Renewable energy event set to inform businesses about environmental issues

A Solar power expert and former Government adviser is to throw light on how renewable energy can reshape the new housing and building landscape at a specialist advice and guidance event.

Ray Noble, who has assisted the development of the UK’s Solar PV strategy, is appealing for architects, developers, house-builders and designers to sign up to attend the July event - and he believes they can build better and more environmentally-friendly buildings through improved use and understanding of how Solar power can be harnessed as an efficient energy source.

Mr Noble, Solar Photovoltaic Specialist Consultant with the Solar Trade Association - the leading voice for the UK Solar power industry – will deliver his keynote address at an event being hosted by award-winning North East Solar energy specialist Advanced Renewable Power (ARP).

The free continuous personal development (CPD) event will focus on the use of Solar PV systems in the design, construction and build sectors and how this technology can be easily integrated and used as a building material in almost any project.

It will highlight how the power of the Sun can be exploited to reduce the carbon footprint in the design, build and then use of homes, commercial premises and communal buildings.

The event, which is being held from 8am to 11.30am on Tuesday, July 29, at The Beacon enterprise centre in Westgate Road, Newcastle, is being hosted in association with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Its Chair, Siobhan McMahon, will also present, alongside leading manufacturers in bespoke Solar solutions, including Solar Century and RES Solar Slate.

Mark Dunville, ARP’s Technical Director and co-founder, said Mr Noble, who also sits on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) steering group, the industry quality mark, and on the MCS PV working group, would bring real insight into the sector.

He added: “A new age is dawning in the use of Solar PV as a source of cheaper and effective energy for homes and businesses, and no one knows more about the industry than Ray.

“His is a very important voice in the UK Solar sector and will impart great advice to those attending. I would urge those working in construction and its linked specialisms to come along.

“Anyone involved in the build process should be aware of the huge benefits of renewable energy.

“Solar panels can be used in a number of ways in projects, even those in the most difficult, historic or planning-sensitive areas.”

The CPD event will allow for networking, and there will be exhibitions and displays from leading lights in the sector.

Siobhan McMahon, Chair of NAWIC said; “We are delighted to be collaborating with ARP to bring this event to our members and the wider construction industry.

“It is vital that architects, designers, specifiers and people in education understand and promote the many benefits that Solar can offer in terms of sustainable design solutions.”

ARP was founded in 2011 and operates from the £4.5m One Trinity Green business centre in South Shields.

In May it won the Low Carbon, Corporate Responsibility & Environment Award at the 2014 North East Business Awards, run by The Journal.

The company has enjoyed success in niche areas of design, supply, installation and commissioning of renewable energy systems for business, commercial premises and the home.

The firm also specialises in energy efficiency technology such as heat pumps, underfloor heating and biomass boilers, and will install EV charging points at domestic premises at no cost to the consumer.

Staff also provide expert advice on available financial support to householders, such as the Government’s ‘Green Deal’ initiative, and other finance options to businesses and commercial properties.

It has a six-strong core workforce, and operates from the Scottish Borders to the North East.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to pre-register as places are limited. They should email Maria Pittiglio at maria@arpower.co.uk or telephone ARP on 0191 481 3316.