Byte-O-Rama

Simplifying Solar Energy Classes – The Best Routes

by Jason Kendall

Basically, the ‘Green Energy’ idea is how our everyday needs are supplied by natural resources such as wind, tides and even geothermal heat. They are considered ‘Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. It’s interesting to note that in some instances we’re actually travelling back in time to utilise some of the older energy skill sets e.g. Wind Power (Windmills etc.) But in the main, this is the process of utilising modern technology to provide eco-efficient and planet-friendly alternatives.

The home environment, for example, encompasses a range of energy ideas – including Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating solutions. Equally there is electricity that is generated through roof-installed panels. Biomass Energy is the next phase, and this involves Fuel, Pellets, Stoves and Boilers burning Wood. What shouldn’t be forgotten is the heat stored in the ground from the Sun – often simply referred to as Ground Source Heat Pumps. Not all ‘Green Energy’ is new – by considering Wind Power and Hydropower we are looking at some of the oldest forms of energy production.

Thermal Solar Energy Systems: Typically referred to as Solar Energy this is mainly made up of two types of Solar Panels – each using different methods to achieve similar results. To begin with, we have the concept of drawing energy from the Sun to heat water – known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Additionally, there is the method of converting solar radiation into electricity known as Photovoltaic – or simply Solar Electrical panels. Solar Panels themselves need to be away from all light blocks, and should be on south facing roofs at angles of 30 degrees from the horizontal plane.

In the UK, Solar Water Power is now one of the most sought after forms of Solar Energy. With the ability to provide almost half the annual need for hot water in the house, Solar Water heating systems are very important. The cost of fitting depends on whether you do it yourself (500 to 1500 pounds) or whether you get a professional fitter – in which case it will cost between 2-5k overall.

Biomass Energy Technology: 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. It is interesting to note that the UK has some of the largest quantities of Biomass material to generate electricity within Europe. It should be borne in mind that the whole process is designed to produce energy without an impact on CO2. As each tree felled, it is replaced by another. This helps to reduce the overall effect on C02.

Within this field is the need for the use of ‘Energy Crops’, such as fast growing trees, e.g. Willow and Poplar or other entities grown on a Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Also producing high yields of dry matter are the perennial grasses. Equally significant within this practice sit Municipal and Agricultural waste products. To begin with, Agricultural Waste is often produced as part of the agricultural process overall. However, waste derived from food or wood is another biomass entity – called Municipal Waste.

Geo-Thermal Energy Based Systems – This is primarily the heating of the Earth (mainly from the sun) and can be utilised in electricity and warm water production. In the UK, we are lucky that we can both heat and cool buildings from the ground source temperature of around 12 degrees. These heat pumps do need some power to operate; but for every one unit of energy they use, they generate four units of energy in return. 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 – An Update On Old Technology: As an energy source, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy creation in history. Where the local power grid demands it, energy can be diverted and sold there. To be fair, the UK has the highest level of wind generation 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. Although electricity is still being produced from between 2-10 p per kWh, it could be generated from as little as 2p per kWh. Recovery of the cost involved is somewhere between 6-9 months.

Finally, we have Hydropower; an area in which the UK does well within Europe. Having said that, the art of using energy from moving water (just like wind power) is very traditional. In total, this could produce something like 2 percent of all electricity required in the UK.

Using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transform the energy of water into other forms. Utilising natural river runs, or water drop-offs (through dams,) the turbines can work without a reservoir of water. A ‘Micro-Hydro’ system creates energy through the use of dams and sluices (that are no longer a part of the national distribution system.) 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.

‘Green Energy’ is growing – mainly due to the demands of the Western World. That said, the UK is well placed – especially in the domestic sector – to take full advantage of the items above.

With the rise in demand for domestic installations, both Electricians and Plumbers are well placed to take advantage of this technology. 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. Electrical or plumbing training that incorporates green technology could be very useful for the future.

Copyright Scott Edwards. Look at www.electricaltraininguk.co.uk/Solar-Energy-Training.html or Solar Energy Courses.