What we do
Hot topics
Search
Sun Rise Project
Summary
Sun Rise promotes solar power energy to domestic households for water heating and electricity by providing a 'one-stop-shop' of credible and affordable installers and suppliers. It aims to overcome barriers of access to solar power in homes. 110 systems have been installed so far and the profile of solar power has increased, which is leading to more interest in further installations.
Barriers identified include: cost; hassle of installation procedure; lack of trust in installers; lack of awareness of renewable energy options; low awareness of available grants and discounts; perception that devices were difficult to install; unwillingness to make a long-term investment without short-term gain.
Key motivators
-
Cost savings: bulk discounts were negotiated to make excellent products the cheapest on the market.
-
Convenience: the ‘one-stop-shop’ provides easy access to all the information.
-
Trust: gained by using accredited suppliers and installers and building a strong brand with trusted partners, such as local authorities and the Department of Trade and Industry.
-
Awareness: promoting the project through targeted mailings made potential customers aware of large discounts.
-
Visibility /empowerment: community bulidings with sustainable energy installations acted as ’beacons’ for residents to see how easy and successful solar power can be.
Top tips to their success
-
Promote the scheme widely: place advertisements at train stations, community websites, community centres, leaflet drops, the media and local authority magazines.
-
Reduce costs: access grants and/or sponsorship so that products are as affordable as possible.
-
Use the media: build relationships with local and regional journalists.
Contact details
The Green Energy Centre
Creative Environmental Networks
Ambassador House
Brigstock Road
Thornton Heath, CR7 7JG
Tel: 020 8683 6683
www.greenenergycentre.org.uk
