What are Proterra Energy's Renewable Energy Services in Scotland?
- terrystebbings
- Jun 19
- 5 min read
What we do... renewable energy services-wise
We recently had an internal discussion about how aware our customers are of the renewable energy services we provide in Scotland.
We felt we had it pretty much covered. We have a list of all of our Clients and what we have done for them, and a list of the services we provide and whether we think they might be relevant: green is a goer, red not so relevant, or so we thought!
We haven't spent a lot of time and thought on advertising. We find much of our custom comes through word of mouth. But in a recent discussion with the guys and girls who help us with our digital marketing, we realised we probably should spend a bit more time on this.
And, as if to strengthen this point, one of our customers in the far North called to ask us about how she could make her grid tied hydro work in an offgrid capacity. That wasn't on the list!! She was concerned about the duration of the power cuts they had endured last winter, and, like other customers, had an increasing awareness of the volatility of our wider power networks to unscheduled interruption, such as was experienced in Spain and Portugal a month or so ago.
So... we thought we would include a short list of the types of work that we do, so that our customers and contacts can see it firsthand. This is going to be accompanied by a new website – coming soon!
Proterra Energy Ltd Renewable Energy Services and Support
Energy Systems Design
Feasibility and Desktop Assessments for energy projects
Design of renewable energy systems, grid tied and offgrid (no connection to the power lines)
Planning and consenting (working with Nature Scot, Planning Authority and SEPA) on renewable energy systems)
Grid connection applications and support
Energy audits – looking at how you use your energy, whether a renewable energy system could work for you.
Renewable Energy System Installation
Installation of micro hydro schemes
Installation of wind turbines (up to 50kW)
Installation of large scale domestic and commercial solar arrays
Installation of battery storage systems (offgrid, back-up systems)
Installation of diesel generators (as part of offgrid, for back-up systems, for remote sites).
Energy System Maintenance
Servicing and maintenance of renewable energy systems (solar, wind and hydro), diesel generators and battery storage systems. For these we provide:
Remote monitoring (weekly checks, alarm responses, etc.)
Asset management services (supporting payments, arranging maintenance, monitoring, weekly checks)
Condition-based monitoring
Fuel sampling
Lubrication analysis
Fuel tank servicing
Vibration analysis
Thermographics
Electrical installation inspection and testing
Refurbishment and overhaul of older systems
Another recent event resulted in us offering a bit more support to a customer.
A member of their team had taken unwell, and as a result some of their duties, which included basic generator servicing, required our support.
The Client was not sure of the need and frequency of the servicing requirement so we took some time to walk through it.
Generator servicing frequency was also a question that was raised by our Digital Team (they are smart folk!). So we thought for those of you that have a back up generator, or perhaps those that might be considering one in the future, a short note on diesel generator servicing.
Diesel generators have basic daily or per use checks and annual servicing. A short introductory note on these below.
Simple checks to help you avoid surprises:
Prior to use, checking the basics, your battery and the fluids (water, oil)
Test run once a month for a generator that doesn't run frequently (back-up generators), preferably on load.
Check the values on the screen if you have one.
Check the colour of the exhaust emissions: do they run clear once the generator is warmed up?
Diesel Generator Servicing and Maintenance
For a generator this is a bit like cars; it is done on run hours (equivalent to miles for a car). All diesel generators will have a basic service interval, and then with increasing hours a more complex or involved service interval. Some examples are:
Basic service: every year OR 250 / 500 run hours – whichever comes first. This will likely be an oil and oil filter change, and sometimes a fuel filter and check of your air filter. This will be accompanied by visual checks. The 250/500 hour interval will be generator dependent.
In-depth service: every 500 / 1000 hours. This will involve more invasive checks, as well as the filter changes, and could include opening the top of the engine, checking turbo chargers (if you have one), water pumps and cooling fluid.
These cycles repeat in steps of either 250 or 500 hours. The whichever-comes-first bit means if you run your genny a lot, you'll need to service it more than once a year. If it's a back-up, then you will likely only need servicing once per year.
If you have any questions at all about this, please give us a call or drop us an email and we can see how we can help, even if it's just to point you in the right direction.
Interesting Fact...
Did you know some heating systems in Scotland are controlled by a radio signal from a tower somewhere in Worcestershire?
This is called the RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) and is typically linked to storage heaters. We know that some of our customers have these systems that includes a special switch next to the main meter or distribution board in your property. This switch receives a radio signal and turns on your heating, when the power companies know there is less use on the power network.
RTS is being phased out (it has been for a number of years but keeps getting delayed). When it is phased out the mast will stop sending signals to the receivers; the final signal is likely to be an ON signal.
As part of all of this, the electricity companies of those customers that have these systems should have been in contact to have it replaced with a modern meter, often a Smart Meter. If you have an RTS system and you haven't had a call from your electricity supplier, then get on their website and find a number to call.
Here are some links to websites below with contacts.
A couple of thoughts before you agree to the solution from your supplier. Make sure you ask them whether smart meters work in your area (that they have a signal), as we know from some customers this has been a problem. Also make sure you understand more about Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs, or your supplier's equivalent, as these are often the tariffs you will change onto.
*** Hot off the press!
The government has delayed the switch off of the RTS system because suppliers are behind with the metering changeouts. This gives you more time to discuss your options with your supplier and make sure you get the right replacement system to suit you and your property.
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