Solar power is the cleanest, greenest and most abundant form of alternative available today. A solar panel does not need to be plugged into anything other than a battery and new generations of solar panels, also known as photovoltaic modules, are robust and sturdy.
Guide to Solar Photovoltaic and the Feed-In Tariff
With the introduction of the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) in 2010 you can now get paid generously for generating your own electricity at home using solar photovoltaic (PV). Such a scheme has existed for many years in Germany and has been introduced in the UK to help our government achieve its legally binding target of 15% of energy from renewable sources by 2020.
Measuring Success – EPC Recommendations Explained.
If you have seen a full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) report you will know that there is more to it than just the multi coloured graph that you see on estate agent’s details. There is a report of several pages detailing more specific information such as the estimated energy use of the building, a summary of the building’s energy performance measures and energy saving advice.
Considerations for choosing an ASHP
When most people consider replacing their oil or gas boiler with a heat pump, it is generally thought that the boiler can be removed and the heat pump installed in replacement. Following this, the oil tank can be removed and the system is good to go.
Top Tips for Having a Water Butt
It’s strange isn’t it? Every year feels colder and wetter, we have storms and torrential rain, yet come summer we’re always told that we are on the cusp of a hose pipe ban! More and more of us are spending more time in the garden and being encouraged to grow our own vegetables. So how can we bridge the gap between water shortage and watering the vegetable patch? Step forward the humble Water Butt.
What is clever about Smart Meters?
If you’re up to date with the latest in Energy Efficiency products then you may have heard of the Smart Meter. You may also have heard of Government plans to have one installed in every UK home by 2020. But what are Smart Meters, how do they work, and can they save you money?
Top Tips to Save Petrol
If you have a car then you can’t fail to have noticed the massive increases in petrol prices over the last couple of years. Part of the increase is in tax, others in production costs, but it is undeniable that whatever happens the actual oil reserves are running out.
Secondary Glazing Compared to Double Glazing
There is a lot of talk about Double Glazing and it is often now seen as a priority for many home owners to install in their homes to improve the property. In fact it is often said that whilst the presence of Double Glazing adds nothing to the actual value of the property, its absence can detract from the potential value. Double Glazing is now a fundamental part of construction and building and is rightly acknowledged as potentially energy saving by improving the thermal efficiency of the property.
Where Should I Position My Solar Panels?
Solar panels are a great way to generate free, carbon neutral electricity for your home and with the introduction of the feed in tariff, the possibility of the new “no risk” loans offered by the proposed Green Deal and rising energy prices, there’s never been a better time to go solar.
Installing Domestic Micro Hydro Electricity Systems
Although obviously very site specific, hydro electricity is one of the cheapest and cleanest methods of producing renewable energy. The best location would be on a steep hill with fast flowing water. The great advantage over other renewable options is that the rate of power production is more or less constant and is not dependant on the weather or the time of day.
Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas
Under the EU Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) the UK is obliged to meet tough targets for reducing the amount of biodegradable waste which we send to landfill sites. Biodegradable waste means such things as food waste, garden waste, paper/card etc, basically more or less anything produced from an animal or plant. Based on 1995 figures, we must reduce to 50% by 2013 and to 35% by 2020.
Home Energy Monitors – Do I need one?
A home energy monitor is a must have tool for anyone looking to control their energy usage. It allows you to really understand and analyse the power you use so you can see exactly which areas you need to concentrate on to make cuts.
What Effect Will Climate Change Have on the UK?
Climate change is without doubt one of the biggest threats, if not the biggest threat, to the survival of our civilisation as we know it today. That may sound dramatic, but we only need look at the growing number of natural disasters which are happening around the world each year as a result of extreme weather conditions.
Understanding The “Passivhaus” Building Standard
All new properties built in the UK must be built in accordance with building regulations. Building regulations cover just about every expect of the build and include structural stability, electrical and gas safety, minimum hygiene standards such as fresh water etc etc.
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