Considering Solar Energy Courses In The UK

It is by using natural resources such as tidal or wind energy - collectively known as 'Green Energy' - that we could meet our daily energy needs. They're all considered naturally able to replenish - and thereby 'Green'. When considering elements such as Wind Power and Windmills, in many cases we are looking back at the history of energy production. However, it is the result of eco-efficient and planet friendly options that this process is maintained.

It is the use of simple renewable energies such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors, that suits the home environment. To gain electricity from roof panels you would need solar electrical panels (PV's). Then there are Stoves that burn Bio-Pellets - which make up the subject commonly known as Biomass Energy. 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 Solar 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. To begin with, we have the concept of drawing energy from the Sun to heat water - known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Secondly, Photovoltaic heat collectors - often simply referred to as Solar Electrical Panels - which transform the solar radiation into electricity. Across the board, Solar Panels should be mounted on a south facing roof, at an angle of 30 degrees away from horizontal - and to some extent away from blocking trees, surrounding buildings and chimneys.

Within this discipline, Solar Water Power is often regarded as the most popular form of Solar Energy within the UK. These systems are very efficient - and can deliver 50 percent of a household's hot water requirement annually. Typically, to fit this type of equipment will cost between 500 and 1500 pounds for a DIY kit - all the way up to 2-5k for a full professional fitting.

Biomass Energy: Historically, this has come from plants and animals, though nowadays this also includes new genetcially engineered 'energy crops'. It is extremely useful - in that it can produce a range of power sources, including heat and electricity. It is interesting to note that the UK has some of the largest quantities of Biomass material to generate electricity within Europe. Considering all this, and the relative lack of C02 produced, makes the whole process highly green overall. Having a tree planted in place of another (that is felled for energy production) helps overall.

Within this field is the need for the use of 'Energy Crops', such as fast growing trees, e.g. Willow and Poplar or other entities grown on a Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Of equal importance is the production of perennial grasses - because of their yield of dry matter. Whilst Agricultural and Municipal waste may be lesser known, they are essential to the whole process. Agricultural Waste is commonly formed as a by-product of traditional agricultural work. Whereas Municipal Waste is derived from wood or food - and can be used for biomass energy.

Systems Based On Geo-Thermal Energy: This is primarily the heating of the Earth (mainly from the sun) and can be utilised in electricity and warm water production. In the UK, we are lucky that we can both heat and cool buildings from the ground source temperature of around 12 degrees. Whilst these heat pumps require energy to operate, their rate of return is excellent - being four units produced for every one unit used. A greate 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 Systems: 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. The ability to utilise wind generation is considered to be greatest in the UK. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind - we do have the ability to create 10 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. Therefore, recovery of cost takes approximately 6-9 months overall.

Finally, we have Hydropower; an area in which the UK does well within Europe. Having said that, the art of using energy from moving water (just like wind power) is very traditional. Interestingly enough, this type of energy production meets around 2 percent of the UK electrical total demand.

Using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transform the energy of water into other forms. No water reservoirs are required - as the turbines either run through a water drop-off system or the natural power of the river. 'Micro-Hydro' however, uses the dam and sluice systems that have been made redundant by the larger national distributions. Having said that, this process could still generate 200mW of the National Capacity. The capital cost of installing a micro-hydro system can run between 200 and 3000 pounds per kW of energy output.

It can be seen that the route to 'Green Energy' is growing considerably, especially in light of the need for increasing energy outputs throughout the Western World. The UK domestic market appears to be one of the core beneficiaries of this technology.

Electricians and Plumbers in particular are expected to provide the main thrust of domestic installation expertise. It is the political view of this type of energy generation that results in grants and financial aid becoming ever-more prevalent. This is a new industry - but getting the right certification can only improve job security and opportunities for the future. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.

Copyright Scott Edwards. Try Solar Power Courses or Solar Training Courses.