Solar power – the modern way to save on your heating bills
By Eye Magazine published 6 January, 2012 No Comments
The use of energy from the sun to create electricity or pre-heat water for the home is an idea that is catching on fast and there are now many ways to introduce such a project into your own house to save on those high energy bills. Solar panels and water heating systems allow you to create clean, green energy, help to reduce climate change effects and, more importantly, cut down on the amount of gas and electricity you have to pay for. Before installing anything, however, it is essential to minimise your energy demand by ensuring your home is fully insulated and you are using energy efficient lighting and appliances. These are still the most cost effective ways of reducing your energy use. Different green energy technologies are more suited to some types of homes than others and you can find out whether solar power is right for you by using the Energy Saving Trust’s energy generation selector. (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk).
Solar panels, (PV Systems) as the name suggests, use energy from the sun to create electricity and require only daylight rather than direct sunlight, to generate electricity. When light shines on a solar panel, it creates an electric field across layers of silicon in the cell, causing electricity to flow; the greater the intensity of light, the greater the flow of electricity. Power can either be used immediately or linked back into the power grid. PV systems can be used for a building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees south. No other buildings or large trees should overshadow because if the roof surface is in shadow for parts of the day less electricity will be produced. Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panels are placed on top of existing tiles. A variety of shapes and colours is available including grey ‘solar tiles’ that look like roof tiles and transparent panels that can be used on conservatories or glass to provide shading as well as to generate electricity.
Most domestic systems are between 1.5 and 3 kilowatts (kW) and can produce around half a domestic property’s electricity requirements. Solar tiles cost more than conventional panels, and panels that are integrated into a roof are more expensive than those that sit on top. If you intend to do major roof repairs, it may be worth considering PV tiles, as they can offset the cost of roof tiles.
How solar panels can save you money
Producing your own energy could be cheaper than buying it from energy companies. In addition, you can also sell any excess energy you generate to energy companies, using Feed-in Tariffs (FITs). The FITs scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity you generate, as well paying you for any electricity you export to the national grid. The Energy Saving Trust’s website has more information about FITs.
The solar panels most commonly installed by homeowners consist of eight panels and can generate up to 2.5kW. The Energy Saving Trust says these panels could generate about £700 a year from a Feed-in Tariff, as well as saving you about £100 a year on energy bills. In addition, you could make about £25 to £30 through selling unused energy back to the national grid.
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