Here comes the sun
13 July 2007
If you think it’s too cloudy for solar power to work well in the UK, think again. The UK receives about two thirds of the radiation of southern Spain and more than half the levels at the Equator. Even on cloudy days there’s a lot of scattered radiation and more and more people are choosing to help the planet and buffer against rising fuel prices by powering their homes straight from the sun.
There are two types of solar power which are very different: To produce electricity you need ‘Photovoltaic' or (PV) solar panels, these are by far the more expensive option. A typical PV system can supply a third to half of a household's energy demand, and some households can actually sell solar electricity back to the national grid.
Alternatively, Solar Water Heating is based on rooftop panels containing water which is heated directly by absorbing the sun’s rays. Water heated here is linked up to the main water heating system - these systems can provide around half your hot water requirements for a year. Solar water heating is much more affordable than PV and should pay for itself in reduced energy bills. Once water in the panels is hot, it usually travels to a coil in the hot water cylinder and transfers the heat to the water there, or it can go straight into the cylinder. Solar water heating panels provide almost all the hot water you need during the summer, and in the winter they contribute towards the hard work your boiler is putting in, especially on bright days. Inconveniently, the winter - when we need most hot water - is the time when there is the least sun. Despite this solar water heating is still a very effective technology. It can really reduce the amount of oil and gas we burn to heat our homes which contributes to pollution and dangerous climate change. Solar panels work best on a south facing roof and an ideal time to install them is when you are having a plumbing revamp.
If you’re interested in installing solar water heating or any other renewable technology in your home, then grants of up to £2500 are available from the low carbon buildings programme 0800 915 0990 or see www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk. For independent advice on all energy saving and renewable technologies, contact local company Encraft see www.encraft.co.uk.
Energy Saving Trust www.est.org.uk
Centre for alternative technology www.cat.org.uk