How To Use Solar and Wind Power

Solar usage is growing steadily and is an excellent alternative to conventional electricity.  Within the last 30 years the technology became 90% cheaper than in the 70’s and there are government grants for homeowners.  Solar power is clean and inexhaustible (renewable source), silent and maintenance free. 

Solar water heating:  Solar water heating systems gather energy radiated by the sun and convert it into hot water.  The solar panel fitted on your roof is connected to your existing hot water system (hot water cylinder) and the plumbing system is made up of simple piping which moves the fluid around the system.  This will heat water in the hot water cylinder which, in turn, feeds your hot taps.  In summer almost all hot water needs are met by a solar system, the rest of the year it pre-heats the water so your boiler only tops up to the required temperature.

Photovoltaic’s (PV):  Uses energy from the sun to create electricity to run appliances and lighting.  This electricity is used in your home in the same way as the electricity you currently buy from your energy supplier.  Solar PV systems are available as roofing products which replace conventional roof tiles and they can be integrated into your roof without changing its shape or style.  PV requires only daylight, not direct sunlight to generate electricity.  Photovoltaic cells have no moving parts or chemical emissions and converting the sun’s energy into electricity is an effective way of reducing your daily impact on the environment.

The wind energy industry is the fastest growing energy industry worldwide.  Although the UK has 40% of Europe’s total wind energy resource, it remains largely untapped. 

Harnessing wind involves converting the power within a moving air mass (wind) into rotating shaft power, which in turn produces electricity.  Most wind turbines have 3 blades which face into the wind, the wind turns the blades which spins the shaft, which in turn connects to a generator.  The generator produces electricity.  Power from the wind is proportional to the wind speed and can result in large changes in the potential electricity output.

Most small wind turbines generate direct current (DC) electricity.  It is common to combine this system with a diesel generator for use during periods of low wind speed, which gives a greater efficiency and flexibility. 

Small scale wind power is suitable for homes in remote locations which are not connected to the national grid and where conventional methods of energy supply are expensive or impractical.  Turbines ranging from 0.6kW to 50kW can be used to provide electricity generation for individual homes.  The height of the turbine varies, but for stand-alone machines they generally range from 6-12 metres. 

Wind turbines are generally made of steel.  The blades are made from glass fibre, reinforced polyester or wood-epoxy. When sighting a wind turbine, it is important to site it as high as possible because wind speed increases with height and in an area free of obstructions e.g. housing or trees.