Outlines For Solar Thermal Training

It is the use of tides or wind to deliver our daily energy needs that form ’Green Energy’. They are considered ’Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. When considering elements such as Wind Power and Windmills in many cases we are looking at the history of energy production. This option is preserved by the use of technology, eco-efficient options and planet friendly alternatives.

Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors are examples of what can be used in the house as part of renewable energy technologies. Equally there is the basic electricity generated through roof-installed panels. Following on from this is a process known as Biomass Energy which includes Boilers burning wood and the fuel they burn on. Then there are the Ground Source Heat Pumps which is simply the old form of heat from 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.

We will also be able to cover off the skills for those who want to train in this field. Considering the points raised so far, this is expected to be somewhere in the domain of the Plumber, the Gas Engineer and the Electrician. Overall, whilst getting as many sources as possible this would certainly have value to Electrical, Green and Plumbing careers. Bookmarking this page (CTRL-D) allows you to come back when you want and check out your options.

Solar 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. Secondly, Photovoltaic heat collectors – often simply referred to as Solar Electrical Panels – which transform the solar radiation into electricity. Solar Panels themselves need to be away from blockages, be on south facing roofs and finally be at angles of 30 degrees from the horizontal plane.

Within this discipline, Solar Water Power is often regarded as the most popular form of Solar Energy within the UK. With the capacity to deliver 50 percent plus of a household’s hot water requirement annually Solar Water heating systems are crucial to energy in the UK. 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: Is a capture all phrase including all natural materials e.g. wood, straw and poultry litter but nowadays also includes new items such as ’Energy Crops’ Due to its adaptability it can produce a range of energy forms from heat and electricity through to combinations of both. Indeed within the European Markets the UK has some of the leading levels of Biomass material at hand. The lack of C02 given out by this form of energy is another positive element in the whole process. Often it is the process whereby C02 is reduced, by having a tree planted in place of another that is felled for energy production that helps overall.

To meet the need fast growing trees, known as Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) are utilised. Dry matter is also very sought after and perennial grasses are a good source of this. Equally significant within this practise sit Municipal and Agricultural waste products. To begin with Agricultural Waste is often produced as part of the agricultural process overall. Municipal Waste such as food or wood can also be utilised as a biomass product.

Systems Based On 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. In the UK we are lucky that we can heat and cool buildings from the ground source temperature of around 12 degrees. Heat pumps are recognised as a very good form of power generation generally giving back four units of energy for everyone used. Without a doubt the energy generated from wind turbines and solar electrical panels alongside heat source pumps can be almost 100 percent renewable.

Wind Energy – An Update On Old Technology: Wind Energy as a sustainable source of energy has been going for millennia. Recently though, there has been the trend to generate energy and deliver this onto either homes or the local grid. The ability to provide wind generation is considered to be greatest in the UK. For the fact remains that within the UK we have the ability to generate 10 percent of our requirement from Wind Production as opposed to the current value of 1 percent. Overall electricity could be generated from as low as 2p per kWh instead of the current 2-10 p per kWh. From this the estimation of the cost recovery period is around 6-9 months overall.

Hydropower is a subject 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. Interestingly enough this type of energy production meets 2 percent of the UK electrical demand in total.

Using a turbine a Hydropower system can transform the energy of water into other forms. Turbines use either a water drop (e.g. through a dam) or by a natural ’run of the river’ – thereby having no water storage reservoir. ’Micro-Hydro’ utilises a chunk of the outdated sluices and dam systems that have been killed off by the large national distribution methods. Having been viewed recently this form of electricity supply could provide 200mW of the UK capacity. Costing between 200 pounds and 3k per KW of energy output gives a good example of the overall cost of a project such as this.

The demand on ’Green Energy’ continues to develop in light of the energy demands worldwide. That said the UK is well placed, especially in the domestic sector to take full advantage of the various items above.

Electrician and Plumbers are thought to be one of the key areas in providing expertise during domestic installations. 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 whether new or coming to this industry from a likeminded source. Consider either plumbing or electrical training programs that highlight the green element and installation.

(C) Scott Edwards 2009. Go to Click HERE or Solar Courses.