Solar - Solar Technology
Solar technology is often misunderstood. Ultimately on the Earth all energy comes from the sun, whether immediately when the sun shines on a solar panel during daytime, or more slowly when biomass plants grow in sunlight.
There are two major types of solar technology:
- Solar photovoltaic panels (Solar PV) generate electricity. Sited correctly, they can produce electricity, and this can be used for power, heating or hot water, but are currently very expensive. If there is an excess of electricity it may be possible to sell this back to the Grid.
- Solar thermal panels (Solar Thermal) use the light from the sun to heat water. Sited correctly on a house with a south facing elevation, a panel can provide up to 60% of the hot water needs of an average family.
NEA’s work with solar thermal and fuel poverty
NEA’s work has demonstrated that solar thermal can be an attractive option in family households where hot water demand is high.
To make the most of this system, householders need to use as much water during the day as possible, thereby avoiding the expense of running other water heaters such as immersion heaters. A solar thermal installation by NEA is saving the householders an average of £75 and 0.5 tonnes CO2 per annum.
It is worth remembering that although solar thermal is one of the cheaper low carbon technologies, it only produces hot water (which on average is 23% of the domestic energy consumed); rather than space heating (which accounts for 60% of domestic energy consumed).
The average hand-held calculator often has a little glass panel on it which collects sunlight and turns it into enough electricity to power the microchip. Unfortunately, making such panels big enough to provide power for a whole house is a bit more costly, even if the electricity you then generate is free when the sun shines. Government grants have been available to support householders investing in the technology but it is still out of the price range of most families.
Predominantly due to the high costs, and NEA’s focus on warmth rather than electricity, we have been involved in only one solar installation to date. The findings showed that the panel can contribute to lowering carbon and providing for some of the household’s electricity. In order to make the most savings, householders need to be given tailored advice about how they might adapt their behavior.