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4th
October
2011 - Microgeneration.
Joe Ferguson
Mr Jim Watt, President, extended a warm welcome to
members at the start of the new Probus session, thereafter he asked for a
minute's silence in respect of the following members, Jim Todd, Norman Cameron
and Gilbert Harvie all of whom died since the club last met in April of this
year.
Mr Joe Ferguson an independent consultant on Micro generation was the guest
speaker. Joe explained that Micro generation is the means of generating heat and
power for individuals, business's and communities using renewable sources like
wind ,sun, water and biomass (wood pellets). He then gave a
comprehensive breakdown on the pros. and cons of each energy source - the costs
involved, grants available, the number of payback years and the government index
linked price of National Grid payments. Moreover with the means of
explicit graphs Joe was able to illustrate the areas in the country where one is
at a distinct disadvantage with regard to the hours of sunshine.
A lively question time provided many answers and practical advice to those
considering renewable energy installation. Members were made aware of the
misleading sales pitch that it is not essential to have regular sunshine on
solar panels to generate efficiently . Joe emphasised the importance of seeking
professional advice, checking the track record of the installer and to read the
warrant period carefully.
Bill Whiteside gave a vote of thanks and members were reminded of the next
meeting on the 24th October, when the guest speaker will be Ruth Bryden - 'A
trip to the holy land'.
Back to 2011 - 2012 programme
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