phone to hand.

8. Insulate your home. 80% of home energy use is for hot water and heating. Help to reduce the cost of this by insulating your walls and loft. This could save you around £325 per year. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/Energyandwaterefficiencyinyourhome/DG_064374

9. Keep the FIX repairs phone number (0800 200 444) handy for your winter emergencies. We can help in an emergency 24 hours 7 days a week. Visit our website for more information: http://www.crsmith.co.uk/repairs/

Hundreds of Scottish householders are demonstrating their green credentials, according to new figures out from The Energy Saving Trust.

The Trust reports that hundreds of Scots have applied for vouchers to help them install heat generating systems, such as wood fuelled boilers and heat pumps, with Scottish director, Mike Thomson saying that homeowners in Scotland “are determined to make their homes more cosy and energy efficient.”

We agree. It is exactly what we are seeing from CR Smith windows and solar panel customers.

If there is one thing to promise yourself this New Year it should be to make costly energy bills a thing of the past. Investing in energy saving home improvements such as proper insulation, thermally efficient windows and even solar panels could well be one resolution to consider, but by following our top tips you may see an immediate difference.

• Replace the most used light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs
• Turn appliances off rather than leaving them on standby
• Always turn off the lights when you leave a room
• If possible, fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less energy than two half loads
• Check that you are getting the best deal from your provider.  Taking the time to shop around could save you money
• Set your washing machine to cold
• Insulate the loft – even the floor boards.

Householders may be spending hundreds of pounds on unnecessary damp proofing treatment. It was reported today that a study by Which? showed in two thirds of cases firms recommended damp treatment work experts saw as unnecessary or inappropriate – or missed a problem completely.

At this time of year, whether the cold winds are exposing nasty draughts or the rain is seeping in through your windows, repairs to your home can make a huge difference. Get the repairs right and you will not only see a massive increase in comfort, but you’ll also be able to keep your heating bills in check.

The Which? Report shows, once again, how important it is to choose a company with a solid reputation and long standing guarantee.