The Solar Trade Association

While you can count on this blog to bring you news about solar panels and solar power, we also enjoy showcasing solar corporations and solar organizations for your information.  Today, we’ll introduce you to the Solar Trade Association in the UK.

The STA was formed in 1978 in order to represent the interests of member companies within the solar thermal industry (also known as solar hot water).  Members of the Solar Trade Association benefit from its information dissemination, marketing, training programs, standards and certifications, and general promotion of solar technology.

Perhaps one of the most important functions of the STA is to educate the public on the viability and reliability of solar energy in the UK.  As explained on its website:

It is often underestimated the amount energy which can be harnessed from the sun’s radiation. In the UK, we receive a vast amount of solar energy. In an average year we receive as much as 60% of the solar energy which is received on the equator. In other words, this can be compared to the yearly output of 1,000 power stations. It is often argued that solar technologies can only be used within the summer months, this is untrue. In fact, the UK has a large number of clear spring, autumn and winter days, where the Sun’s radiation can be harnessed, meaning that solar technologies can contribute to energy consumption for the whole year.

A solar heating boiler

By switching to solar hot water systems, people who live in the UK can save at least 8% of their annual energy costs.  Not only that, but the energy is clean and emission-free.  Generally speaking, solar water heating systems use solar collectors, mounted on a roof, to capture the energy from the sun to heat water.  Instead of using gas or electricity to warm water for bathing or cooking, solar energy does the trick – for free, and without greenhouse gas emissions.

But getting back to the Solar Trade Association….. The organization is managed by a Board of Directors, known as the “Council,” which directs the overall focus of work through quarterly meetings.  The rest of the members are organized into four working groups that are responsible for key areas, as described on the website:

• Lobbying Working Group – involved in frequent meetings with key Government bodies including DECC; MCS & EST this team are focussed primarily on bringing about positive change to the solar thermal industry as a whole.
• Marketing Working Group – as well as coordinating presence of the STA and member companies at leading national events, the MWG also work on marketing of the Association and benefits of this technology through press, publications and websites, editorial content and the publishing of press releases.
• Technical Working Group – involved in key technical developments within the solar thermal industry including looking at areas such as Legionella growth and roofing issues (would you be able to add a third?). Members of the Association are able to view technical papers in the members area of this site.
• Training Working Group – involved in development and provision of training courses for the installation, design and understanding of solar thermal systems, the TrWG are also busy working with key training bodies towards the introduction of the new Quality Credit Framework.

The STA also publishes The Solar Handbook annually, which can be conveniently downloaded as a .pdf file.   Each year, there are a number of popular events, as well:  an AGM and a Conference, Exhibition and Dinner event.  Great places to network with others in the solar industry!

If you would like to join the Solar Trade Association, click here and fill out a simple form.  And, if you still aren’t sure, be sure to check out its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.