Solar EnergySolar energy has existed since the creation of the sun 5 billion years ago. Humans have been making use of the sun's energy for thousands of years. As long ago as 700 years BC, humans have been using simple magnifying glasses to concentrate the sun’s energy into hot beams so that they can make fires. Energy from the sun can be used in many different ways. Virtually all homes in the UK already make use of solar energy to provide room heating through passive means. This happens when the energy from the sun passes through our windows and heats our rooms. The glass in the windows then helps to trap the heat inside.
Solar energy is usually the most suitable method of micro-generationFor a home to make use of hydro-power requires access to a suitable stream or river. Although an excellent method of producing renewable energy on a tiny percentage of properties in the UK have access to a suitable source of hydro-power. Wind power is also an excellent method of producing renewable energy in the UK, making great use of the strong winds that blow over the entire country. Wind power is an option available to a much higher percentage of properties in the UK than hydro power. However a wind turbine does require a suitable location that is exposed and at least 300 metres for the nearest neighbour. Solar panels are silent, static and can be installed on the roof or in the garden of most properties in the UK. Therefore for most properties in the UK making use of solar energy is the most suitable method of micro-generation.
Solar energy can be captured and used at our homes to:Heat water – through the use of solar collector panels Produce electricity – through the use of photovoltaic panels Any water heated using solar energy has saved the use of gas, oil, electric or solid fuel that would have been required to do the same job. This has therefore saved money and also carbon emissions. Likewise any electricity produced by photovoltaic panels replaces electricity that would have been purchased from the national grid, saving money and reducing carbon emissions. |