When our daily energy requirements are met by ‘Green Energy’, then we are using resources such as wind, tides or geothermal heat. They are considered ‘Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. When considering elements such as Wind Power and Windmills, in many cases we are looking back at the history of energy production. Overall, this is the method of using modern techniques to provide eco-effiency and planet friendly options.

The range of renewable energy technologies utilised within the home environment includes both Solar Thermal, and Solar Water Heating Collectors. Moving on from this there are the Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) which can generate electricity from your roof. Another key element is that of Biomass Energy, which relates to Stoves and Boilers burning Wood, Fuel and Pellets. Then there are the Ground Source Heat Pumps, which is simply the ground heat created by the Sun. Lastly, there are two of the more historical forms of energy production – namely Wind Turbines and Hydropower.

Solar Energy Systems: By using different technologies, Solar Energy is effectively made up of two types of solar panels. As a first strategy, we have Solar Water Heating Collectors – which basically creates hot water from solar energy. Added to this is the generation of electricity from solar radiation – known as Photovoltaism, or more commonly Solar Electrical panels. To get best results these panels need to be situated 30 degrees from the horizontal, on a south facing roof and obviously free from blockages such as trees and buildings.

Within Solar Energy overall, Solar Water Power is most commonly used in the UK. With the capacity to deliver 50 percent plus of a household’s hot water requirement annually, Solar Water heating systems are crucial to energy in the UK. The typical cost for installation ranges from 500-1500 pounds for a DIY system, all the way through to 2-5k for a professional fit.

Biomass Energy Systems – This term encompasses all forms of natural products – such as plant and animal material. It is by using these materials in new ways to create energy that makes it so exciting. With one of the largest production legacies within Europe, the UK is a major player in Biomass-produced electricity. Added to all this, is the lack of C02 produced as a by-product of the whole process. As each tree felled, it is replaced by another. This helps to reduce the overall effect on C02.

By the growth of Short Rotation Crops (SRC), the UK is able to maximise the ‘Energy Crops’ return overall. Perennial grasses also produce a high yield of dry matter. Of equal importance, although maybe less well known, are Municipal and Agricultural Waste. One natural offshoot of agricultural work is Agricultural Waste. However, waste derived from food or wood is another biomass entity – called Municipal Waste.

Geo-Thermal Energy: Both warm water and electricity can be produced as by-products of the natural heating of the Earth by the Sun. Heating or cooling properties in the UK can be achieved using the ground source heat temperature of around 12 degrees centigrade. Generally, items such as Heat Pumps are thought of as very effective, as they produce four units of energy for every one that is used for generation. Heat source pump energy can go one step further (by gaining a 100 percent return) if the energy to power them comes from items such as wind turbines or solar electrical panels.

Wind Energy: The use of wind as a source of energy has been going on for thousands of years, especially in milling grain and pumping water. More recently, there has been the desire to deliver the energy created to the home – or to a local power grid. With regard to wind generation, it is the UK that has the highest production within Europe. The fact remains that in the UK, there exists the ability to realise 10 percent of our electricity requirement from wind power – as opposed to the current value of just 1 percent. Rather than electricity production running at 2-10 p per kWh, it could be run at 2p per kWh. Because of this, it is estimated that it takes between half a year to three quarters of a year to cover the installation costs.

Then there is Hydropower – something within Europe that the UK excels in. Energy creation from moving water is very old – although it is now being done in new ways. That aside, it is fair to say that some 2 percent of the UK’s electrical load could come from this source.

Transforming the energy of moving water into another type (with the aid of a turbine) is known as a Hydropower system. By using a dam or a natural river drop, these turbines do not require water storage. ‘Micro-Hydro’ however utilises old outdated sluices and dams. Having been reviewed recently, this form of electricity supply could provide 200mW of the UK capacity. Installing systems like this could cost between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of energy created.

It can be seen that the route to ‘Green Energy’ is growing considerably, especially in light of the need for increasing energy outputs throughout the Western World. The UK domestic market appears to be one of the core beneficiaries of this technology.

With the bulk of development work in the domestic area, both Plumbers and Electricians are set to capitalise in this area. With ‘Green Energy’ rising up the political agenda in Europe, a range of financial aids and grants are becoming available. It is important to gain the correct qualifications to install these items. You could consider either plumbing or electrical training programs that highlight green installation.

(C) 2009 S. Edwards. Try Plumbing Training Courses or plumbercourse.co.uk.

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