Cutting-edge small businesses: the economic future?
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As part of our Economy & Industry week we are looking at different aspects of this topic. The first article touched on the National Liberal economic philosophy and some policies to get our people, especially the young, back in work. We also believe that the self-employed and small businesses play a significant role in our economy. We would encourage that further still.
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One such new small business (Viking Renewable UK) is selling solar energy. We believe this can deliver a significant share of the renewable energy sources that the UK (and elsewhere) sorely needs. Not only will it provide a cheap (and ultimately free) source of energy it is clean and sustainable and helps reduce our reliance on imported fuels. So much so that we believe that all new properties must include solar panelling (see http://nationalliberal.org/?p=3034). These are just the sort of new businesses we need to encourage.
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The following is an interview with Mr. Pramjit Sadra a director of a solar power company-Viking Renewable UK
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Question:
Could you explain who you are and what company you represent?
Answer:
My name is Pramjit Sadra I have lived and worked in Essex for 20 years. I represent Viking Renewable UK, presently based in Kingston, Surrey. The overseas arm of this company has built the 3rd largest solar farm in Spain which ranks as the 14th largest Worldwide. We are now building a similar farm in Bulgaria which is sold through a UK backed bond (this protects UK investors). The company has recently launched itself in the UK and although much of its overseas projects have been commercial it is presently focussing here in the domestic market.
Question:
What do you say are the main benefits of solar power?
Answer:
There are a number of benefits which include a Guaranteed 25 Year Income, a significant saving on Electricity bills for those 25 Years, a degree of control over your energy use and protecting the future environment from pollution.
Question:
Some people suggest that our climate does not lend itself to exploiting solar power?
Answer:
Due to the advancement of Technology that we now have available to us, Solar Panels are now designed to maximise the capture of UV rays which is its energy source. The problem of inclement weather has been overcome (Germany for example has been using Solar Power significantly for the last 20 years by way of a Feed In Tariff and this is a very similar climate to the UK!). Therefore, the Panels that we are now installing are able to work using the UV rays that can harnessed through any weather conditions.
Question:
What sort of cost is involved in installing solar power into the average domestic property?
Answer:
There has been a significant development in the market for Solar Panels due to its popularity that, due to an increase in the number of manufacturers, has increased competition which, in turn has reduced the basic cost (It should be noted that some companies hold old stockpiles of panels and do not reflect the changes in the market so it is best to shop around).
We, for example, are able to offer a Standard Installation of 6 Solar Panels (1.5KW) at below £5,000!!! (This is due to our good working relationship with our Worldwide Suppliers). Sadly, the much laundered Government subsidies are not presently being offered. Nevertheless you should be able to obtain an income over expenditure within 3-5 years.
Question:
What do you think of the National Liberal policy to install solar panelling into all new properties?
Answer:
I fully support the Party in the promotion of Clean Green Energy and will continue working towards its increased use.
Question:
How do you think we can increase the uptake of solar power in existing property/industry?
Answer:
Basically it is a PR exercise since the figures stack up. By providing the most up to date information of Solar and Green Energy Solutions, I believe the uptake would grow exponentially. It is vital that the correct details are supplied to the public and industry alike, using any and all information outlets so that they can make an informed decision.
Question:
Thank you for taking part in this short interview perhaps you can continue to offer us your thoughts on renewable energy in the future. How do people get in touch with you if they want to find out more?
Answer:
I would be delighted to contribute further. I will explain more about solar power and its industrial capacity in a future article. If anyone is interested in finding out more about solar energy they can contact me at vikingrenwableuk@gmail.com or 07828 762521
Following the interview Mr Sadra offered his services as a Policy Advisor (Energy) which we gratefully accepted. We are keen to develop a range of policy advisors, whether specific or general. If you would like to offer your services please contact us at natliberal@aol.com.
Date: October 7, 2011
Categories: Events