Updates On Solar Power Courses For 2010

Basically, the ’Green Energy’ idea is how our everyday needs are supplied by natural resources such as wind, tides and even geothermal heat. ’Green’ basically means that all the energy is renewable. Often, by going back in time, we can see the value of wind power and windmills as modern energy sources. Overall, this is the method of using modern techniques to provide eco-efficiency and planet friendly options.

Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors are examples of what can be used in your house as part of renewable energy technologies. Moving on from this there are the Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) which can generate electricity from your roof. Following on from this is a process known as Biomass Energy – which includes Boilers burning wood and other fuels. There is also the ground heat from the Sun – now known as Ground Source Heat Pumps. Lastly, there are two of the more historical forms of energy production – namely Wind Turbines and Hydropower.

Thermal Energy Systems: Typically referred to as Solar Energy this is mainly made up of two types of Solar Panels – each using different methods to achieve similar results. Initially, there is the process of obtaining hot water from the Sun via Solar Water Heating Collectors. Solar Electrical panels or Photovoltaic heat collectors transfer solar radiation into electricity. Obviously situated away from blockages such as chimneys etc., these Solar Panels need to be mounted on south facing roofs at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal.

In the UK, Solar Water Power is now one of the most sought after forms of Solar Energy. These systems are very efficient – and can deliver 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement annually. Getting a professional fitting will cost around 2-5k, however, doing the job yourself could make it as low as 500 to 1500 pounds in total.

Biomass Energy: In the modern world this now includes genetically engineered ’Energy Crops’ – but it also takes in natural plant and animal substances. It is by using these materials in new ways to create energy that makes it so exciting. With one of the largest production legacies within Europe, the UK is a major player in Biomass-produced electricity. The lack of C02 given out by this form of energy is another positive element in the whole process. Much of the UK wood crop is sustainable, in order to ensure that C02 produced during any heating process is absorbed.

A process called Short Rotation Coppice (SRC), utilising trees such as Willow and Poplar, is used to meet the demands of such ’Energy Crops’. Perennial grasses also produce a high yield of dry matter. Whilst Agricultural and Municipal waste may be lesser known, they are essential to the whole process. To begin with, Agricultural Waste is often produced as part of the agricultural process overall. Another biomass source is that of municipal waste – and this comes from recycled wood or food.

Geo-Thermal Energy Systems… This is primarily the heating of the Earth (mainly from the sun) and can be utilised in electricity and warm water production. Having a consistent ground temperature of around 12 degrees centigrade is fortunate for the UK – as it allows both the heating and cooling of buildings. Whilst these heat pumps require energy to operate, their rate of return is excellent – being four units produced for every one unit used. A greater return of energy (sometimes almost 100 percent) is produced – because heat source pumps can operate in-line with wind turbines and solar electrical panels.

Wind Energy Programs: Without a doubt, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy production known to man. Recently though, there has been the trend to generate energy and deliver this onto the local grid. In fact, the UK has the largest wind resource within Europe. The fact remains that in the UK, there exists the ability to realise 10 percent of our electricity requirement from wind power – as opposed to the current value of just 1 percent. Although electricity is still being produced from between 2-10 p per kWh, it could be generated from as little as 2p per kWh. The financial recovery process takes around 6-9 months.

Hydropower is a method 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. That aside, it is fair to say that some 2 percent of the UK’s electrical load could come from this source.

The Hydropower process uses a turbine that can convert the energy from one form into another. No water reservoirs are required – as the turbines either run through a water drop-off system or the natural power of the river. Alternatively, ’Micro-Hydro’ systems use hitherto outdated sluices and dams to generate electricity. Having been reviewed recently, this form of electricity supply could provide 200mW of the UK capacity. The expected cost of installing a system such as this would be between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of output.

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.

Electricians and Plumbers in particular are expected to provide the main thrust of domestic installation expertise. With ’Green Energy’ rising up the political agenda in Europe, a range of financial aids and grants are becoming available. As a new industry, there are a range of new certificates to gain. To that end, it may be worth thinking about combined training. You can then get plumbing or electrical training along with green knowledge.

Copyright 2009 Scott Edwards. Try Green Certification or Solar Training.