Renewables
Photovoltaic
Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.
The semiconductors are located within solar panels which are fitted in arrays on building roofs. The electricity is converted from DC to AC using an inverter. The generation of electricity is dependent on light intensity, not on heat or direct sunlight so it works even on overcast days. Any excess energy can be exported to the National Grid.
Solar Thermal
Solar thermal systems use solar collectors, normally mounted on a roof, to capture the energy released by the sun to heat water. A specially formulated solar fluid is heated in the collectors, which is then pumped through a coil in the water cylinder thereby transferring the heat to the water in the hot water tank. The system typically could generate all of a household’s hot water requirements in the summer and make a significant contribution during the winter.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps operate using similar principles to fridges and freezers moving heat energy from one location to another. Whilst the pumps consume electricity typically they generate 2.5 to 4 times the amount that they consume and therefore provide significant savings when compared to other forms of heating.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Low grade heat is taken from the ambient environment and converted into higher grade heat for use in warm air, underfloor or low temperature radiators.
The heat pump is normally fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It needs plenty of space around it to get a good flow of air. A sunny position is preferably.
Ground source heat pumps
These systems use similar principles to air source heat pumps to extract heat from the ground. Ground source heat pumps use pipes buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. The pipe is usually in a closed circuit loop and is filled with water mixed with antifreeze, this loop can be vertical, horizontal or a horizontal coil. They can provide both the hot water and heating for a home.
Grants
Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) became available in the UK on 1st April 2010. Under this scheme energy suppliers make regular payments to householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources. The scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system, as well as a separate payment for the electricity exported to grid. These payments are in addition to the bill savings made by using the electricity generated on-site. Feed-in tariffs are designed so that the average monthly income from your installation will be significantly greater than the monthly loan repayment (with a 25 year loan).
The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced on the 10th March 2011 the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) policy which is designed to provide financial support to encourage the uptake of renewable and low carbon heat technologies.
Case Studies
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To find out more about our approach to renewables please contact stephen.preece@angliangroup.com.