An Analysis Of Solar Energy Classes

It is by using natural resources such as tidal or wind energy – collectively known as ‘Green Energy’ – that we could meet our daily energy needs. They are considered ‘Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. It’s interesting to note that in some instances we’re actually travelling back in time to utilise some of the older energy skill sets e.g. Wind Power (Windmills etc.) Generally, this is the result of using up to date ideas, specifically those that are planet friendly and eco-efficient.

The home can use a range of new ideas to help with energy usage – including Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors. Equally there is electricity that is generated through roof-installed panels. Equally important is that of Biomass Energy – which includes Stoves, Fuel, Pellets and Boilers burning Wood. Then there are the Ground Source Heat Pumps, which is simply the ground heat created by the Sun. Finally, we have two of the most traditional forms of energy generation that have gone through some resurgence over the last few years; these being Wind Power, Wind Turbines and Hydropower (including Water Wheels.)

Solar Energy Systems: By using different technologies, Solar Energy is effectively made up of two types of solar panels. Initially, there is the process of obtaining hot water from the Sun via Solar Water Heating Collectors. Furthermore, there are the Solar Electrical Panels (more correctly known as Photovoltaic heat collectors) which transform solar radiation into electricity. Solar Panels themselves need to be away from all light blocks, and should be on south facing roofs at angles of 30 degrees from the horizontal plane.

As a result, Solar Water Power is often considered the most common form of Solar Energy in the UK. These systems are very efficient – and can deliver 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement annually. Typically, to fit this type of equipment will cost between 500 and 1500 pounds for a DIY kit – all the way up to 2-5k for a full professional fitting.

Biomass Energy Based Systems: Historically, this has come from plants and animals, though nowadays this also includes new genetically engineered ‘energy crops’. Considering its ability to produce energy in the form of heat and electricity, this type of energy is extremely flexible. It is interesting to note that the UK has some of the largest quantities of Biomass material to generate electricity within Europe. Considering all this, and the relative lack of C02 produced, makes the whole process highly green overall. As each tree felled, it is replaced by another. This helps to reduce the overall effect on C02.

‘Energy Crops’ trees such as Willow and Poplar play a major part in the process – under the banner of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Of equal importance is the ability to produce dry matter – and perennial grasses are very good for this. Other less known materials within this field are Agricultural and Municipal Waste. Agricultural Waste is naturally formed as a by-product of conventional agricultural activity. Another biomass source is that of municipal waste – and this comes from recycled wood or food.

Systems Using Geo-Thermal Energy – By naturally heating the Earth, the Sun has the potential to generate both warm water and electricity. Within the UK, the constant ground source heat temperature is around 12 degrees centigrade – and can be utilised to both heat and cool buildings. Whilst these heat pumps require energy to operate, their rate of return is excellent – being four units produced for every one unit used. A greater return of energy (sometimes almost 100 percent) is produced – because heat source pumps can operate in-line with wind turbines and solar electrical panels.

Systems Based On Wind Energy: Without a doubt, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy production known to man. However, in more recent times there’s been the option to recover the energy for its own sake – and deliver this either to a home unit or to the local power grid. The UK is considered as one of the best sources of wind generation within Europe. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind – we do have the ability to create 10 percent. Rather than electricity production running at 2-10 p per kWh, it could be run at 2p per kWh. The financial recovery process takes around 6-9 months.

Hydropower is a method that suits the UK energy production system. The ability to utilise energy from moving water, much like wind power, has been going on for thousands of years. That said, this type of energy can generate around 2 percent of the total electrical demand for the UK.

A hydropower system transforms the kinetic energy of the moving water into another type of energy by means of a turbine. The important thing is that, without having to rely on water storage, the turbines can generate electricity. ‘Micro-Hydro’ utilises a chunk of the outdated sluices and dam systems that have been killed off by the large national distribution methods. Having been reviewed recently, this form of electricity supply could provide 200mW of the UK capacity. When considering the installation cost of items such as this, we’re looking at somewhere between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of energy created.

The demand on ‘Green Energy’ continues to develop – in light of the energy demands worldwide. The UK remains one of the main beneficiaries of this technology.

Electrician and Plumbers are thought to be key in providing expertise during domestic installations. A range of grants are available to support the growth of renewable energy ideas within the European market. This is a new industry – but getting the right certification can only improve job security and opportunities for the future. Electrical or plumbing training that incorporates green technology could be very useful for the future.

Written by Scott Edwards. Go to Electrician Training Courses or Click HERE.