Zero Emission Project

[ What's that about? ]

Zero Emission Project is carrying out a campaign called 5ksolar.

The goal for this campaign is to remove the barriers that make it impossible for many individuals to benefit from free energy from the sun.

The practical target is the installation of 5,000 new photovoltaic (PV) solar systems in the UK, with particular focus on community projects, rented properties and low-income families.

The campaign has started in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, and will extend across the UK - or even beyond.

[ What are photovoltaic (PV) solar panels? ]

Photovoltaic solar panels generate electricity from the sunlight. In London, for example, a typical 2.5kWp domestic PV solar system generates about 2,200 kWh of electricity in a year, about 2/3 the average annual domestic electricity consumption.

5,000 2.5kW PV solar systems on our roofs would form a 12.5 MW generation network which would generate 11 million kWh/year, with a net carbon emission reduction of 6 million kgCO2/year compared to generating the same electricity using the conventional British energy mix.

[ The challenge ]

Unfortunately, there are still many barriers that make it impossible for every individual to benefit from free energy from the sun.

High installation costs and the fact that many people live in rented properties are still big obstacles.

Managed free solar installations and solar community projects are some of the possible solutions, but we need to spread the word and make it possible on a large scale.

The breakthrough is to find viable and affordable ways to let each individual take part in the big solar power revolution.

[ The solution ]

Everyone that joins the 5ksolar campaign will support this idea: solar power needs to belong to each one of us. Solar energy is the energy of the future and everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from it, not only those who can afford the installation costs.

If the campaign gets enough support, we can apply for grants. This money will be used to install solar PV systems for those who can't otherwise do so: community centres, shared installations, roofs on top of blocks of flats, rented properties, people who can't afford the costs of PV solar systems.

Any money the campaign will raise will be invested this way and the electricity generated will go towards lowering energy bills of families and community groups.

[ Who can join? ]

Short answer: virtually everyone.

Anyone who thinks solar power should belong to each one of us can join. Also, anyone who would like to benefit from solar energy but doesn't know how to do it can join. Anyone who has installed, is planning to install or even just thinking about a PV solar system at home, in a community centre or at their office can join.

This will create a virtual community, whose support will be capable of taking over the grid from big energy companies for domestic and community electricity consumption.

[ Why now? ]

The UK government is paying 43.3p per kWh of electricity generated by PV solar panels through the Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) scheme, regardless of whether we use it or not. Energy companies usually charge about 15p per kWh of electricity and it is predicted a 15-20% increase by 2020.

The FITs scheme will be reviewed in April 2012 and the payback after that date will be lower. This is definitely the right time to claim our solar energy share.

For more information about the benefits of solar power, read this page.

[ Join the 5ksolar network ]

If you want to support this idea, you are thinking about a solar energy project, you are in the middle of it or you have already your PV solar system installed, this is the right place for you.

Start creating your account and support the campaign. You'll get a personal wall where you can share your thoughts and write about your own solar energy project. Inspire other people, follow other bold solar campaigners. Post pictures and updates and invite your friends to join.

Sign up and take part in the 5ksolar grid take-over.