In a nutshell, \’Green Energy\’ utilises natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat to provide our daily energy requirement. They are considered \’Green\’ because they are environmentally friendly. It is easy to think that we may be travelling back in time when we think of items such as wind power and windmills. However, it is the result of eco-efficient and planet friendly options that this process is maintained.
It is the use of simple renewable energies such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors, that suits the home environment. It is equipment such as Photovoltaic Panels (PV\’s) that develop electricity through suitable roof-panels. Biomass Energy is the next phase, and this involves Fuel, Pellets, Stoves and Boilers burning Wood. Of course, then there is the heating from the Sun – often just called Ground Source Heat Pumps. When we think about Wind Power and Hydropower we have two of the more common forms of energy generation.
Thermal Energy Systems: This technology is based around two core types of system. Firstly, there are elements that absorb energy from the sun and create hot water – known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Added to this is the generation of electricity from solar radiation – known as Photovoltaism, or more commonly Solar Electrical panels. To get the best results these panels need to be south facing at an angle of around 30 degrees from horizontal, and away from blockages.
As a result, Solar Water Power is often considered the most common form of Solar Energy in the UK. Solar Water heating systems are extremely important – and can provide over half of the hot water needs for houses within the UK. The cost of fitting depends on whether you do it yourself (500 to 1500 pounds) or whether you get a professional fitter – in which case it will cost between 2-5k overall. Read more... (990 words, 0 images, estimated 3:58 mins reading time)