Womens Thoughts

Renewable and Sustainable Energy.Solar

Probably the best known technology solar thermal water heating systems use heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater. It can provide about 50% year round requirements. Solar photo voltaic panels generate electricity from the sun's heat.  The technology is developing fast with roofing tiles and even transparent films for windows.  A south facing roof is one important aspect.  At the moment these panels are still expensive and their efficiency is moderate.  Costs are coming down and progress is being made on efficiency levels. Planning permission restrictions have been lifted on most installations but it is best to check beforehand.  

Small scale wind turbines.
Wind speed increases with height so it's best to have the turbine high on a mast or tower usually between 9m and 12m. Generally speaking the ideal siting has clear exposure, free from excessive turbulence and obstructions such as large trees, houses or other buildings. However, small-scale building-integrated wind turbines suitable for urban locations are currently being refined in design and can be installed in homes and other buildings. They are never likely to deliver all your electricity requirements however.  Knowledge of the local wind average speed is critical to designing a wind energy system and predicting output. Planning issues such as visual impact, noise and conservation issues also have to be considered.

Heat pumps.
Basically heat is taken from the ground, water or air for use in your property. The systems are highly efficient.  With a ground source long trenches are used or vertical boreholes can be sunk. Pipes are laid forming a closed circuit which is pumped around absorbing the heat from the ground as it goes. Such systems are guaranteed up to 50 years.  The heat can then be used via an underfloor heating system or with radiators and /or as a source of hot water.  They are very efficient, for one kilowatt of electricity used 4 kilowatts of heat are produced.  Air has the advantage of no ground disturbance which cuts down on cost but its efficiency is less although still very impressive.  You do need electricity to run these systems. Water systems need a lake, river, canal but permissions to use them have to be sought.

Biomass.
This system can be from room stoves to full boilers with hoppers to keep the fuel topped up.  It is viewed as carbon neutral (you burn carbon which is offset by the product as it grew).  Having a cheap and ready supply of fuel is vital. There are other related technologies – hydro power, combined heat and power, rain water or grey water harvesting.  It is important to size any system to meet the energy requirements of the building, its fabric and its usage and its location. 

That’s where we come in-  http://www.advantageprojects.ltd.uk/

tel: Anne Draper on 01270 812547

or email:-  anne@advantageprojects.ltd.uk 

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