As the eco-adviser for energy- and cost-efficient solutions to warm or cool houses, Alberta has created Bert, focusing on protecting the environment and creating a secure future for our children through alternative energy.

The economical way to run a household is to make use of available energy, like the sun and the wind, and to cut down on expensive fossil fuels. Bert promotes solar heating, photovoltaic systems, intelligent plugs, window films, heat pumps, wind turbines and solar blinds – while working against our dependance on traditional energy sources.

Because every household has different needs, Bert recommends an energy audit of a household to determine the best tailor-made solutions to cut down on waste and make the most of resources available. What was before considered a concept has now become reality at affordable prices, making the shift towards cleaner energy easier.

A photovoltaic system is a money-making machine that does not depreciate in value.

“Apart from cutting down on electricity bills, the system allows you to sell electricity units to the government, with guaranteed return on investment. A residential photovoltaic system has a performance guarantee of 25 years and is paid back in full after five to six years,” says Bert.

The larger the installation, the faster the system pays for itself and the better it performs. Size depends on roof space availability; the best part is that the system is installed in a day and does not mess up existing installation or require any structural changes to the house. An average Maltese terraced house usually can take at least eight photovoltaic panels – this would save the household about €1,000 annually.

Another idea that is picking up is that of energy harvesting. Owners of large areas of land may invest in photovoltaic systems to farm energy and to sell it back to the government. This is another way of making future investments, and Alberta is interested in entering partnerships when such land is available but the owner has no money to invest in the system.

The government also offers different grant schemes as incentives on such systems; Alberta always advises clients on these schemes, such as the €300-€400 government rebate on solar water heaters, which leads to a return on investment after four to five years.

Alberta’s solar water heaters are manufactured in Turkey, a country renowned for its technology in these systems.

“Our choice of supplier came after diligent study of the market to ensure that our product is durable, especially in a Maltese climate and hard water. That is why our solar heaters are glass-lined and thephotovoltaics are salt-mist tested,” says Bert.

Alberta’s line-up of specialised products also includes heat pumps to heat pools, for example, and underfloor heating and cooling.

“Contrary to perception, these systems are affordable. To install underfloor systems for heating and cooling, an average household would cost about €3,500 and can be installed under raised flooring.”

For a complete insulation, window films and solar blinds against ultraviolet rays reduce room temperature by at least 2oC.

“Equipment left on standby isanother source of energy waste,” says Bert. “To give an example, a television set left on standby every night for a year uses up to 20 watts per hour, which will amount to €10-€15 a year. If you multiply this saving with other appliances like a personal computer, a DVD, VCR, a TV decoder box etc..., the savings will be considerable! An intelligent plug will switch off equipment on standby, thus reducing waste.”

For energy audits and cost-efficient energy solutions, contact Bert at Alberta, San Ġwakkin Road, Mrieħel, on 2549 0303 or send an e-mail to sales@alberta.com.mt.

www.alberta.com.mt

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