The Benefits of Solar Panels

How can Solar Panels Benefit Your Home?

“Do solar panels actually produce much power?” People often ask this question as there are quite a lot of assumptions made about the energy produced and whether it is worth the cost of installing panels in you home. Another common question people often ask in addition is “How can solar energy be a realistic option when the UK is so cloudy?” The answer to both questions is positive. An average home can save as much as 40% on their annual electricity bills by investing in solar power and this is no small amount! As for the question of the somewhat changeable weather which the UK enjoys, this does not affect the UK’s ability to utilise the suns energy. Even on a cloudy day your panels will be collecting energy and as the units can store energy for future use, householders can relax in the knowledge that sunny days are like money in the bank! The other and rather important benefit of solar energy is that your carbon footprint will be vastly lowered and you will know that you are doing your bit a household towards reducing carbon emissions.

                          

Is Every Home Suitable for Solar Panels?

It’s a fact that there are certain details which you should check on before deciding to invest in solar energy for your home. Some of these include the following points.

• Is your roof suitably strong? Solar panels are quite heavy and your roof needs to be sound.
• Do you have a roof facing 90 degrees to the south? Check also for shadows cast by trees and nearby buildings. Remember that panels can also be placed on walls
• Have you spoken to your local planning officer? Planning permission is not normally required for solar panels of an average size but some buildings which may be protected by grading because of historical interest may be affected.

How much of an Investment are Solar Panels?

When deciding on the size of the solar panels most suited to your home, it is worth remembering that the larger the panels the more the cost; however, larger panels will produce more energy and thus the long term savings will be greater. Solar tiles which can be built into a roof are more expensive than panels which are simply placed on top but this again is often outweighed by the long-term savings.  If you decide on an averagely sized system then you will still find that your savings are considerable; it is usual to expect savings of around 40% on your yearly electricity bill which is no small amount and also means that your investment will pay for itself within a few years. Solar panels require little maintenance; main points to remember are that keeping the panels clean will ensure that they can continue to run effectively and that nearby trees should be well pruned in order to avoid overhanging branches or foliage obstructing the suns rays from the panels. All in all it is a relatively simple process to decide on the suitability of sustainable solar energy for your home and as the returns are so obvious there is little reason to put off the decision!

Solar Panels in the Spotlight

What is a Solar Panel?

We’ve all heard about solar panels being a great way to harvest the sun’s energy to help power our home, but before investing in solar panels for your home you may want to learn a little more about them. What are they and how do they work are the questions on many peoples lips...especially if they have not been researching environmentally friendly power sources for long. Solar panels, or to give them their official name photovoltaic modules are group of solar cells which have been connected and grouped together to form a panel. One panel alone is not enough to generate energy and it is only when a group of panels are connected to form a photovoltaic system that there is potential for the creation of energy. A group of panels is also known as a photovoltaic array; a solar system like this will include in addiction to the solar panels, a battery, wiring and an inverter...which is basically a gadget for converting DC or direct current into AC or alternating current.

How do Solar Panels Generate Energy?

The most important factor in the creation of electricity through the use of solar panels is of course the sun; light energy or photons are converted into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.  The basic principles are the same as with ordinary batteries or electrical outlets; with solar panels the fundamentals are rooted in electrons running through a circuit freely. Solar panels rely on silicon for the transmission of electrons and it is by combining silicon with another substance such as Phosphorous to create solar plates that the magical process is begun and electricity can be generated.

How are Solar Panel Used Today:

There has been a huge interest and a steady growth in solar energy and also in related equipment over recent years and this growth has been largely influenced by the rising cost of utilities. As home owners cast about for environmentally friendly ways in which they can reduce the cost of running their households, more and more people are investing in solar energy; this has been in part due to government incentives such as the Feed in Tariff which was implemented to encourage more use of green energy and microgeneration technologies in the home. By offering cash rewards to people who invest in solar or wind power, the government were ensuring the reduction of the UK’s carbon emissions. There have been some changes to the Feed in Tariff which are not at the time of writing, affecting people who choose to install solar energy system but it is expected that by 2012 there will be some changes to which microgeneration installations are eligible for the cash incentives and which are not. There may also be a cap placed on how much households can “earn” via their energy production. The best time to install solar panels in your home in order to take advantage of the government incentives is as soon as possible. So don’t delay! Even with the governments planned changes, the benefits are indisputable for the homeowner.

Solar Panels and the History of Solar Power

Solar panels: A long journey

Long before solar panels were dreamed up, people all over the world were harnessing the energy of the sun for their own purposes. Some of the first documented uses of solar energy are astounding in their ingenuity and prove that our natural resources are indeed some of our most useful tools. The sun has long been a source of intrigue and the mystery surrounding its power was evident to even the earliest inhabitants of the planet. S they strove to understand the world and its surrounding stars and planets. Sun worship was perhaps among the first incidence of man’s attempts to understand and even to utilise the sun for their own benefit. But we have come a very long way from offering up gifts to the sun in the hopes of good harvests, today we are able through the work and dedication of many people, to utilise the suns powers in a way which can provide people with energy to make their everyday lives more comfortable and also to protect the earths vital resources. The power and sheer brilliance of the technologies used in today’s solar panels would have been beyond the understanding of the first people who attempted to harness the suns rays, but our basic needs today remain the same.

From Burning Mirrors to Solar Panels

• There is evidence to suggest that the power of the sun was used in warfare, when in 212BC Archimedes used the suns rays reflected from Bronze shields to set fire to invading Roman ships. As the ships were wooden, it was a simple affair to set them alight. This was arguably an example of a very basic solar panel.
• During the 3^rd century both the Greeks and the Romans were well documented for their use of solar power in religious ceremonies. Burning mirrors during religious ceremonies.
• In 20AD the Chinese were using the sun’s power to light torches for their religious ceremonies.
• It was in 1767 that a Swiss scientist created a solar powered cooker or “hot box” by utilising glass boxes layered together to maximise the heat collected within.
• In 1839 the photovoltaic effect was discovered by Edmond Becquerel.
• The first solar powered steam engine was proposed by August Mouchet and over two decades his work produced a number of engines which were utilised for various functions.

Solar Panels and how they came to be

It was a huge leap and a long journey from the first basic applications of the sun’s power to the technology that we enjoy today. Solar panels as we know them are ingeniously simple but it has taken many great minds to get us here! During the 1900’s there were many notable discoveries involving solar power and the photovoltaic effect. It was during this century that Einstein won the Noble prize for his theories and explanations of the photovoltaic effect. By the time we reach the mid twentieth century there had been huge progress made in research and it was in 1954 that the silicon photovoltaic cell was developed. This was the first solar cell with the power to run electrical apparatus and from this development came the technology which we have at our fingertips today. Solar panels are being developed and improved upon with every passing year and as the need for green energy grows there will no doubt be more amazing discoveries and innovations within the field to come.

Solar Panels and Self Sufficiency

Solar panels: taking us into the future

It can’t be denied that solar energy is sustainable; as long as there is a sun there will be power to harness. As more and more people catch on to the idea of solar panels being the smart way to supplement their power needs, there are more and more innovations within the field. An average home can expect to save a substantial amount of money on its electricity bills by installing a solar heating or electricity system and this requires only a reasonable outlay. But what about the people who are brave enough to experiment? To take things further and to push the limits of what is “normal” or socially acceptable? Many more people today are planning or building their own homes than was once the norm; as these people seek out the best materials and systems it is undeniable that solar energy often leaps out as a fantastic way to build a home which not only makes sense financially but also goes some way to securing the environment and reducing carbon emissions.

Solar panels and thinking outside the box

There have and will always be, people who think outside the box with regards to the fundamentals of life. In Beijing for instance it is accepted as a fact that space is at a premium and rents are high, there is not always a huge choice with regards to location and square footage! One innovative and undeniably brave man decided that using solar panels and some ingenuity could free him from the burden of over priced apartments and give him the lifestyle he craved. The young architect built an “Egg Home” from little more than bamboo, bags of grass seed and some solar panels. The structure was only a little over six feet in length and the solar panels powered nothing more than a lamp; this basic but ingenious build was to be the mans home for a number of months and it arguably freed him from high rents and long commutes; this is only one, if rather extreme example of how solar energy can benefit the brave.

The suburban “House of Solar Panels”

 A more reasonable but nonetheless life changing build comes from the USA where a New Jersey man has reinvented his traditional style home to be completely free of utility bills. This house has its own “Power centre” in the garage and boasts 56 solar panels upon its roof. By a process of converting water into hydrogen as a compliment to the energy supplied by solar power, the owner of the home is now totally self sufficient.

On an average day, the solar panels on the roof of the house are able to create energy which amounts to around 90kw hours worth of electricity; since the owner of the house estimates that only around 10kw hours of electricity are consumed in a typical day by the household, he has plenty left over for night time usage; the remainder is stored in batteries and is ingeniously used to power an “Electrolyser” which is a device for turning basic tap-water into hydrogen. The hydrogen created is stored and then used during the darker winter period to power the homes electrical goods. There is no waste as the water which remains is used again. Innovators like this are paving the way for more ordinary homes to begin sharing in the abundance of energy which is available right now. Clever use of complimentary devices are freeing people from heavy utility bills and giving people the chance to be totally self sufficient.

Are Solar Panels The Right Choice for You?

So you want to invest in solar panels

You’ve thought about it, done some research and come to the conclusion that solar panels are the way forward for you and your home. You want to cut down on your energy bills and you also want to do your bit for the environment...that carbon footprint’s not getting any smaller! So what is your first step? What facts do you need to check out before you make your exciting step into eco living? A few handy pointers are as follows.

• Solar panels are usually not affected by planning laws but it is always best to check with your local officer.
• There are two types of solar energy systems typical in ordinary homes, your choice will depend on your needs; one type heats water and the second, photovoltaic panels generate electricity.
• A roof inspection is paramount before embarking on any changes to it.
• Ensure your boiler is inspected and check your water quality.
• Some washing machines and dishwashers can use solar heated water; if you want yours to be solar heated make sure yours are compatible.

Talking to the experts can be invaluable as every home is different and has its own quirks; there may be issues with structure or with plumbing and it is always best to discuss things before making any decisions.

Solar panels and where to place them

A South facing roof is the perfect spot for your solar panels and the angle is just as important as the direction in which they face; 30 degrees to the horizontal is considered ideal although there is some room for manoeuvre with this. Consideration to nearby structures or trees must be given when choosing the right location for your solar panels; overhanging trees and branches can interfere with the performance of the panels considerably. Another important point to remember is that your solar panels must be maintained regularly and so access should be simple. Although maintenance is minimal, it is important that your panels be kept clean and free of dust and debris; this ensures that they are able to work to the maximum of their capabilities.

Solar panels changing the way we live

One of the most exciting things about solar energy is that they represent real change for the way we power our lives. In today’s modern world there is no getting away from the fact that we use a lot of power, power to generate all of the many wonderful electrical devices which make our lives easier than ever before; it is also a fact that the planet does not have endless natural resources and that people everywhere are waking up to this fact and joining in the solar revolution. Many housing associations and local authority housing schemes are already in talks to with experts to decide the best systems to fit in their properties. Solar panels on roofs and walls will soon become as natural a part of the urban and rural landscapes as chimney pots. Check up on the facts, decide which system best suits the needs of your household and get ready for change!

Wind Turbines up Close

Wind Turbines: an Overview

What exactly are wind turbines? What are they for and how do they work? Many people are unsure of the benefits of these ingenious inventions but quite simply they hold so much potential for home owners and business’ alike that if you don’t already have some understanding of their powers, it’s time to get in the know. The turbine is considered to be the most important part; turbines are part of many mechanical devices from jet engines to basic paper windmills; in the case of wind turbines, the turbine part is the propellers or blades on the front of the device which catches the wind and converts it into energy. The blades are designed to maximise the amount of energy (wind) which gets caught and this is achieved through using curved blades.  The more the wind blows, the more electricity is generated; any surplus which is not needed immediately can be stored within a battery for later use and even for re-sale.

There are other important parts within a wind turbine, the blades are only the beginning of an ingenious process which is further continued by a gearbox within the structure; the gearbox speeds up the movement of the blades by a process of conversion in order that a drive shaft can power the generator which is what creates the electricity. There are many variations within the design of turbines and new innovations are being made regularly as engineers strive for models which can create maximum power within the smallest and lightest turbines possible.

How Can Wind Turbines Benefit the Individual?

Many people think of wind turbines and immediately picture the enormous models which populate so-called “wind farms”. These models have vast blades of around 70 metres across and which are mounted on towers of around 280 feet high. They are deliberately huge in order that they are able capture the maximum wind and create as much electricity as possible. If there are obstructions such as trees or buildings in the landscape, then the great height of the wind turbines will counter that and standing head and shoulders above everything else, they are able to capture as much wind as possible. These are the turbines which are used to power entire communities but as an individual home owner it is possible to install a “Micro turbine” which is a much smaller, domestic version of one of the giants of the wind farms. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where there is plenty of uninterrupted wind, then your home could certainly benefit from the installation of one of the new generation of domestic turbines. Roof-mounted and of course scaled down, domestic turbines are potentially a great way to power an average home. The output of an average domestic turbine is enough to power a household’s light bulbs and reduce the average electricity bill.

Are Micro Wind Turbines a Realistic Option?

For many people, the assumption is that it will cost too much to install a turbine in their home, or that they are unattractive to look at and loud. These beliefs are not strictly true, as developments are made in the engineering of wind turbines, quieter models are being produced which can generate more power with less vibration. Most micro turbines are not at all cumbersome and will go unnoticed in their perch upon the roof or gable of an average suburban home. The fact that government grants are also available in some cases is of course a real incentive to people who want to be environmentally responsible and save cash at the same time.

Domestic Wind Turbines

Micro Wind Turbines: Are they for everyone?

When considering the reality of adding one of the latest wind turbines to your home there are of course a number of things which you should bear in mind.

• Do you live in a built up area? Turbines in built up areas benefit from less wind than those in open spaces.
• Is your home or the area in which you live governed by strict planning laws or protections?
• Can you benefit from any government grants which may be available for environmental improvements to your home?
• Noise can be an irritant if you choose a site for the tower which may be close to a neighbours property but recent innovations have made this much less of a problem

                                                                  

Wind turbines need to receive winds travelling at the very least 11 miles per hour to function at their best, although some converts report slightly less wind speed and yet still maintain their turbine functions very well. Some reports maintain that an ideal wind speed for domestic turbines is around 20 miles per hour. So unless you are in an area witch catches a good amount of wind then there might be reason to think again.

Installing Wind Turbines

If you are interested in installing a wind turbine for domestic use, then you should be aware that there are two types of wind turbines and one may be more suited to your home than the other depending upon a number of factors. Roof mounted turbines are suited for most homes where there is a good access to wind; these are in the region of 1kw to 2kw. Mast mounted turbines are free-standing and are perfect for those lucky enough to have open space attached to their home; a mast mounted turbine will be in the region of 2.5kw to 6kw. It is a simple affair to decide which model you need, most average UK homes for instance are only suited to the smaller roof mounted turbines and there are also some government grants available to assist with cost in some cases.

How are Wind Turbines Beneficial?

The growing number of home owners who are installing turbines on or near to their homes speaks for just how important it is today for everyone to take responsibility for their carbon footprint. Reducing the amount of power which your household consumes is a huge step forward for the world in general. For every small wind turbine installed there is a reduction in the UK’s carbon footprint and the implications of this cannot be ignored. It is possible to store unused energy which turbines generate, nothing is wasted and if you produce a surfeit of power you could even sell it to the National Grid! The benefits are many and varied; if you are interested in becoming more self reliant then wind turbines and their many benefits are great ways to begin.

• Wind turbines are relatively cheap to buy and some people can receive grants toward the costs.
• They are environmentally friendly
• They can cut your electricity bill significantly
• You may even make some profit from your wind turbine

The Future of Wind Turbines

Floating Wind Turbines

The future of wind turbines as a realistic power supply in the UK is in the spotlight at the moment as an enormous wind turbine is being built in the North Sea. The very first one of many planned is called Britannia and will be more than 175 metres tall, the diameter of it’s blades is to be over 30 metres which is in fact larger than that of the London Eye. The massive offshore turbine will generate an enormous 10kw of power but there is every reason to think that in the future, offshore wind turbines will be even larger and will generate even more power. The Britannia is due to be completed in 2012 and will produce enough power to supply 10,000 households with electricity. The future of wind power is growing brighter daily as research goes on to uncover better solutions to the power crisis.

Wind Turbines Invigorate Job Market

As the future of wind power grows, so does investment and with investment comes employment opportunities. Offshore turbines need building and it is very likely that the UK will soon see the opening of production plants for the massive structures needed to populate the planned marine wind farms. As the need for the UK to source more environmentally friendly power, so it becomes clear that the country will soon be a world leader in the field. Working closely with German companies, it is predicted that within a very few years many jobs will be created in the UK within wind turbine factories and related fields.

Wind Turbines without Gears: Are Direct Drive Turbines the Future?

One of the most unwieldy parts of traditional wind turbines are the gearboxes but new technology is changing this and the latest wind turbines are not reliant on gearboxes. Larger low speed generators are replacing gearboxes and smaller high speed generators; low speed generators do not need geared transmissions and so this is the reason for the “direct drive” moniker. Direct drive mechanisms do not need nearly as many parts as traditional mechanisms used for wind turbines and so can be produced at a far lower cost. Less parts also makes for a more reliable system...with less in the structure to go wrong there is less need for repairs and in the world of energy supply, reliability is paramount.

Eco Homes and Wind Turbines

More and more UK residents are building eco homes and small, domestic wind turbines are a part of the related growth. Just as the growth within massive wind farms is gathering momentum, so the growth for the housing industry follows. For those people who are building in rural areas, wind turbines are a particularly attractive option. Quieter models situated in unobtrusive spots are becoming a more and more common sight in the UK as people realise the potential saving which come hand in hand with wind turbines. Government incentives to encourage and promote the utilisation of renewable energy sources are also paving the way for the future of wind power.

Wind Turbines and their Development

How Wind Turbines Developed

Long before electricity was ever thought of, wind was being used for its innate power by many civilizations. The earliest known windmills were to be found in Persia where they were utilized in water pumping and grain production around 500-900AD. Considering the strides which we have made in technology since then it is surprising that so little has changed within the design of wind turbines; it’s not a huge leap to make when the basic design of a windmill and a wind turbine are compared. The first wind turbine for generating electricity was created in the USA in 1888 and was a huge structure capable of outputting 12kw with its 17 metre rotor; whilst this was an incredible achievement at the time it is put in context when we consider how much electricity is generated by similarly sized wind turbines today which is usually between 70 and 100kw.

Wind Turbines Today

Throughout the twentieth century there was a furious battle going on across the world as engineers attempted to harness wind energy in the most effective way. Various enormous wind turbines were created and run with differing degrees of success across Europe in a response to the shortage of fossil fuel after the war, but it is only in relatively recent years that wind turbines have developed sufficiently to change habits with many householders investing in small scale domestic versions to help reduce carbon footprints and electricity bills. The trend for “green living” has fuelled a surge of interest in the wind turbine and the potential for saving money and power, both of which are naturally appealing to the average environmentally aware householder.

Wind Turbines in New Homes

With a growing market in Europe there are now many new houses being built with a wind turbine as an integral part of the house itself. Eco homes are growing in popularity due to the sensible and money saving measures taken when planning and building them. With fuel costs rising and energy sources under strain, it makes more sense than ever to new home owners to consider what measures they can take as individuals when designing or building their new home. Adding a small wind turbine to new builds need not be an extreme cost either, with government grants available in some circumstances, the case for domestic wind power is stronger than ever. Planning permission is very often required and careful inspection of local by-laws should always be a priority when looking at a possible site for any new home. It is also a good idea to speak to any near neighbours with regards to your plans; some wind turbines can generate a lot of noise although with the latest design this is far les of a problem than in the past.

Can Wind Turbines save you Money?

Green energy is an undeniably good thing; saving on fossil fuels it is not only good for our planet but is also cheaper to run and can bring some unexpected financial bonuses. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where there is a surfeit of wind and your turbine produces more energy than you actually use, then you can in some cases sell the remainder to the national grid. Another basic fact is that a reduction in your electricity bills is unavoidable with wind turbines harnessing free energy for your home.

Wind Turbines and Eco Living

The Reality of Living with Wind Turbines

Whilst there is a definite and steadily growing interest in eco builds and in eco living in general, there is sometimes a little hesitance on the part of the average home homeowner to really invest in eco living in a practical sense. Without having experience of living with new innovations in energy, it can be a bit of leap in the dark to make changes such as installing wind turbines and similar energy saving devices in the home. The fact is though, that with the government behind homeowners who do want to make these changes, it is getting easier every day to improve both your carbon footprint and your financial situation. Wind turbines are a great way to begin in the quest for a greener way of life; they are relatively simple to buy as well as to install and they need very little maintenance. Turbines should be maintained and checked every two or three years and if this is done then a wind turbine should for last twenty years.

Wind Turbines and Location

The amount of wind which you receive around your home is paramount when looking at whether wind turbines could be an effective energy solution for you. If your home is situated in an extremely built up area, then there may be many obstacles which conspire to interrupt the flow of the wind and thus a wind turbine will not work as efficiently as it could. If you are unsure of how nearby buildings or landscapes may affect your wind turbine then it is possibly worth conducting an experiment with a device designed to measure the wind in the area where you live. The devices, known as Anemometer’s usually include a data logger which collects information on wind speed and direction; they are battery powered and connected to an LCD display and it is recommended that data is recorded for around year; after this time it is possible to deduce whether or not a wind turbine is a god solution for you home.

Portable Wind Turbines

Of course it is not only within our homes that we can benefit from the power of the weather. Portable wind turbines are a cost effective way of saving money when camping or caravanning and can also be used in out-buildings. Often able to supply around 50kw of power per month in conditions of around 12m/s of wind per day these are a great solution not only for camping trips but also for exhibitions and shows. The typical rotor size of a small portable turbine is around 1.5 metres in diameter and supporting towers are usually in the region of 4.5 metres tall and supplied separately but are not generally too costly an investment when one considers the benefits. In general portable wind turbines are excellent for certain applications such as outdoor public or domestic conveniences and other seldom used outbuildings. Unused power can be stored within a battery enabling you to make the most of the innate power of the weather as and when it is required.

Save energy in the home

Mains electricity is actually a fairly useful thing. It is consistent and these days in the UK it is even fairly reliable give a gale force storm or two. The problem with it though is that it can be fairly costly to install in places a distance from the main grid, it doesn’t cope well with harsh condition such as damp or water, and, lets face it, it can be a dangerous old thing when you put your shovel blade through the cable. The other key issue is that the vast majority of mains electricity generated in the UK is done so by dirty great big power stations burning coal, gas or using highly radioactive nuclear material. Not the most earth friendly technologies by a long shot. One great alternative to using mains power and something that is especially effective in remote or un mains friendly locations is to harness the natural energy of the wind with a energy saving small wind turbine like a Rutland 504. Although possible to power appliances directly from such a wind turbine, a consistent supply is what is generally needed so a battery bank (maybe even just made up of one car battery) is what you would store your power in. This could then be used to power any manner of 12v (or 24v) appliances or even with use of an inverter, 230V appliances.

One of the best and most effective ways to use this energy however is for lighting and this article will focus on this. Low energy lighting got a fairly bad press in the past as the low energy mains lighting bulbs that were around made it feel like you were living in a mine shaft for the first 10 minutes of operation. These days the technology has come along a lot so 12v low wattage bulbs or fluorescent lights provide effective lighting for long periods of time at very little cost to yourself.

Whether you are trying to light a small shed, a larger remote barn, a garage, your driveway or your garden, there is an energy saving solution for you that will be ready and waiting thanks to the small turbine charging the system. IR sensors and timers can also be used to add a bit more complexity to a system for security or safety lighting. If you are worried about too many calm and sunny days (perhaps not in England?) you can easily combine your wind turbine with a solar panel to cover all weather situations.

For more significant power requirements large turbines such as the LE-300 from Leading Edge or the Rutland 910-3 can be used, again with an efficient solar panel, to charge the battery bank you need. All in all whether to cut down your carbon foot print or provide power where mains isn’t practical to do so, a small scale energy saving wind turbine could very well be the solution for you.