Solar Energy

In the year 2000 only 4.4% of global energy use came from renewable resources. I do not need to tell you of the effect that this is having on our planet as it is all becoming frightfully obvious. Not only do we need to change but we need to change soon, it is estimated that by 2035 global energy consumption will double and by 2055 it will have tripled. So what alternatives are there out there? Solar Energy is just one of the resources available and one I shall be looking into.

Domestic Solar Hot water

Even in the typically grey UK a solar collector fitted on your roof can provide up to 50% of your annual heating and hot water costs. The collectors should last about 20-30 years and there are grants available. Have a look at the clear skies site. Ê It may not seem cost effective at the time to install a solar collector the average cost is £2,500 to £4,000 depending on the size of house, type of collector, etc. (Source). So i did some simple maths, if the average cost of my gas per year is about £300 and due to rise by 20%. So after 10 years collectors would still have 10-20 years of saving me money left and they will have paid for themselves.

It is also worth remembering also that a diy project works out cheaper still. Even if you do not have the required skills there are solar clubs , or co-operatives out there, for example the CSE who operate in Bristol and Leicester. Another useful resource I found on how to create your own cost effective solar collector is from John Canivan.

If you don't think you can do it alone then, for a list of UK accredited installers, check out clear skies.

So what is a solar collector?

Ok so you know of the benefits of a solar collector, so what is it? A Swiss scientist called Horace de Saussure invented the worlds first solar collector, or Îhot boxâ in 1767. The suns radiation heats a liquid which passes though the panels. The fluid can then be fed to a heat store, such as a hot water tank, to provide heating and hot water for a building. The panels will work during daylight hours even when the sky is overcast, as is often the case in Britain.

Photovoltaic Panels

Photovoltaic panels generate electricity using sunlight rather than radiation. As the suns rays strike the panel the material, usually silicon, releases electrons which produce an electric current. This current is conducted by metal contacts and can generate electricity.(source)

It is these photovoltaic panels that you may have seen before on calculators and a whole host of other consumerables. An Australian company is even developing a bag that will recharge either your mobile phone or laptop computer wherever you walk. more..

I had a quick browse of the web to find some PV panel that you could use in the home on your boat or whilst camping. I found these and the cheapest and best range I found here.

Final Note

Did you find this useful, shall I write some more similar articles on Renewable energy? If you have any comments then please use our suggestions area on our forum.

If you do wish to undertake any from of DIY especially using electricity then please consult a professional first and don't go sticking wet fingers into a socket or any thing else equally as stupid.

Selfsufficientish.com are not affiliated with any of the companies that have been mentioned in the article.