|
the directory |
We ended up going with Good Energy (formally Unit-E) and purely as I customer we have had no problems at all. In fact I would probably make the same choice again. The way it works with Good Energy, they commit to supply the same quantity of electricity generated by a renewable source as their customers consume. I really need to investigate this subject further before I make more detailed recommendations. Please check back and I'll hopefully have some more information. For information of suppliers
outside the UK, I would suggest you contact your Friends of the Earth
group or similar in your country, if they don't have any information
they will probably point you in the right direction. If you have experiences
good or bad, please let me know and I'll publish your findings. |
| campaigning & resources |
| Association for the Conservation of Energy |
"The Association for the Conservation of Energy was formed in 1981 by a number of major companies active within the energy conservation industry." "ACE exists to reduce overall energy demand to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future. It does this through lobbying, campaigning and carrying out research to achieve sensible and consistent policy, legislation and targets; by raising a positive awareness of energy conservation and by encouraging increased investment in all appropriate energy saving measures." |
| Centre
for Alternative Technology Machynlleth, Powys, Wales SY20 9AZ |
 Cat is really worth a visit either in person or to the website. They have a great free email information service on all aspects of Alternative Technology. CAT also publishes books and facts sheets on numerous subjects. There is a fantastic cafe on site serving veggie whole-food meals. CAT run a range of courses on site on all aspects of alternative energy, & low impact building. Definitely worth a look. CAT also run a cafe in Machynlleth (the local town), serving great veggie whole-food and a whole food shop just up the road. |
| Centre
for Sustainable Energy The CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN |
Our mission as an independent charity is to advance sustainable energy policy and practice. We seek energy solutions that engage people and communities to meet real needs for both environmentally sound and affordable energy services. |
| Home Power Magazine |
 Home Power is an American produced magazine, but is also available in the UK from large bookstores like Borders. It has great examples of readers experiences of installing stand-alone power systems often in the North-West corner of the US. If you're anything like me you'll be green with the amount of equipment available the those in the US. It has a great listing of alternative energy fairs being held all across the USA. There is a lot of information available from the website. Back issues or the magazine are available on CD Rom. |
| Million Against Nuclear |
The campaign by a more than 200 NGOs lead by Atomstopp, Friends of the Earth Europe, Global 2000, Sortir du Nucléare and WISE, to call for the political leaders of the EU and European countries to abandon any plans for the expansion of nuclear power. They go on to say "In particular we demand that no further taxpayers' money is wasted to subsidise the most dangerous form of energy and that the outdated EURATOM treaty, that obliges the European Union to support the development of nuclear energy in Europe, is finally abolished." If you want to do more you can go to the website and
send for an action
pack that includes a petition to circulate amongst your friends
and further information explaining the problems with nuclear power. |
| The
Solar Living Centre (USA) 13771 S. Highway 101, Hopland, CA 95449 |
The centre was founded in 1998 as a spin off from the Real Goods trading company. It is sited just off Highway 101 north of San Francisco, just before you get to the town of Hopland. The centre is open to the public free of charge and is a great resource, showing working demonstrations of all types of alternative energy and energy efficiency. A large range of courses are held on site and it's worth signing up for their email newsletter. |
| SolarAid |
 A UK based not for profit organisation the objectives of SolarAid are to relieve poverty through facilitating the provision of solar energy to those in need. To advance the education of the public in matters relating to solar energy, climate change and the protection of the environment and to carry out and disseminate the results of research into all aspects of energy generation, distribution, supply and use. |
| Solar Kent |
The Solar Kent site was recommended by Douglas Dalziel. It includes sections on solar water heating, solar electricity generation and wind power. The section on solar water heating includes a really detailed step-by-step explanation of exactly what's involved in the installation. It explains how the system works the benefits and the costs of installation. For anyone who is about to or is even considering installing solar water heating this is an invaluable guide. Highly recommended. Thanks Douglas. |
| The Solar Village |
The Solar Village is the website of a very high quality free to download home made video about solar power. But it's much more than that, it is a fantastic resource for all aspects of solar and low impact living. Also check-out the website of the video creator and writer of numerous books on the subject John Wilson (here). |
| The Yellow House |
As someone with a house in much need of repair and renovation I'm always interested to come across a website with tips for an environmental approach. The Yellow House does just that, owners George and Annie have converted their 1930s terraced house into their eco-dream. The great thing is that it's the conversion of an existing property. Many of us would like to move into new purpose built eco-homes like Bedzed, but the UK is covered in mainly old housing stock and we need to bring that up to a good environmental standard. The second great thing about this project is it's carried out by ordinary DIYers, not architects or builders. There's loads of detailed information on the website and you can even send off for a CD-ROM with further info. A really inspiring project. |
| Yes 2 Wind (UK) |
 A site jointly produced by Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and WWF, with the aim of providing information and resources for the public to support wind farm proposals locally. There are lots of download information, reports and graphics available, even support for starting your own wind energy group. |
| installers, suppliers and products |
| British Wind Energy Association |
The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind industry. Formed over 26 years ago, and with over 310 corporate members, BWEA is the largest renewable energy trade association in the UK. |
| Electrisave |
The Electrisave is another of these small devices that monitor the amount of electricity going into your meter and give you a constantly updated display. More about it in the blog article here. |
| Freeplay |
 Suppliers of the excellent clockwork and solar Freeplay Radios and lights. Also see the Freeplay
Foundation and their Buy1Give1 radio
scheme. |
| Genersys Solar |
Genersys Solar based in Central London supply panels for solar water heating and photovoltaics and have carried out installations all over the UK. |
| Green Systems UK |
"Green Systems UK is a 'DTI Clear Skies approved company' and one of the most experienced installers of renewable energy technologies in South East England." "We are not
tied to any particular manufacturer so we can give an unbiased view
on what solar and biomass systems are available on the market today,
and what system would be most beneficial for you and your project." |
| Help Save the Climate |
| Blog post Friday 10 August 2007:The trouble with the astonishing number of scams on the internet is that it can make you just a little cynical. So when Dr Graham Harrod emailed asking if I would help to promote his site trying to raise funding for his work developing photovoltaic technology based on plant molecules my first thought, although it doesn't make me proud to say so, was of suspicion. But looking at the site it is a very interesting premise. They hope to use molecules involved in the natural process of photosynthesis, found in all plants, in solar panels to generate electricity. Dr Graham is asking for one pound of your 'hard-earned' to help fund the project and if it's successful and the panels go into production you get 20% off the cost of the first one you buy. It sounds really interesting work and we really need to support developing technologies like this in the UK, so I've put my name down for one of those first panels. Why don't you join me. |
| solarcentury |
They say - "solarcentury is the UK's leading solar photovoltaics (PV) company. Solar PV generates electricity directly from light, whatever the weather. We have helped more businesses, homes and local authorities go solar than anyone else in the UK." Update September 2006 - solarcentury have pledged
to give 5% of their profits to the charity SolarAid. See the blog
article here. |
| Solar Trade Association |
As the name suggests, good for lists of recommended suppliers and installers in your area. |
| Solar Twin Ltd |
Solar twin say their mission statement is: 1/ We aim to significantly
reduce the impact of global warming by becoming a major provider
of affordable solar water heating systems. |
| Sun Dog Energy Ltd |
| SUNDOG energy Ltd designs, supplies and installs systems that generate electricity from solar or wind energy. It was founded in 1995, combining expertise in electrical engineering and the environment to establish one of the UK’s leading renewable energy companies. We aim to excel in what we do - installing technically excellent and appropriate systems, in a safe, efficient, professional and friendly manner, with minimal environmental impact. |
| Wattson |
The Wattson is a natty little gizmo that tells you how much electricity you're using. It has the facility for you to download information to you laptop and more besides. See the log article here. |
| energy suppliers |
| Good Energy (formally unit-e) |
| Wildberry's is powered by Good Energy, they supply 100% renewable energy supplied through the national grid. Good Energy are consistently top of the Friends of the Earth chart of alternative energy suppliers. What is more, if you need to give them a call you get to speak to a real person! |
| * PDF Reader |
| You can download a PDF reader via the link on our downloads page. |
