Climate

Learn from nature and secure your future with a solar power system.

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2023

Celtic Green Energy advises you how to choose a solar power system

One of the most common reactions we have from the general public when enquiring about solar power system is cautious curiosity. They may have already heard basic soundbites about the benefits of solar, that it is a virtuous investment, it’s good for the environment and will save costs in the long term, but how do they choose what is the right system for their needs? What pitfalls can they avoid and as it’s a considerable investment, are they at risk of making a costly mistake?

Let us reassure you that investing in a solar system supplied by a qualified registered, installer is a very low risk undertaking that is protected and governed by regulation. Choose a Solar provider who is registered with MCS – the industry authority who has very stringent compliance to ensure all installers meet their exacting standards and financial regulation.

Naturally, West Wales based Celtic Green Energy meet these requirements and as one of Wales leading renewable energy specialists, have been providing naturally affordable energy solutions the region for the last decade.

Is my property suitable for Solar?

In the first instance, everyone who uses electricity may be able to have a solar system, however, due to the size constraints of large solar panels, not all properties may be suitable. If you don’t have enough roof space, the roof is in poor condition or your roof is permanently in shadow, a Solar install may not be appropriate. As these are large installations, you need to own the property, however, if you rent your property, you would need to seek the landlord’s permission to have an installation fitted.

What can I use Solar power for?

Anything that has an electric plug can be powered by solar power! When the sun shines during the day, electricity is generated by the solar PV panels – even on a cloudy day! You can use your kitchen appliances such as kettles, microwaves, washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators whilst you relax watching daytime TV. If the solar power is insufficient to power these appliances, your alternative power source from the national grid will kick in at the usual tariff charge. Needless to say, the more solar panels you have, the more electricity you generate, the less you are dependent on the national grid and the more you save.

Where do I start?

A good starting point to find a suitable installer is to check out the MCS website for a list of regional registered approved businesses (available here.) or by asking your neighbour who they used and were they happy with the service. A quick phone call will offer you a rough price guide, but a site survey will be needed to ascertain the best system for your needs. At Celtic Green Energy, we have a free Energy Helpline where customers can phone in to discuss their needs in detail. As every property owner has differing criteria from building type, location, environment, living conditions, energy behaviours to monthly consumption – a bespoke Solar system will need to be designed to satisfy these particular constraints. An initial phone call will arrange a no-obligation free site survey when we will be able to advise you on your ideal system.

What do I need?

The Renewable Energy surveyor will discuss your usage needs and address your concerns with the most appropriate system for your requirements. Your current energy consumption is always a good starting point, so a solar system will be proposed to match this precedent. There are a variety of solar panel options available – mostly roof mounted, but if roof space is a problem and there is spare land, a ground mount system could be considered. You can also choose to have stylish in-roof panels, all black or bezel edge finishes.

If you use a lot of your energy after daytime, a solar battery system should be considered where you can use solar energy at night. There are a great selection of solar batteries available on the market varying in performance, capacity, longevity and price. When choosing a suitable battery, go for the best performance at the best price, but make sure it has a good warranty – some are only 2-3 years, others are up to 10 years.

Remember that Solar Power system is a great source of free electricity for other applications such as powering Air Source Heat Pumps, underfloor heating, electric immersion water heaters and charging electric vehicles. What are normally energy hungry products can be powered for free. Ask the energy advisor about the best product solutions for your requirements.

What about costs?

Installing a renewable energy system may be a significant upfront cost, but should be considered a long term investment that will secure your future energy needs without the fear of continually rising energy costs. Remember that during the energy crisis of 2022, a number of successful family businesses such as bakers and butchers went out of business simply because they were faced with astronomical electricity bills after coming out of fixed price energy contracts.

Unlike the purchase of a car, a solar system will add worth to your property and help values appreciate over time. Most systems are staged payments and only paid for in full after completion. Depending on your location, industry sector or if you are a private resident, grant funding is often available to help with the installation of renewable energy systems. Your energy provider will be able to advise you what’s available at the prevailing time.

Sum up…

With the rising uncertainty of energy prices, the Solar Power industry is seeing a mass of interest in their products, but met with profound confusion from the general public. There is widespread competition amongst energy installers offering attractive low cost options and undercutting tactics, but make sure your installer is registered and complicit with industry standards. Thankfully Celtic Green Energy are well established with a formidable reputation for quality and service. they have a particularly good reputation of understanding their products and helping advise customers on the most appropriate choice for their needs, aspirations and budget to provide them with long term fuel security.

If you would like to know more about having solar power system installed, you can call their energy help line 01269 500388 or learn more and visit their website here.

Here’s to brighter tomorrows and sunnier savings!

Climate

Ice warning issued as temperatures fall below freezing across Pembrokeshire

Published

12 hours ago

February 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Cold snap expected to create hazardous roads and pavements overnight into Monday morning

PEMBROKESHESHIRE residents are being urged to take extra care after a yellow weather warning for ice was issued for the whole of Wales.

The alert, issued by the Met Office, covers the period from late Sunday night (Feb 1) until mid-morning on Monday (Feb 2), with temperatures expected to drop to around minus two degrees Celsius in some areas.

Forecasters say wet roads and surfaces left by earlier showers are likely to freeze quickly after dark, creating icy stretches on untreated roads, pavements and rural lanes across Pembrokeshire.

Travel disruption possible

The Met Office warns that icy patches may form widely, increasing the risk of slips and falls and making journeys slower and more hazardous, particularly during the Monday morning commute.

Untreated side roads, country routes and shaded areas are expected to be most affected, with black ice possible in places where frost is not easily visible.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys, slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Pedestrians are urged to wear suitable footwear and take care on steps, slopes and pavements.

Gritting teams are expected to treat main routes overnight, but officials warn that not every road can be covered.

Local outlook

Temperatures across the county are forecast to fall sharply after sunset on Sunday, with frost forming widely before dawn. Inland and higher ground areas are likely to see the coldest conditions.

Residents are also being encouraged to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and ensure homes are adequately heated during the cold spell.

Conditions are expected to improve later on Monday as temperatures rise above freezing, but further updates may be issued if the forecast changes.

Climate

Breaking down barriers between finance and industry in offshore renewables sector

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

EARLIER this week, Marine Energy Wales brought together senior representatives from national and devolved finance institutions with developers, ports and supply-chain companies operating across Wales’ offshore renewable energy sector for a dedicated finance roundtable in Pembroke Dock. Attendance was limited to premium MEW members to allow for frank, focused discussion.

The session was intentionally designed to be different.

Rather than relying on formal presentations or sales pitches, the roundtable created a facilitated, closed-door space for open dialogue. Finance organisations were able to explain clearly how they operate, what types of projects they can support, and where constraints still exist. Industry participants, in turn, set out the real-world challenges they are facing across tidal energy, floating offshore wind, port infrastructure and supply-chain development.

What emerged was more than information sharing—it was a clearer, shared understanding of how decisions are made on both sides.

From siloed conversations to shared problem-solving

A consistent theme from the discussion was that significant public and institutional finance is now available to support clean energy projects. However, navigating that landscape remains complex, particularly for early-stage developments, smaller supply-chain businesses and emerging technologies.

By bringing the right people into the room at the same time, the roundtable helped to:

demystify how different finance bodies assess risk, scale and project readiness
highlight where policy ambition, market signals and investment criteria are not yet aligned
identify opportunities where better sequencing and coordination of funding could unlock progress
establish direct relationships that will support follow-up conversations beyond the room

The discussion also surfaced where gaps remain. In particular, the need for clearer market signals and more tailored support for tidal stream and other early-stage marine technologies was repeatedly raised. These are challenges that are difficult to address in isolation, but far more productive to tackle collectively.

The value of convening

For Marine Energy Wales, the roundtable reinforced the importance of our role as a neutral convener for the sector.

Members consistently tell us that access to finance is one of the most significant barriers to progress—not only in terms of capital availability, but in understanding how to engage effectively with funders. At the same time, finance organisations are keen to deepen their understanding of project development timelines, technology risk and the scale of Welsh supply-chain ambition.

Creating space for those conversations is where real value is added.

This is not about Marine Energy Wales brokering individual deals. It is about building shared understanding, reducing friction, and helping to align finance, policy and industry around credible pathways to delivery.

What comes next

This roundtable was not a one-off.

Marine Energy Wales is committed to continuing this work, developing structured and trusted forums where finance, industry and government can engage early, openly and constructively. As Wales moves from ambition to delivery in offshore wind and tidal energy, these relationships and conversations will be critical to ensuring projects are investable, deliverable and anchored in Welsh economic benefit.

We will continue to work with our members and partners to identify priority issues, convene the right voices, and help turn opportunity into tangible outcomes on the ground.

Climate

Wales takes another giant leap towards becoming a zero-waste nation

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LATEST figures are in, and they’re impressive – Wales has pushed its recycling rate up to 68.4% in 2024-25, climbing from 66.6% the previous year. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a country that was recycling just 5% of its waste before devolution.

The boost comes as Wales’ new workplace recycling rules begin to show real results. Businesses, public sector organisations and third sector workplaces across the country are now required to separate key recyclable materials, and it’s making a measurable difference.

Local authorities collected an additional 8,187 tonnes of recyclable material from workplaces this year – that’s a 42% jump compared to last year. Meanwhile, residual waste from workplaces has dropped by 15.8%, meaning thousands of tonnes of valuable materials are being fed back into the economy rather than burned or buried.

The landfill figures tell their own story – just 0.7% of Wales’ waste ended up in landfill in 2024-25, compared to 95% before devolution.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who has responsibility for climate change, said: “We continue to build on Wales’ already world class recycling. This shows the huge shift in attitudes over the last few decades; recycling is now a part of who we are as a nation.”

He added: “I’m proud of every person in Wales who has played their part in getting us to where we are today – in our homes and now in our workplaces too. Thank you for joining this collective effort.”

Wales currently sits second in the world for recycling – leading the UK and trailing only Austria in global rankings published by Eunomia Research and Consulting and Reloop in 2024. More than half of Welsh councils hit the 70% recycling target, and over 90% improved their rates year-on-year.

The Deputy First Minister said: “Our recycling track record is something to be proud of as we continue taking action to tackle the climate and nature emergency and grow the green economy. But let’s not be complacent. Being number one in the world for recycling is within our grasp if we keep up the momentum.”