Nigel Rock lets the sun do the work!

6.39.09pm GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

Nigel Rock inspects the new solar panels on his roof

Nigel Rock, the Liberal Democrats' Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the new constituency of Kenilworth and Southam, has generated his first solar electricity from the new 2.6kW solar photo-voltaic panels on the roof of his Napton home. And even in the pale sunshine of winter the panels are generating significant amounts of electricity, which Nigel can either consume at home or sell to the National Grid.

Nigel Rock, a Chartered Engineer, has long been a keen advocate of environmental awareness, and the panels are just his latest step in reducing his personal carbon footprint. Nigel works for Encraft Ltd, the Leamington Spa-based low-carbon engineering consultancy who helped Nigel with the design and procurement of his new solar panels. Nigel also drives a low-energy hybrid car.

The fitment of his solar panels which came on stream last week, coincides with the re-announcement by the government of feed in tariffs designed to encourage renewables.

Nigel says: "I have tried to install the best available technology to make real gains in energy generation. Some equipment can look good on paper but not deliver if not installed in the right situation."

"The feed in tariffs have been very successful at encouraging the renewable energy industry in other countries, but the British Government's system has turned out to be complex and late. Financial returns of about 6% compare unfavourably with Germany where 10% is probable return. But this is still a lot better than interest on cash deposits and we can only hope that many people will take up the opportunity to help the environment.

As a Stratford District Councillor Nigel has played a leading role in bringing forward environmental improvements ranging from initiating a Council scheme for solar hot water across the whole of Stratford district to stopping the Council leaving the lights on all day in car parks. Nigel sits on the Environment Quality and Climate Change Panel at Stratford, where he is the vice-chairman.

For further information contact Nigel Rock 01926 817250

Notes:

The Feed in tariffs have a complex range of levels, but for domestic solar photo-voltaic panels the rate provides a payment of 41.3p per unit of electricity generated. If systems are installed within two years from now this rate is guaranteed for 25 years.

Nigel's system generated 5kWh each day for the first few days of operation even though solar energy is at a minimum at this time of year. Taking account of variability factors such as weather and cloud, it is predicted to generate about 2000kWh over the course of year.