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Summary: Using Solar Energy
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The sun is the most powerful source of energy available and yet the majority of the worlds population tends not to take this amazing resource seriously. It freely provides 1kw (1000 watts)- enough to light 10 x 100w light bulbs- for every square metre of land on earth.
Solar power is a clean, environmentally friendly form of heating. There is no toxic residue and there are no emissions. It's life expectancy, scientists suggest, is infinite whereas fossil fuels are expected to "dry up" in an estimated 50 years.
Harnessing this power is not difficult, it has even been bought down to a DIY level by many companies, and many other companies are looking at incorporating it into new and self build designs.
Solar energy originates from nuclear fusion in the heart of the suns atmosphere, it is emitted as radiation, mostly in the form of visible or near visible light. This light energy can be collected onto solar panels which, when connected to a heating system, can provide 50 to 60% of the hot water requirements for a normal household as well as a slightly lower percentage of energy needed for space heating.
It is fair to say that the solar power alone is not enough to provide the complete heating and water requirements of this household, but if it halves your fuel bills (which incidentally will halve the carbon dioxide pollution emitting from your home) you can expect to recover the cost of a solar installation in a few years. The cost of a diy solar installation varies between £1500 and £2500 depending on the size and type of installation and kits can be bought for this purpose.
The solar panel is the easiest form of collection point for heat. generally installed on a South or South-east facing roof section, they are installed with insulated tubes inside them that heat the water, or liquid in simple terms, that is passed through them.
The latest technology allows sun tracking panels to follow sun and face it all day. These have to be connected to a computer and are understandably more expensive. However, their increased ability to maximise the energy absorption from the suns rays actually makes them very cost effective.
A typical system is shown below.
The continued use of a hot water boiler is recommended as, taken on average, the suns temperature is not enough to heat the water to the required temperatures and of course, maintain it at those temperatures. The boiler can therefore "top up" on any heating requirements making a completely efficient system for a greatly reduced cost. The heated water from the solar panel is pumped around a coil inside an ordinary indirect hot water tank, the heat from this water, via the coil, heats up the cold water which is fed into the bottom of the tank, the hotter water then rises to be replaced by more cold. The boiler can cut in to raise the water the last few degrees. The system is exactly the same for conventional hot water heating but the boiler, or electric immersion heater has to do all the work which of course raises the fuel bills. A cross section of a flat plate solar panel is shown below.
For telephone enquiries regarding solar energy please ring:
The Centre for Sustainable Energy, tel 0117 929 9950 or click onto
www.cse.org.uk
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