AmberGreen to host FREE seminars to give farmers up to date investment information
By Eleanor McGillie
LEADING planning and renewable energy consultants will be among those giving free professional advice at an exhibition aimed at providing farmers across Northern Ireland with the most up to date information on the viability of solar schemes on their farms.
Amber Green Energy, a leading renewable energy provider, with bases in Armagh and Belfast, will host the event at the Cohannon Inn in County Tyrone on January 16.
The event, which runs from noon until 6pm, will provide farmers with essential information about the challenges of planning and installation of solar PV and small scale wind projects on their farms.
Attending will be Amber Green Solar, a division of Amber Green Energy, solar PV manufacturers Conergy, planning consultants Clyde Shanks, SIAC and Vision Design Architecture.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dwyer O’Neill, chief executive of Amber Green Energy, said farmers, especially poultry and dairy farmers, are faced with huge energy bills on an annual basis but says there are easy steps to take which will lessen the burden of bills by adopting simple green energy solutions.
He said: “This free event offers farmers the opportunity to speak face to face with consultants. Experts are on hand to talk farmers through the step by step process, providing the most up to date and relevant information required for anyone exploring greener energy solutions.
“Amber Green Solar will be discussing how farms can invest in Solar PV in 20 & 50Kw scale, how systems can be leased, or provided free via the Amber Green Roof / Ground lease scheme. Representatives will also be discussing the viability of large scale solar farms on 30 acre land holdings with access to sub stations and the grid.”
More and more farmers in Northern Ireland are turning to green energy solutions in an attempt to overcome the challenges of rising electricity bills.
Recently, Fred Maxwell, of Maxwell Farms in the Clogher Valley, spoke out about the challenges farmers face because of rising energy bills. Mr Maxwell, a leading Northern Ireland poultry farmer, is now operating a 20kw system (84 solar panels) on his chicken houses which he expects will cut his electricity bill by a quarter in the first year. This year, he intends to install another 30kw system which means his farm will be running a 50kw system which will reduce his electricity bills in half.
Clyde Shanks, Director of Belfast based planning consultancy Clyde Shanks, said: “This is a very timely event and we are looking forward to attending to share our extensive experience of guiding renewable energy projects through the planning system across Northern Ireland and to assisting the farming community in understanding what is involved to secure planning permission on their land.”
Robert Goss, managing director of Conergy, who will also be offering advice at the seminar, said it is vital farmers choose panels which suit the environment they are to be placed.
He said: “My message is that while the market for PV might appear to be full of similar products and low initial price might seem to be a good selection criteria we believe that selecting a high yield system incorporating Conergy PowerPlus will be a more rewarding choice.
“PowerPlus panels are manufactured in Germany to suit the low-light conditions often experienced in Northern Ireland. Direct sunlight is not needed for efficient electricity generation. The PowerPlus panels are tested for exposure to ammonia and salt-mist and so can safely be used where livestock are housed and in coastal locations.
“With 15 years PV experience Conergy will have the answer to any questions relating to your potential installation so please join us next week and Conergy will help you move toward self-sufficiency in energy supply and protect yourself against the predicted energy price hikes.”
James Welsh, of Siac Wind Energy, said: “It is our pleasure to provide our support to Amber Green Energy in their role as the sole distributor of SWE/BWP Excel 10kw wind turbine throughout Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to demonstrating to all interested parties the many benefits , both environmental and commercial , now available to farmers / individuals who generate their own renewable energy through the installation of our wind turbine . We will also be on hand to assist in responding to any enquiries or questions relating to any process, technical or sales related issues appropriate to the installation of the SWE / BWP Excel 10kw wind turbine.”
Doors to the exhibition and seminars at the Cohannon Inn open at noon and exhibitors will be there until 6pm. Seminars will take place at 2pm and 5pm and will last for 45 minutes each.
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Notes To Editor:
- Amber Green Energy is an industry leader in green energy solutions in Northern Ireland. The company has bases in Armagh and Belfast. It adopts a dynamic approach to project funding, combined with proven technologies, ensures excellent returns on investments from renewable, sustainable power generation. Amber Green helps clients navigate green energy legislation and access to sustainable energy revenues. Amber Green Energy helps clients with the planning and design of sustainable green energy technologies for anaerobic digestion, wind power generation, combined heat and power and solar panels – photovoltaics. Amber Green Solar is a subsidiary of Amber Green Energy.
- For further information contact Eleanor MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379 | www.mgmpr.co.uk | PR Public Relations Northern Ireland | Public Relations UK | Brand Journalism Experts | Brand Journalism UK | Renewable Energy PR |
