It is by using natural resources such as tidal or wind energy – collectively known as ‘Green Energy’ – that we could meet our daily energy needs. They’re all considered naturally able to replenish – and thereby ‘Green’. It is easy to think that we may be travelling back in time when we think of items such as wind power and windmills. Generally, this is the result of using up to date ideas, specifically those that are planet friendly and eco-efficient.

The range of renewable energy technologies utilised within the home environment includes both Solar Thermal, and Solar Water Heating Collectors. It is equipment such as Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) that develop electricity through suitable roof-panels. Then there are Stoves that burn Bio-Pellets – which make up the subject commonly known as Biomass Energy. Then we have the ancient energy of the Sun and the heat that comes from it – now called Ground Source Heat Pumps. Lastly, there are two of the more historical forms of energy production – namely Wind Turbines and Hydropower.

Thermal Energy Systems: By using different technologies, Solar Energy is effectively made up of two types of solar panels. Making hot water from solar energy is the first stage – and is known as Solar Water Heating Collection. Then we have the work of the Photovoltaic Heat Collectors, often called Solar Electrical Panels – which transform solar radiation into electricity. Across the board, Solar Panels should be mounted on a south facing roof, at an angle of 30 degrees away from horizontal – and to some extent away from blocking trees, surrounding buildings and chimneys.

Within this discipline, Solar Water Power is often regarded as the most popular form of Solar Energy within the UK. These systems are very efficient – and can deliver 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement annually. The typical cost for installation ranges from 500-1500 pounds for a DIY system, all the way through to 2-5k for a professional fit.

Biomass Energy Based Systems: Historically, this has come from plants and animals, though nowadays this also includes new genetcially engineered ‘energy crops’. Considering its ability to produce energy in the form of heat and electricity, this type of energy is extremely flexible. Furthermore, within the European Markets, the UK is one of the central producers of Biomass fuels. Considering all this, and the relative lack of C02 produced, makes the whole process highly green overall. Much of the UK wood crop is sustainable, in order to ensure that C02 produced during any heating process is absorbed.

‘Energy Crops’ trees such as Willow and Poplar play a major part in the process – under the banner of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Of equal importance is the production of perennial grasses – because of their yield of dry matter. Whilst Agricultural and Municipal waste may be lesser known, they are essential to the whole process. One natural offshoot of agricultural work is Agricultural Waste. Municipal Waste such as food or wood can also be utilised as a biomass product.

Geo-Thermal Energy: Basically this is the warming of the Earth from the Sun – and is often used in the manufacture of warm water and electricity. By using the ground source temperature of approximately 12 degrees, we can either heat or cool buildings within the UK. With four units replaced for every one unit of energy used, these heat pumps are very effective. Utilising the energy generated from wind turbines and solar electrical panels alongside heat source pumps, can make them alomst 100 percent renewable.

Systems Based On Wind Energy: When you consider the milling of grain and pumping of water, it is easy to see how long wind energy has been with us. Whether to your home or to a local grid, when the energy has been generated it must be delivered to a point of usage – and cannot be stored. In fact, the UK has the largest wind resource within Europe. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind – we do have the ability to create 10 percent. Overall, electricity could be generated from as low as 2p per kWh – instead of the current 2-10 p per kWh. Because of this, it is estimated that it takes between half a year to three quarters of a year to cover the installation costs.

Within the UK, Hydropower suits the energy generation model. Just like a thousand years ago, we are utilising the energy from water. Interestingly enough, this type of energy production meets around 2 percent of the UK electrical total demand.

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.

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.

Once again, it is the Electrician and Plumbing trades that are set to capitalise on the domestic installation process. Grants and financial aid is also set to increase within the EEC and the UK – as ‘Green Energy’ gets ever higher status. As a new industry, there are a range of new certificates to gain. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.

(C) S. Edwards 2009. Look at Solar Energy Training or Click HERE.

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