T206, Aigars Bruvelis,

TMA 06, ID X4043465

Saving energy
and
Going solar
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

Contents list

A project brief 3

Background, aims, scope and organisation 3

The area, population and housing that will be affected by the scheme 4

The immediate surroundings 4

Involving local people 4

Sustainability issues - energy, economical, social 5

An estimate of the present annual CO2 emissions 5

Energy consumption at the level of the individual household 6

Aims of the scheme 6

A proposal for reducing energy consumption 6

A proposal for using energy from a sustainable source 8

Technical feasibility, funding and cost effectiveness 8

Advantages, disadvantages, reasons for recommending the scheme 9

Options other than ones proposed, and the reasons for rejecting them. 9

Financial implications for the village 10

The potential response of the electorate 10

Effects on the local environment and employment 10

Ideas for becoming more forward-thinking and responsive 10

Conclusions and recommendations 11

References 12
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report ID X4043465

A project brief

Aims
The aim of the project is to propose to the parish council an opportunity to support a scheme which will
allow all village households to become users of adequate and sustainable sources of energy and allow
energy and money savings for the residents.

Basic methods
Technically the proposal will address the social, the economical and the environmental sustainability
issues through adjusting two of the locally most energy intensive activities - reducing heating energy
demand and using renewable energy for local travelling. Organisationally these will be offered as
stimuli for residents to participate in the scheme financed and set up by the village council:
- incentives for lowering household heating energy demand by insulating ceilings or the loft area and
installing triple glazed E-coated windows,
- provision of incentives for switching to renewable energy sources when travelling locally by
acquisition and usage of electric bikes and domestic solar PV charging systems/kits.

Results and conclusions of investigation

The results show that the greatest challenge of the proposed scheme will be related to securing
sufficient funding. All technical aspects are achievable and significant reductions of energy demand
and CO2 emissions are practicable.

Background, aims, scope and organisation

The village primary energy is mainly derived from fossil fuels. Therefore residents are vulnerable to
fluctuations of fossil fuel prices, beyond peak oil fuel scarcity, health effects from particles and
chemical substances emitted from car engines and gas boilers and possibly contributing to and being
exposed to the effects of theoretical human induced climate change (be it warming of cooling).

The aim is to minimise the reliance on fossil fuels while sustaining the same quality of life. The
reduction of CO2 emissions by 10% in next ten years is initial target and should not stop there.

With the support of parish council the scheme will provide an interest free repayable financial
assistance for residents to implement any of the measures supported by the council until most of the
residents will join the scheme. A flexible repayment schedule will be worked out individually for every
household deciding to participate.

The procedure will be as follows:

- assessment of the monthly household energy used and money spent on fuel will be made in
relation to the local car use and household heating.
- potential energy reduction calculated, fuel source and technology targets set and estimate of
investment defined.
- repayment schedule calculated and contract signed
- improvements implemented by the contractors chosen by council or by residents themselves
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

An assumption of the scheme in regard to any changes in society or community is this: there is a
resistance to change unless the change is beneficial to the individual. Therefore, for the scheme to
become success, it is crucial to make it attractive financially. The scheme will aim to financially reduce
the average monthly energy bill by 10-15% for every village household. The estimate of the total
monthly household costs in relation to the scheme and their energy bill will be consisting of two parts:
- a Monthly Lowered Energy Bill (MLEB) after implementation of the scheme measures
- a certain amount repayable to the council over a set period of time until investment is repaid

The exact amount repayable to council and length of payments will depend on individual household
circumstances, but will follow the general rule - the MLEB will be at least 10% lower than what it would
have been if the scheme was not implemented.

After the last amount payable to the council, the MLEB will lower the cost of energy bill even further.

The area, population and housing that will be affected by the scheme

The village has 1500 households with 3500 people residing in them. All the residents heat their
houses either by burning natural gas or with the heat batteries charged by off-peak electricity. There
are in total 1600 cars kept and used in the village territory. Most of them are petrol powered.

The shopping/office square in the middle of the village is often short of car park spaces. There are 150
residents using bicycles to get around the village. The village is in the middle of a busy route and the
shopping square is often used by the passers-by for a quick stop if there is a free car park space.

The scheme will affect village by reducing local traffic and a need for car par spaces in the centre.

The immediate surroundings

In order to implement the scheme, the surrounding areas of farmland and hills will not be affected
visually or by noise. The only visual difference will be made by solar PV panels installed on rooftops in
the village. Hills and farmland will remain intact.

Involving local people

The initial part of the scheme will be related to informing village residents about the local issues –
shortage of parking spaces, traffic congestion at peak hours, environmental and health issues of
intensive traffic, becoming a showcase/leader and example to other urban areas. This will be an
opportunity to receive feedback from residents about their concerns and take them into consideration.
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

Sustainability issues - energy, economical, social

ECONOMY
Here is an example of economical aspects for a single household. If we assume that the annual
heating energy bill for a household is 1200£ and annual cost of travelling with a car within the
boundaries of village is 300£, the total respective annual energy cost is 1500£. If after implementation
of the energy saving and renewable energy measures, the total amount of annual energy cost is
lowered to 1100£, then the annual amount repayable to the council will be 250£ - that is, if taken into
account the promise of lowering annual respective energy bill by 10% (1500 / 100 * 10 = 150£
household savings). If the total council investment was 10 000£, then after 40 months (3 years and 4
months) it will be repaid. Then the annual cost of energy will be reduced from 1500£ to 1100£.

ENVIRONMENT
The immediate surroundings of village will not be affected by new infrastructure, increased noise
levels or visual intrusions. The natural gas, petrol and diesel will be used less than before leading to
improved air quality in the village and surroundings - less particles in air, less NOx and SO3 pollution.

SOCIAL ASPECTS
The scheme will give an opportunity for residents to associate with a new identity - sustainable
lifestyle. The scheme should aim at being the first step towards even greater improvements - the
village fully powered by renewable energy. The implication of energy neutral households is that of
improved social life in a long run. Because less money will be spent on paying for fuel, potentially less
income will be needed, which will lead to less hours spent at work and more hours with family, friends
and at home.

An estimate of the present annual CO2 emissions

- based on an average household energy demand the total energy used for heating and travel with a
personal car in the village is 83 686 512 MJ (83.3 TJ) and for the transport and 70 200 000 MJ (70.2
TJ) for the heating (see more detailed calculation in next chapter).
- 90% of fossil heat energy is obtained by burning gas, 10% with off peak electricity heat storage. For
the convenience it is assumed that all the vehicles are run with petrol engines.
- CO2 emissions related to each household heating and transport energy are calculated below:
(13 000 / 100 * 90) * 0.19 = 2223kg CO2 (gas)
(13 000 / 100 * 10) * 0.5 = 650kg CO2i (electricity)
(19 040 (km) * 0.39) = 7425.6kg CO2ii (petrol)
Total = 10298.6kg of CO2 per household annually (see more calculations/assumptions below)
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

Energy consumption at the level of the individual household

The following is a breakdown of an average fossil energy use at household level (based on national
average):
- Total energy used for the average household for mobility purposes is calculated belowiii:
600 (car journeys per year) * 3500 (individuals) 13.6 (average length of journey in km) * 0.091 (litres of
fuel consumed per 1km) * 32.2 (MJ per litre of petrol) / 1500 (households) = 2 598 960 litres * 32.2 /
1500 =
= 55.8 GJ or 15 500 kWh per year per household

- Household heating energy calculations will be based on assumption that a household has a
net energy demand of 13 000kwhiv. This is appropriate because most of the houses in the village were
built in 1970ies.
13 000kWh or 46.8 GJ per year per household

Aims of the scheme :

1) reduction of total greenhouse gas emissions resulting from household energy use in the
village by at least 10% within the next 10 years.
2) reduction of energy demand at household level by 10% within the next 10 years
3) increasing a component of renewable energy sources in total energy use within next 10
years at a household level by 10%
4) cutting the household energy bill in the long run by at least 10% within next 10 years
5) securing alternative energy supplies and reductions of energy demand
6) setting up a foundation for a sustainable energy system in the village

A proposal for reducing energy consumption:

a) a description of proposed measure
20 -30 cm thick loft insulation and replacement of single or double glazed windows with triple glazed
low-E coated windows.

b) an estimate of the likely cost

Will differ from household to household depending on the size of the household and investments
needed and will vary between 5 000£ - 20 000£. For the convenience of further calculations he
average cost will be assumed 10 000£.
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

Picture 1, source http://markbrinkley.blogspot.com/2008/01/adrian-you-mean-like-this.html

Insulating loft will cost between 250£ and 500£, depending on if contracted or DIY. v

c) an assessment of the reduction in CO2 emissions

Reduction of energy demand to at least 10 000 kWh per household will reduce CO2 emissions by the
following””:
(10 000 / 100 * 90) * 0.19 = 1710kg CO2 (gas)
(10 000 / 100 * 10) * 0.5 = 500kg CO2vi (electricity)
Savings from 2873kg of CO2 to 2210kg of CO2 per year. That is 23% or 663kg of CO2 saved.

The exact savings of energy and CO2 will depend on ventilation loss, wall insulations levels and
location (terraced or detached house) as well as size of the house. The minimum necessary
investment will be determined at each household separately.
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

A proposal for using energy from a sustainable source

a) a description of proposed measure

A 300W domestic solar PV charging system/kit for powering personal transport - electric bike.

b) an estimate of the likely cost

Ready to use solar charging system appropriate for charging a bike at a winter time when days are
shorter, will cost around 2500£vii. Bikes cost around 500£viii.

c) an assessment of the reduction in CO2 emissions

If assumed that one third of journeys are within boundaries of the village, then one third of the initial
CO2 emissions can be eliminated, because solar bike will be using only renewable resources - human
and solar power:
Savings 7425 / 100 * 30 = 2227.5kg of CO2

Technical feasibility, funding and cost effectiveness

The solar bike method has innovative aspects and it offers convenience – it incorporates two
technologies (solar and electrically powered bike) into one solution, therefore avoiding potential
engineering and installation costs associated with feeding solar electricity into the grid. However, this
approach has one disadvantage, because of the battery system which will store the solar electricity
generated during the day (for the recharge of bike's battery at night) in a chemical battery. Since
battery will need to be replaced after certain time at a cost of few hundred sterling, residents should be
allowed to opt for grid linked solar PV modules. In this scenario electric bike would be recharged at
night from the grid.
To lower the cost of insulating the loft, residents should be encouraged to do it themselves. Older
residents should be offered the assistance from contractors. The minimum thickness of insulation
should be 300mm. All triple windows should be low-E coating.

If all the households will adapt both measures, it will cost council in total:
((500 * 3000(bikes for adults)) + (2500 * 1500 (solar panels)) + (10 000 * 1500 (average cost of
windows)) + (500 * 1500) = 1 500 000 + 3 750 000 + 15 000 000 + 450 000 = 20.7£ million.

Council presumably will be able to negotiate discounts for bulk orders of windows, insulation materials,
solar PV panels and electric bikes. If 10% (2.07 million) reduction can be negotiated, the amount
needed for the scheme to be implemented will be 18.63£ million.
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

If this is equally spread over 10 years, council will need 1.86mil sterling a year to fund the scheme.
The amount very likely will not be available to the council and one might consider opting for a loan
taken out from the government or banks. This will increase the cost of the project. If the repayment
period is 10 years at a real discount rate of 10%, every 1000£ will cost 163£ix. The total cost of the
project is calculated below:
18.63 / 1000 * 163 * 10 = 30.34
18.63 + 30.34 = 48.97£ million
It is not feasible to pay more than a double of the “real” cost and can be considered from a perspective
of someone, who seeks financial support from government and banking industry, a penalty on
sustainable local policies and schemes.
Therefore I am advising the members of council to allocate as much funds as possible from their
annaul budget for the scheme. The most viable of approaches for the council would be saving up
money and rising funds for the following years till nearly all the amount needed (18£ million) is
acquired before introducing the scheme. If few million short, the rest of the finances needed for the
scheme will be diverted from when residents of households will start making their repayments.

Advantages, disadvantages, reasons for recommending the scheme

The word “economy” in early days meant cheaper and comes from - wic (village, dwelling) + nomos
(to manage)x. Keeping that in mind, the greatest disadvantage is the length of time needed to acquire
an interest free funding for the project to take off. At the same time this is also advantage, because it
gives a lot of time to prepare for the scheme, inform residents, get their feedback, negotiate better
contracts with suppliers and do full energy surveys in every household.
The involvement of public will prepare the ground for further advancements in appropriate energy use
in the village if the scheme will prove to be successful.

Options other than ones proposed, and the reasons for rejecting them.

Other options for working on sustainable energy future for the village:
− construction of a combined heat and power station powered by biofuels. Biofuel CHP station
would provide economic incentives for local farmers to produce straw or fast growing timber.
− A village wide travel plan integrated and based on the needs of the village residents
− Insulation of walls and floors in households
− Installing “windmills” in surrounding hilly areas
All options should be open for consideration. Any other energy improvements or methods should be
investigated as well as feedback from residents should be taken into account. It is possible, that,
unlike most of the public around UK, village residents will be more than happy to have large amount of
wind generators near their dwellings, and they will be happy to invest in the technology of renewable
energy. This would take off the burden of securing the finances from the village budget.
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

Financial implications for the village

If followed the advice of saving the funding needed rather than borrowing, this will improve village
finances in a long term, because the budget of the village will be debt free.
The implications of the scheme of the residents will become apparent straight after the implementation
– the annual energy bill will be lower than before.

The potential response of the electorate

The long term commitment and vision by the council members as well as a scheme, which puts at the
centre of concern the residents and their expenses, will appeal to many. Some will identify with
sustainability issues council is trying to address. Many will be happy about not getting village into debt
and continuing the rest of the services.

If clearly communicated and taken into account feedback from residents received after initial proposal,
the scheme should reflect well on council members.

Effects on the local environment and employment

The scheme will have little negative impact (if any) on environment, because for the implementation of
the scheme, the environment does no need to be altered. The positive effect will be improved air
quality and less health issues.
The short term employment might benefit as soon as scheme will start off, if those who are employed
in construction industry will participate and provide their services.

Ideas for becoming more forward-thinking and responsive

The vision of the future of the village should include following key points:
− energy self sufficiency,
− diversity of renewable fuel sources
− Zero energy houses
− infrastructure for mobility inspired by enabling the use of renewable energy sources
− economical principles – efficiency (financial as well as energy) and no debt
 T206, Aigars Bruvelis,
Project Report, ID X4043465

Conclusions and recommendations

The initiation of sustainable practises in energy sector are technically feasible, environmentally
beneficial, improving human habitat and financially tricky. Renewable energy technologies, particularly
solar PV, are expensive and energy saving measures need large capital investments. The borrowing
at interest can double the cost of implementation of the scheme and therefore is unfavourable. Instead
council should plan long term strategies and get funding from internal sources and if necessary build
capital over the years and gain time to educate, inform, involve residents and prepare for the
implementation.

References
i Energy saving in buildings (Bob Everett and Horace Herring ), box 1.8
ii Managing transport energy (edited by James Warren), Table 1.9
iii Managing transport energy (edited by James Warren), Table 1.2 and 2.1
iv Energy saving in buildings (Bob Everett and Horace Herring ), page 31
v http://www.thinkinsulation.co.uk/how-much-will-i-save.htm – accessed on 15th September 2010
vi Energy saving in buildings (Bob Everett and Horace Herring ), box 1.8
vii http://www.eurocosm.com/Application/Products/solar-powered/Solar-Mains-Power-150W-GB.asp – accessed on 15th
September 2010
viiihttp://www.everything-ev.com/electric-bicycles-c-87.html?zenid=k6uh3uhisrd4c7fd2gu2jpv7o6 – accessed on 15th
September 2010
ix Energy systems and sustainability, Bob Everett, page 24
x http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=economy – accessed on 15th September 2010