Energy Saving Tips - Part 3 of 6
With energy bills on the rise people are constantly looking for ways to save
money as well as helping the environment. Consequently, more people are
considering using renewable energy resources in their home. Though the initial
cost of installing renewable energy devices can be high, the long-term savings
can allow the homeowner to reap the rewards for their environmentally friendly
approach.
If you want to go directly to another section of our green energy guide, you can click on one of the links below:
In part three of our guide to energy money saving tips we examine renewable
energy in the home.
Solar PV
This uses energy from the sun to create electricity, which can be used for
appliances in the home and for lighting. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) does not
require refuelling, is silent and does not emit any pollution. With no
greenhouse gases emitted this can save 325kg of carbon dioxide emissions each
year.
There is a common theory that solar panels will not work during the winter when
the sun is rarely shining. However, solar panels can still generate 25% of a
household’s electricity during the winter, contrasting with 75% during the
summer.
The average home costs are usually between £4,000 and £9,000 per kWp installed,
with most homes systems usually between 1.5kWp and 2kWp.
There are restrictions – your roof must be strong enough to support their weight
and stand-alone systems will require maintenance. The good news, however, is
that there is help at hand with grants available from the Energy Saving Trust (http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/)
that can save up to 50% of the costs. Information on grants is included in part
five of this guide.
Solar water heating
This uses energy from the sun and works alongside your water heater. Year round
they can provide about 50% of the average home’s hot water requirements and
nearly all during the summer months. Depending on the fuel replaced, the
average system can save as much as 400kg of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
They work with solar panels fitted into the roof, which heat the water that
passes through the panel and is fed to the hot water tank. For optimum results
it is best to have two-four metres² of southeast-west facing roof receiving
sunlight for most of the day’s duration. The panels will work when the sky is
overcast and costs range from £2,000-£4,500 for installation. Grant information
is available in part five.
In part four we take a look at more renewable energy sources at home.
Part Four - Top tips for cheaper gas and electricity >>>
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