Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Life in General
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: France generating power
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
29/5/2024 at 1:27pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan
View franbee's Profile View Profile   Reply to franbee Reply   Quote franbee Quote  
Joined: 21/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3213

Site Reviews Total: 235
Site Reviews 2024: 19 
Site Reviews 2023: 19 
Site Reviews 2022: 21 
Site Reviews 2021: 7  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 11 
Site Reviews 2018: 9  
Site Nights 2024: 30
Site Nights 2023: 37
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 14
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 13

Having just returned from France, we noticed even more wind turbines, but also a huge number of solar panels. I know the UK doesn't have anything like the amount of sun that France does, but surely putting more panels up would help? For instance, on covers over autoroute service area parking, or a covered area over a supermarket car park, helpful to shoppers too. Not to mention fields full of panels with animals grazing underneath.


29/5/2024 at 2:05pm
 Location: Devizes Wiltshire
 Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC
View dk168's Profile View Profile   Reply to dk168 Reply   Quote dk168 Quote  
Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9596
Tent Reviews:   6

Site Reviews Total: 56
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 9  
Site Reviews 2022: 8  
Site Reviews 2021: 9  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 45
Site Nights 2023: 47
Site Nights 2022: 46
Site Nights 2021: 34
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

My hunch is that, more people would moan about the turbines being unsightly in the UK - there were lots of objections when wind turbines were first introduced in this country some years ago!

As for solar panels, I found more and more are being installed in fields in Wiltshire, the county where I live.

I liked the sight of wind turbines when I was driving in France and the Netherlands recently - lots of them in NL too!

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *


29/5/2024 at 5:11pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View saxo1's Profile View Profile   Reply to saxo1 Reply   Quote saxo1 Quote  
Joined: 29/10/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4485

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The UK has more wind turbines than France and are third in all the European countries.
The UK has a lot less solar power due to our climate.


via mobile 29/5/2024 at 5:41pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Dave and Cyn's Profile View Profile   Reply to Dave and Cyn Reply   Quote Dave and Cyn Quote  
Joined: 23/7/2018

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   224

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Keep saying it but turbines need wind which is not always available. Solar needs sunlight which is not present at night.
What we should be investing a lot more in is tidal power.
Doesn't blot the landscape.
Doesn't use up valuable farm land.
Runs 24/7, 365/6.


via mobile 29/5/2024 at 6:46pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Devonatheart's Profile View Profile   Reply to Devonatheart Reply   Quote Devonatheart Quote  
Joined: 28/8/2021

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   144

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 9
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

What Saxo 1 said. 👍

Fields full of solar panels! ..No thanks, the mere thought I find revolting, and I simply cannot believe anyone would want to see that. Ridiculous, sorry.


Advertisement



via mobile 29/5/2024 at 8:03pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75
View 664DaveS's Profile View Profile   Reply to 664DaveS Reply   Quote 664DaveS Quote  
Joined: 24/7/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4382

Site Reviews Total: 55
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 6  
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 16
Site Nights 2023: 55
Site Nights 2022: 54
Site Nights 2021: 56
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 20
Site Nights 2018: 41

We have them on our house. We purchased several years ago so get a decent return. Offsets the overall energy bill. I can't see why new builds cannot have them as standard.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


29/5/2024 at 8:05pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome
View David Klyne's Profile View Profile   Reply to David Klyne Reply   Quote David Klyne Quote  
Joined: 13/2/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9601

Site Reviews Total: 257
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 6  
Site Reviews 2022: 15 
Site Reviews 2021: 7  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 16 
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 3
Site Nights 2023: 22
Site Nights 2022: 62
Site Nights 2021: 33
Site Nights 2020: 4
Site Nights 2019: 56
Site Nights 2018: 15

I am not a fan of fields full of solar panels but there is a lot more that could be done on fitting them to buildings both private and commercial. I quite like the idea of having solar panels fitted but it is quite an initial outlay that puts me off. I don't think there is much in the way of help to fit them now?

David


29/5/2024 at 8:12pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6271

Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18

I think one of the problems in this country is that if people find out that a solar farm or wind farm is to be installed within sight of them, a great many of them will object. Our authorities will hold an inquiry and often those objections are upheld. I don't think this happens in France.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


29/5/2024 at 9:03pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan
View franbee's Profile View Profile   Reply to franbee Reply   Quote franbee Quote  
Joined: 21/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3213

Site Reviews Total: 235
Site Reviews 2024: 19 
Site Reviews 2023: 19 
Site Reviews 2022: 21 
Site Reviews 2021: 7  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 11 
Site Reviews 2018: 9  
Site Nights 2024: 30
Site Nights 2023: 37
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 14
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 13

It was interesting to see the panels on the specially built service aire shelter roofs and likewise at supermarkets.

We have had solar panels for 10 years which paid for themselves after 7, and now have a battery so we can sell leccy back to the grid.


30/5/2024 at 2:36am
 Location: London
 Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524
View Monty15's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monty15 Reply   Quote Monty15 Quote  
Joined: 17/9/2015

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2328

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0

The UK is undoubtedly a far more windy country than a sunny one! Perhaps the reverse of much of France. I doubt that our solar farms generate very much power during dull winter days, and the further north you go the less daylight hours there are too to compound the problem!

Solar farm plans often seem to get rejected by Nimbys and planning authorities, but I can see little reason why large roofing areas of commercial and industrial buildings don't have them, well, beyond the cost vs returns argument!

I'm not sure about the 'eyesore' argument against them, I know of a few, and they are largely unnoticeable from most viewpoints, unlike wind turbines which are visible from miles around and usually from all directions! Wind turbines have a certain 'grace', but still think I prefer my views of hills and coastlines to be free of such structures!

A pal of mine has solar panels on the roof of his quite large pub complex in Devon, installed when incentives and deals made them viable, even profitable, but not sure the present arrangements would be so attractive! He's a 'supplier' of excess power to the grid in 'some' sunny summer months, but a consumer FROM the grid in winter when the daylight is poor, so as a business, solar does not make him independent of the grid, just reduces his overall annual consumption from it.

If we'd ploughed as much R and D money into tidal power as we did/do into Nuclear power, then I think we may have been following that path more! But the fact of the matter is, you still need a source of power that can be switched on 'on demand' when the highly variable 'green' sources aren't generating enough! About the only 'green' power that has truly worthwhile and cost effective 'storage' and potential to supply on demand is Hydro, but UK terrain is not best suited to that on a scale that would meet demand, and can you imagine the objections to damming and flooding a large number of valleys across the country!

A mixture of generating sources looks to be the best safeguard to meet demand with the certainty that we will never go 'dark'.


Advertisement



30/5/2024 at 7:41am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View daveyjp's Profile View Profile   Reply to daveyjp Reply   Quote daveyjp Quote  
Joined: 02/6/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   596
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 2
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The UK power network isn't robust enough to accommodate a huge number of additional feed in systems such as solar panels.

Daughter's school had solar installed on a sports hall. Over the sunniest months school is closed so excess energy to export. The system couldn't be connected for about 12 months because the local grid needed significant upgrade.

I'm finding the same with a local developer. Lots of solar panels on new industrial units which are due to be finished in July. As of last month the power company still wouldn't finalise the size of sub station they will install as they need to ensure the local grid can accommodste the anticipated level of feed in.

There are many acres of land which looks green which has previous indusrial use and will cost millions to clean up (in my local area two 'fields' are actually former tips) which could be used for solar panels.


31/5/2024 at 6:15am
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: Lunar Delta TS 2017
View clbewi's Profile View Profile   Reply to clbewi Reply   Quote clbewi Quote  
Joined: 20/8/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2525

Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 12
Site Nights 2023: 5
Site Nights 2022: 14
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We are having more and more solar panel farms being built around here, and we saw a lot of new ones being started in Norfolk. Personally, they are the most unsightly things ever, our fields are slowly disappearing, what with all the new houses being crammed in too that locals can’t even afford.


-------------
Claire and Colin





31/5/2024 at 8:19am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser
View iank01's Profile View Profile   Reply to iank01 Reply   Quote iank01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4061

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 10
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Wind turbines are a blight on the countryside and this is made even worse with arrays of solar panels. IMHO both should be banned!


31/5/2024 at 8:27am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan
View franbee's Profile View Profile   Reply to franbee Reply   Quote franbee Quote  
Joined: 21/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3213

Site Reviews Total: 235
Site Reviews 2024: 19 
Site Reviews 2023: 19 
Site Reviews 2022: 21 
Site Reviews 2021: 7  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 11 
Site Reviews 2018: 9  
Site Nights 2024: 30
Site Nights 2023: 37
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 14
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 13

Maybe putting solar panels on all of those new houses, plus on public and commercial buildings, such as all those huge warehouses, would be a help.


31/5/2024 at 8:41am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
Joined: 07/2/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9848

Site Reviews Total: 24
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 2
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 31/5/2024
Wind turbines are a blight on the countryside and this is made even worse with arrays of solar panels. IMHO both should be banned!




I take it from that Ian, you're not a fan.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


via mobile 31/5/2024 at 9:06am
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs
View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5144
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 234
Site Reviews 2024: 18 
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 12 
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 9  
Site Reviews 2018: 18 
Site Nights 2024: 37
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 32
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 20
Site Nights 2019: 28
Site Nights 2018: 30

Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 31/5/2024
Maybe putting solar panels on all of those new houses, plus on public and commercial buildings, such as all those huge warehouses, would be a help.



New houses in Scotland cannot have a gas supply. They all have solar panels. Still need a grid connection & whole estates have been cancelled because the local grid has insufficient capacity for the heat pumps.
I was involved in public local inquiries into wind farms, many years ago. It costs £millions to get the Environmental Statement written for the application, more costs to go to PLI or a Hearing eg for KC’s legal fees.
The process starts with local and national policy. If the policy supports the proposal, it’ll probably get consent (possibly with adjustments). Have a look at your local Council’s development plan, it’ll be online.

-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Life in General - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














5656 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder