• Making Solar Simpler
    May 8 2024

    Just as the sun comes out this May, the Green Steves have a new podcast about making solar simpler. In the first episode of the series, Steve Gummer and Stephen Cirell are joined by UK solar PV industry stalwart Ray Noble, MBE. Ray has been named a Member of the British Empire, acknowledging his services to the renewable energy industry. He joined BP Solar in 1999, later establishing his own consultancy, Solar BIPV, advising some of the world's largest solar manufacturers.


    In this webinar, they explore the opportunities and challenges in the solar space, the business case for solar, battery storage, current government policy, the wider framework and local authority strategies. The podcast follows on from Green Steve's previous article, which can be found here: https://www.sharpepritchard.co.uk/green-steves/articles/deep-dive-into-solar-


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    42 mins
  • Solar as part of a Net Zero strategy in local government
    May 28 2024

    In our second episode, The Green Steves are joined by Katie Sargent, the Greener Future Group Manager for Surrey County Council. With decades of experience in sustainability and environmental roles, Katie is at the forefront of Surrey's efforts to combat climate change.


    Tune in as they delve into the critical role of Solar PV as part of a broader Net Zero. Discover why a comprehensive solar/climate/emergency plan is essential and what key elements should be included. Katie shares Surrey's journey from declaring a climate emergency to developing an actionable delivery plan, detailing the challenges they faced and the hurdles that local authorities must overcome.


    The discussion also covers practical considerations, such as maximising solar opportunities on land and buildings, multi-use land, third-party PPAs and the current government strategy. This episode offers valuable insights and real-world examples of climate strategy in action at the local government level.


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    50 mins
  • Delivering Major Solar Installations
    Jun 28 2024
    How do you deliver major solar installations? In the third episode of 'making solar simpler' the green steves pose this very question to guest Peter Walker, Associate Consultant at Apse Energy. Peter has been heavily involved in solar development and storage projects across the UK; including the first local authority solar project back in 2009/2010. They explore the practical issues for solar farm development, the business case for local authority solar projects, grid connections, battery storage and much more.

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    43 mins
  • Making solar add up – The revenues of a solar plant
    Jul 25 2024

    Join the Green Steves in this insightful episode featuring guest expert Manon Derelle, a seasoned professional in energy markets with over a decade of consulting experience. Currently leading Baringa’s renewable economics team, Manon specialises in energy market regulation, market design, and the energy transition, with a focus on the electricity and gas sectors across the value chain.

    In this episode, they delve into the intricacies of energy markets, Contracts for Difference (CfDs), and energy trading. Whether you're setting up a solar farm or involved in local government, this podcast breaks down complex energy trading issues in solar, offering valuable insights on how to generate revenue and ensure project deliverability. A must-listen for local authorities and anyone interested in renewable energy solutions.


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    40 mins
  • New government, same challenges, new solutions?
    Jul 31 2024

    We have a new government. In their final episode of 'making solar simple' before the summer recess, the Green Steves discuss the early days of the Labour Government. They provide an evaluation, giving the government marks out of ten for its performance so far and discussing the challenges that lie ahead.

    The episode covers critical topics such as the removal of planning restrictions for onshore wind projects, the planning challenges faced by major solar farms, and the devolution of energy budgets. The hosts also assess the government's approach to providing the policy certainty needed to attract investment in the energy sector.

    Finally, the Green Steves explore opportunities for local governments to make a significant impact in the realm of sustainable energy.


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    34 mins