Photo opportunity: 10.45am, Thursday 29 January, West Park Centre, University of Dundee, Perth Rd, Dundee.
The weather may be bleak just now and heating bills will be soaring but Dundee's ambition to become Scotland's first Sun City will take a leap forward tomorrow when 90 experts gather to outline the future of solar power.
With renewable, green sources of energy increasingly on the political agenda, the conference will examine how Dundee and Scotland can lead in developing cutting-edge technology to harness the power of the sun and provide reliable, cost-effective energy to homes and businesses across the country.
University of Dundee's sustainability expert Fionn Stevenson will emphasise the environmental and economical benefits of switching to solar and challenge the Scottish Executive to be more pro-active in terms of funding and legislation. Dundee enjoys the highest number of hours of sunshine in Scotland per year, and is therefore the prime location for developing solar power.
Ms Stevenson, senior lecturer in Architecture and chairman of the Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA), said, "The Executive has set a very high target for the use of renewables - 40% of energy should be from renewable sources by 2020 - but only seem to be concentrating on wind, wave and biomass, when Scotland also has excellent solar potential.
I am calling on the Executive to legislate to ensure that new builds have renewable sources as the first s ource of energy when possible. We have to make full use of the potential of renewable sources if this target is to be reached.
Our aim is to boost solar investment in Tayside, which is one of the sunniest spots in Scotland and ideal for this type of renewable energy. Most people don’t realise that solar energy actually becomes more cost effective in a colder climate because it can offset a longer heating season which spreads into the spring and autumn.
The important thing, however, is to ensure that we use this technology appropriately, in tandem with other energy sources by fitting solar roofs in existing housing where it is the most efficient renewable to use. If you think of how many roofs face the sun in Dundee, you can see the potential."
The event is co-sponsored by SEDA, The Scottish Solar Energy Group and Dundee Sun City, and will provide the latest findings on the real efficiency of active solar systems in relation to energy efficiency in buildings. The event will be opened by Councillor Julie Sturrock, chair of Dundee City Council's environment committee.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, recently announced that he intends to introduce new planning regulations for London forcing all new housing developers to incorporate solar panels.
Photovoltaics (the technology used to convert sunlight into electricity) and Solar Water Systems (used to heat water) are being promoted by the government through local grants but there are a number of designers who remain sceptical about the real benefits of active solar systems given the alternatives available. The symposium will draw on international experts who have carried out major photovoltaic and solar water schemes and will critically discuss the key findings.
The Symposium themes, which include maintenance, cost-benefits, product waste and toxicity as well as integrated design, have attracted a national audience including a number of experienced practitioners who have already used solar power. Developers, building professionals, educationalists, policy-makers and building owners interested in promoting effective sustainable design strategies will all contribute to move the solar energy debate forward.
For interviews with Fionn Stevenson contact her on 07968 792873, or call Esther Black on 01382 344768/0778 607 5923.
Fionn Stevenson is an expert in:
contact her on 01382 345262/552216, f.z.stevenson@dundee.ac.uk
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk