SubscribeAn Introduction To Solar Training
Posted on Feb 26, 2010 under Self Help and Motivational | No CommentBasically, the \’Green Energy\’ idea is how our everyday needs are supplied by natural resources such as wind, tides and even geothermal heat. \’Green\’ basically means that all the energy is renewable. Often, by going back in time, we can see the value of wind power and windmills as modern energy sources. Overall, this is the method of using modern techniques to provide eco-efficiency and planet friendly options.
In the home environment, one can see examples such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors. Next on the list you would find the actual solar electricity Photovoltaic Panels (PV\’s) – which basically generate electricity through roof-installed panels. Biomass Energy is the next phase, and this involves Fuel, Pellets, Stoves and Boilers burning Wood. Then there are the Ground Source Heat Pumps, which is simply the ground heat created by the Sun. 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: Often commonly referred to as Solar Energy, this is primarily captured by two types of solar panels; each of which utilises different technologies for the process. Firstly, there are elements that absorb energy from the sun and create hot water – known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Furthermore, there are the Solar Electrical Panels (more correctly known as Photovoltaic heat collectors) which transform solar radiation into electricity. To get best results these panels need to be situated 30 degrees from the horizontal, on a south facing roof and obviously free from blockages such as trees and buildings.
Within this discipline, Solar Water Power is often regarded as the most popular form of Solar Energy within the UK. Solar Water heating systems can provide over 50 percent of a household\’s hot water requirement during the year. Typically, to fit this type of equipment will cost between 500 and 1500 pounds for a DIY kit – all the way up to 2-5k for a full professional fitting.
Biomass Energy Systems – Including all natural energy forms derived from plant and animal products – such as wood, straw, poultry litter and \’energy crops\’. As such, this is a very versatile material and can be engineered to produce heat, electricity and a combination of heat and power in the form of electricity. Furthermore, within the European Markets, the UK is one of the central producers of Biomass fuels. It should be borne in mind that the whole process is designed to produce energy without an impact on CO2. Having a tree planted in place of another (that is felled for energy production) helps overall.
A process called Short Rotation Coppice (SRC), utilising trees such as Willow and Poplar, is used to meet the demands of such \’Energy Crops\’. Perennial grasses also produce a high yield of dry matter. Whilst Agricultural and Municipal waste may be lesser known, they are essential to the whole process. To begin with, Agricultural Waste is often produced as part of the agricultural process overall. Another biomass source is that of municipal waste – and this comes from recycled wood or food.
Geo-Thermal Energy Systems… This is primarily the heating of the Earth (mainly from the sun) and can be utilised in electricity and warm water production. Having a consistent ground temperature of around 12 degrees centigrade is fortunate for the UK – as it allows both the heating and cooling of buildings. Whilst these heat pumps require energy to operate, their rate of return is excellent – being four units produced for every one unit used. A greater return of energy (sometimes almost 100 percent) is produced – because heat source pumps can operate in-line with wind turbines and solar electrical panels.
Wind Energy Based Systems – The use of wind as a source of energy has been going on for thousands of years, especially in milling grain and pumping water. More recently, there has been the desire to deliver the energy created to the home – or to a local power grid. With regard to wind generation, it is the UK that has the highest production within Europe. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind – we do have the ability to create 10 percent. Rather than electricity production running at 2-10 p per kWh, it could be run at 2p per kWh. Therefore, recovery of cost takes approximately 6-9 months overall.
Hydropower is a method that suits the UK energy production system. The ability to utilise energy from moving water, much like wind power, has been going on for thousands of years. That aside, it is fair to say that some 2 percent of the UK\’s electrical load could come from this source.
Transforming the energy of moving water into another type (with the aid of a turbine) is known as a Hydropower system. It is by either water \’drop-offs\’, or Natural River runs, that turbines can work through this process. A \’Micro-Hydro\’ system creates energy through the use of dams and sluices (that are no longer a part of the national distribution system.) This smaller form of electrical output has been recently reviewed and could allocate some 200MW of capacity to the UK system. A micro-hydro system like this would be expected to cost between 200 and 3,000 pounds per kW of the energy.
Because of the energy need of the Western World, we are now seeing a rapid rise in \’Green Energy\’. Within the UK and mainly the domestic sector, we are well placed to take advantage of the schemes above.
Electrician and Plumbers are thought to be key in providing expertise during domestic installations. A range of grants are available to support the growth of renewable energy ideas within the European market. It is by gaining the right certificates that will provide opportunities and job security for the long term. By mixing green training with those of electrical or plumbing, you could cover both angles.
(C) 2009 – S. Edwards. Pop over to Green Certification or Solar Training.
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