When our daily energy requirements are met by ‘Green Energy’, then we are using resources such as wind, tides or geothermal heat. When ‘Green’, they are all thought to be replenishable and natural. When considering elements such as Wind Power and Windmills, in many cases we are looking back at the history of energy production. This idea is preserved by the use of technology, eco-efficient options and planet friendly alternatives.

The range of renewable energy technologies utilised within the home environment includes both Solar Thermal, and Solar Water Heating Collectors. For electricity created through roof-installed panels, you would need Photovoltaic Panels or PV’s. Then there are Stoves that burn Bio-Pellets – which make up the subject commonly known as Biomass Energy. What shouldn’t be forgotten is the heat stored in the ground from the Sun – often simply referred to as Ground Source Heat Pumps. At the end there are two of the most mature forms of energy production in the UK – albeit renamed now to Wind Turbines and Hydropower.

Solar Thermal Energy – 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 the best results these panels need to be south facing at an angle of around 30 degrees from horizontal, and away from blockages.

Within Solar Energy overall, Solar Water Power is most commonly used 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 typical cost for installation ranges from 500-1500 pounds for a DIY system, all the way through to 2-5k for a professional fit.

Systems Utilising Biomass Energy: This term encompasses all forms of natural products – such as plant and animal material. It is extremely useful – in that it can produce a range of power sources, including heat and electricity. The ability to generate electricity is one of the UK’s main green strengths – as it has one of the larger Biomass legacies within Europe. One of the main factors of this style of energy is the result without the impact on C02. With a new tree being planted as each is felled, you can see how the C02 produced during heating is minimised – and why the system is deemed sustainable.

To meet the need, fast growing trees, known as Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) are utilised. Of equal importance is the ability to produce dry matter – and perennial grasses are very good for this. Of equal importance, although maybe less well known, are Municipal and Agricultural Waste. Agricultural Waste is commonly formed as a by-product of traditional agricultural work. However, waste derived from food or wood is another biomass entity – called Municipal Waste.

Systems Using Geo-Thermal Energy – The constant energy of the Sun heating the Earth results in both warm water and electricity being produced. Within the UK, the constant ground source heat temperature is around 12 degrees centigrade – and can be utilised to both heat and cool buildings. 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. By using energy from solar electrical panels or wind turbines to power them, heat source pumps can be almost 100 percent renewable in energy production.

Wind Energy Systems: Wind Energy as a sustainable source of energy has been going on for millennia. 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 ability to utilise wind generation is considered to be greatest in the UK. Potentially, we can produce 10 percent of our annual energy needs through wind power, although at present within the UK we still only use 1 percent. Electricity can be produced from as little as 2p per kWh, but generally comes in somewhere between 2-10p per kWh. Recovery of the cost involved is somewhere between 6-9 months.

Lastly, we have a discipline that the UK does well – namely Hydropower. Energy creation from moving water is very old – although it is now being done in new ways. It is this type of energy production that could meet 2 percent of all the UK’s demand.

A hydropower system transforms the kinetic energy of the moving water into another type of energy by means of a turbine. By using a dam or a natural river drop, these turbines do not require water storage. It is by using the eroded national distribution systems, that allows for outdated sluices and dams to be used by techniques known as ‘Micro-Hydro’. Having said that, this process could still generate 200mW of the National Capacity. The capital cost of installing a micro-hydro system can run between 200 and 3000 pounds per kW of energy output.

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.

Once again, it is the Electrician and Plumbing trades that are set to capitalise on the domestic installation process. Grants and financial aid is also set to increase within the EEC and the UK – as ‘Green Energy’ gets ever higher status. This is a new industry – but getting the right certification can only improve job security and opportunities for the future. Look for combined electrical and plumbing training, with a key emphasis on practical green systems and installation.

(C) Scott Edwards 2009. Check out Solar Energy Courses or CLICK HERE.

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