An awareness of the importance of energy efficiency is at an all time high and likely only to get higher still. Renewable or more effective energy sources are no longer just topics pushed by companies peddling their wares but are now international news headlines and political agendas.
With the recent revelation that all UK homes are to be fitted with a smart energy meter by the year 2020, this further emphasises the point. Energy performance certificates are now a legal requirement when buying or selling a property; these certificates grade the energy efficiency of a building and suggest ways of improving it in the future.
Just driving around or going about daily business, it is becoming very obvious that solar power is not only being introduced but being embraced. Schools in particular seem to be installing solar panels to contribute to their power sources and what better place for solar energy to be present, where our future generations are being primed for life and prepared as the next custodians of the planet.
So what is this solar power that is becoming and going to become the bedrock of energising the world?
Well Wikipedia describes it as follows, "Solar energy refers primarily to the use of solar radiation for practical ends" and goes on to say, "Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight."
The active solar power we are referring to uses photovoltaic panels, pumps and fans and then converts the sunlight into useable outputs. "Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies"
Many modern housing estates are now being built with solar energy in mind, effectively allowing buyers to choose to move straight into a home with active solar power rather than converting an existing property, although having said that many people have already converted or are in the process of converting their homes to solar energy systems. Personal conviction is one driving force for these changes but ultimately long term financial savings are another benefit.
It is a geographical fact that the further south one resides the more effective solar energy. Unless the earth decides to alter its position in the solar system this will always be the case. However this does not limit more northern residents from enjoying renewable energy as a combination of wind power, solar energy, underground heating sources and systems can remain just as effective.
by : James Johnson
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