Renewable Technology: Cut Energy Bills and be Kind to the Planet
If you have done everything you can to keep your energy bills as low as possible and yet anticipate the next price rise announcement with a sense of frustration, now might be a good time to consider lessening your dependence on the supply companies by installing some renewable energy technology into your home. But just what is out there and how can it help you take some control of supplying your energy needs?
Many people will have experienced the situation where they diligently use an energy switching website to change to a different supplier at a cheaper rate only to have their savings nullified by yet another price hike just a few months later. People should always periodically check to ensure that they are with the cheapest gas and electricity supplier but perhaps an investment in technology that can supply energy that will never be affected by a price rise could be a more permanent solution. Here we explore some of what is available in terms of technology to produce your own renewable energy.
The UK is a very windy country. More than 40% of wind energy in Europe blows across the UK which makes it ideal for a small-scale wind turbine. In the right conditions, a wind turbine can produce enough electricity to run your lights and appliances. There are two methods of using the power generated. It can be fed into the national grid in return for a feed-in tariff or you can store it in batteries to be used when conditions are calm. The cost of the system and how much you might be able to generate would depend on your individual circumstances, the size of the installation and the weather conditions where you live.
Solar power has come a long way since the early days and solar collectors on your roof will generate power even in overcast conditions. There are feed in tariffs if the power you generate is fed into the national grid, but there are other ways of using this power. For example you could use the solar panels to heat your domestic hot water directly through a heat exchange mechanism. This will in turn save you money on your energy bills.
A ground source heat pump can be used at any time of year because the temperature underground beyond a certain depth stays constant. The way it works is that a network of pipes laid underground have a liquid made up from water and antifreeze pumped through them and pick up the heat from the ground and use it to heat your home.
These will absorb heat from the air outside in temperatures right down to -15 degrees C. The heat is absorbed into a fluid and then increased in temperature by running the fluid through a condenser before being distributed to a heating system. It is designed to deliver lower temperature heat over long periods of time and is most efficient running under-floor or blown-air heating systems in a well insulated house.
Wood fired heating systems have been enjoying a renaissance in recent years. Using a modern wood burner to heat a room and also a back boiler within the unit, and then distribute hot water via radiators is an efficient way of heating a home that also has the benefit of using a renewable energy source.
This is a very brief explanation of some of the technologies available to people that want to become less dependent on energy suppliers and at the same time be kind to the planet by using renewable and home-generated energy as an alternative.
Many people will have experienced the situation where they diligently use an energy switching website to change to a different supplier at a cheaper rate only to have their savings nullified by yet another price hike just a few months later. People should always periodically check to ensure that they are with the cheapest gas and electricity supplier but perhaps an investment in technology that can supply energy that will never be affected by a price rise could be a more permanent solution. Here we explore some of what is available in terms of technology to produce your own renewable energy.
Wind Turbines
The UK is a very windy country. More than 40% of wind energy in Europe blows across the UK which makes it ideal for a small-scale wind turbine. In the right conditions, a wind turbine can produce enough electricity to run your lights and appliances. There are two methods of using the power generated. It can be fed into the national grid in return for a feed-in tariff or you can store it in batteries to be used when conditions are calm. The cost of the system and how much you might be able to generate would depend on your individual circumstances, the size of the installation and the weather conditions where you live.
Solar Power
Solar power has come a long way since the early days and solar collectors on your roof will generate power even in overcast conditions. There are feed in tariffs if the power you generate is fed into the national grid, but there are other ways of using this power. For example you could use the solar panels to heat your domestic hot water directly through a heat exchange mechanism. This will in turn save you money on your energy bills.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
A ground source heat pump can be used at any time of year because the temperature underground beyond a certain depth stays constant. The way it works is that a network of pipes laid underground have a liquid made up from water and antifreeze pumped through them and pick up the heat from the ground and use it to heat your home.
Air Source Heat Pumps
These will absorb heat from the air outside in temperatures right down to -15 degrees C. The heat is absorbed into a fluid and then increased in temperature by running the fluid through a condenser before being distributed to a heating system. It is designed to deliver lower temperature heat over long periods of time and is most efficient running under-floor or blown-air heating systems in a well insulated house.
Wood Burning Heating
Wood fired heating systems have been enjoying a renaissance in recent years. Using a modern wood burner to heat a room and also a back boiler within the unit, and then distribute hot water via radiators is an efficient way of heating a home that also has the benefit of using a renewable energy source.
This is a very brief explanation of some of the technologies available to people that want to become less dependent on energy suppliers and at the same time be kind to the planet by using renewable and home-generated energy as an alternative.
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