Renewable Energy Installer April 2016 | Page 3

REI – the leading magazine for the renewables sector since 2008 Editorial panel members Positive moods I t was great to meet so many of the readers, contributors and partners of Renewable Energy Installer last month at Ecobuild. Setting off to London, the REI team was unsure of the mood the industry following a string of subsidy cuts and tariff reductions. However, the general reaction we received was remarkably upbeat and optimistic. And walking around the stands, it was clear why there is much to be positive about. The potential of energy storage is enormous and will without doubt shape the future of the industry by creating opportunities for hundreds of installers. The advantages are clear and households will continue to install renewable energy as it makes even more financial sense. It was virtually impossible to have a conversation without mention of energy storage and battery technology. The installers appear anxious to learn very quickly about this new market and want to know when the supply can start to match the product demand. Another sector that was generating huge interest at this year’s show was around community and district energy. Both community energy and smart energy are covered within their own dedicated sections, and this magazine is also highlighting innovation across multiple sectors with a new section focused on the latest product news and developments. Please continue to send through case studies and your company news to share with the rest of the industry and together continue to bounce back from the disappointment of recent policy changes. Andy Buchan, CEEC, Future Renewable Energy Dave Sowden, SEA Garry Broadbent, Lifestyle Heating John Kellett, Mitsubishi Electric Paul Joyner, SBS Liz McFarlane, Zenex Solar Tim Pollard, Plumb Center Phyllis Boardman, Green Deal Consortia Robert Burke, HETAS Gideon Richards, MCS Contents NEWS PRODUCTS 04 News Government changes track on solar VAT 08 Energy storage Major cost benefits predicted for UK electricity system 12 RHI reform Energy Ministers reveal plans for shock shake-up 14 The latest green gadgets and innovation to hit the market OPINION 10 Expert insight from REI’s contributors 20 Two minutes with... Kate Wright, Yorkshire Heat Pumps KNOWLEDGE 17 Community energy Pioneering projects around the UK 22 Commercial 24 Case studies 26 Smart energy 28 Data 30 My working week Joseph Fox, Magic Thermodynamic Box ISSN 2049-3525 Editor: Stuart Qualtrough Sales director: Jonathan Hibbert Circulation manager: Berni Chetham Published by: Ashley & Dumville Publishing Ltd, Caledonian House, Tatton Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6AG Advertising Tel: 01565 626760 Email: [email protected] Editorial/press releases Tel: 01565 653283 Email:[email protected] www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk Sign up for our digital newsletter TODAY by visiting Don’t forget to follow us @REI_digital Our partner organisations www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk | 3