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Solar Energy |
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| Solar systems are not new, and have been used
the world over for decades. With over 40,000 systems installed
in the UK solar power is becoming the leading source of providing
alternative energy. In the Uk we receive sufficient sunshine
to provide up to 70% of our annual domestic hot water needs
from a well designed solar installation and such a system will
also reduce harmful emissions by up to 500 kg per square metre
of panel per year. Solar hot water and heating systems are becoming
cheaper and more efficient, helped by government initiatives
such as the reduction in VAT to 5% on both parts and labour
for domestic installations that can demonstrate an improvement
to energy efficiency. Now is the time for UK plumbers to get
to grips with solar technology, and start presenting it as a
serious option to customers. |
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According to the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL), A solar water heater is a long-term investment
that will save you money and energy for many years. Like other
renewable energy systems, solar water heaters minimize the
environmental effects of enjoying a comfortable, modern lifestyle.
In addition, they provide insurance against energy price increases,
help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and are investments
in everyone's future.
Solar water heaters, sometimes called solar domestic hot
water systems, may be a good investment for you and your family.
Solar water heaters are cost competitive in many applications
when you account for the total energy costs over the life
of the system. Although the initial cost of solar water heaters
is higher than that of conventional water heaters, the fuel
(sunshine) is free. Plus, they are environmentally friendly.
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| Solar water heaters can operate in any climate,
but to take advantage of these heaters, you must have an unshaded,
south-facing location (a roof, for example) on your property.
Performance varies depending, in part, on how much solar energy
is available at the site, but also on how cold the water coming
into the system is. The colder the water, the more efficiently
the system operates. In almost all climates, you will need a
conventional backup system.
The purpose of this section is to provide, information on
all aspects of 'alternative renewable energy systems' in a
structured format, written by leading experts and manufacturers
of equipment. The information is aimed being informative and
generic in nature so as to enable the reader to make informed
choices. |
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Solar
power in the UK
Richard Hanson-Graville,
Technical director at 'DPS Heatbanks' a leading manufacturer
and supplier of water heating systems, examines the varying
types of solar systems that are available. |
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SUNTUBE
from Riomay
NEG's all-weather Solar Tube
Collector, SUNTUBE from Riomay is a brand-new series of third
generation energy package designed to provide optimally efficient
solar energy collection at minimum outlay. |
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Gledhill
group: Using solar power
Sandy Gataora, technical development
director for the Gledhill group, the UK's leading thermal
storage specialists, examines the simplest way to harness
Solar power. Reported in PHAM news March 2001. |
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Wessex
solar systems: Using solar power
The average household uses the equivalent
of 3000kW hours of power per year to heat water. In the south
of the country we can collect up to 1300 kW hours per square
metre of solar panel per year. This is free energy waiting
to be collected and used all year round. |
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Case
study: Using solar power to save energy
It is now a full 10 years
(March 1991-2001) since Solar Services installed the first
of its pilot schemes into the DSS headquarters building in
Plymouth. The aim was to reduce energy consumption in order
to reduce running costs. A system was designed to incorporate
the use of Evacuated Heat Pipe Solar Collectors to produce
hot water. |
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Secon:
Solar water heating systems
Solar water heating is not new
Many thousands of systems have been installed in the UK since
the 1970s and, while the majority of early systems continue
to perform well, a new. generation of commercially produced
solar water heating systems has evolved. |
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Solar
heating market overview Reported in PHAM news March 2001
Managing editor Derek Johnson gives an overview of the Solar
heating Market. |
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Heating
swimming pools with solar power
Solar panel heating is ideal for swimming
pools and for the pool owner a sound investment. Unlike all
other forms of heating, the source of energy is free. |
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