Generating Your Own Energy

Generating your own energy may seem like a task far beyond the capabilities of the average household. However, what most people don't know is that it has actually never been easier! More importantly, using a renewable source of energy can help prevent global warming – and it can also stop your wallet from overheating too!

How does it work?

Despite popular misconceptions, renewable energy is every bit as reliable as energy gained from more traditional sources. Myths such as having to dramatically change your family's daily routine, or spend days without electricity because the sun isn't shining, are complete and utter nonsense.

In actual fact, renewable energy draws its power from inexhaustible sources which never run out. These include wind, the sun, the sea, or waste products and crops.

Scientists have also developed special devices, or microgeneration technology, which store up the power absorbed from these sources so you can run your household appliances for weeks after the sun has gone down or the wind has stopped blowing.

There are many options for any household interested in generating their own energy. The most common, and most easily available, are listed below along with a clear and simple explanation of how they work:

Solar Panels

Solar panels are technically known as Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels. These specially designed panes sit on a roof or raised wall and store up energy beamed from the sun.

This works by special cells in the panels, which convert solar radiation into electricity. Each cell consists of one or two layers of silicon. When light shines on the cell, it creates an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.

A microgenerator then transmits this energy to all rooms in the home so you can run ordinary appliances like washing machines, televisions or kettles, and can even light the entire house.

The biggest misconception about solar panels is that they need the sun to be shining to work but, in reality, solar PV panels require only daylight, not sunlight. Luckily that's all we can guarantee here in the UK!

Can I get solar panels for my home?

Solar panels come in a variety of shapes and colours, ranging from gray solar tiles that look like roof tiles, to transparent cells that you can use on conservatories and glass - these transparent cells, in particular, can also come in different shades and thickness to provide shade in your conservatory, as well as generating electricity.

The main thing to be aware of is their weight. PV panels can be particularly heavy, so the roof must be strong enough to support their weight, especially if the panel is placed on top of existing tiles. If you are unsure then ask your local supplier, found on The Low Carbon Buildings website, to check it out before you part with your cash.

The other important factor is how much light your roof is exposed to. Although solar panels don't need sunlight, they do need ordinary day light. If your roof is in shadow for most of the day, then the output of the system will not be very high - and you might need to rethink getting them.

The Government estimate that the average home in Britain could generate up to a massive 60% of the electricity it needs by solar power - provided the home has a predominantly south facing roof and uses the generated power efficiently.

Solar Hot Water

For centuries, ancient civilizations such as the Romans and the Egyptians used the sun to heat pools of water, and then they used this hot water for bathing, hand washing and cleaning clothes. Solar thermal systems may be more technologically advanced, but the principles are the same as they were in ancient times.

Solar thermal systems work very much like solar PV panels. The panels sit on your roof just like solar panels, and absorb heat from the daylight. There are two different thermal systems however. One system uses tubes and one system uses plates to heat the water, which is then pumped into your hot water cylinder or boiler.

The government asserts that solar hot water systems can save you up to 50% of your hot water needs – meaning guilt-free showers for everyone!