Most people know that solar energy is a renewable, eco-friendly source of energy that can be captured by solar panels and used to power homes and businesses. But although it is becoming an increasingly popular choice in British homes, there is still some confusion about the advantages of solar energy and exactly how it works. Here are a few facts that might surprise you:

The amount of energy the earth receives from the sun in one hour is more than that used by the whole population of the earth in a year.
There are two types of domestic solar energy systems available: solar thermal energy which uses the sun’s energy to heat water, and solar electric energy which converts the sun’s energy into electricity.
Solar energy won’t begin to run out for at least another 5,000 million years.
You don’t have to live in a sunny climate to benefit from solar energy. The energy comes from the sun’s radiation rather than direct sunlight, so solar panels still work under cloudy skies.
Solar heating can supply up to 70% of the hot water used by an average UK household over a year.
Each solar energy system is self-contained so it’s an ideal choice for outbuildings not connected to a mains power supply.
In UK homes, using solar energy in conjunction with other types of energy is usually the most practical arrangement. For example, solar powered central heating can be designed so that if the temperature falls below a comfortable minimum – at night, or in winter – it will automatically be boosted using gas, oil or mains electric.
Solar energy is free, and once solar panels have been installed on your roof they cost nothing to run and rarely need any maintenance.
Solar energy powers all the communications satellites currently orbiting the earth.
In most cases, you will not need planning permission to have solar panels fitted on your roof. Even if your home is listed, permission is easier to obtain than it used to be and an experienced solar energy engineer can usually find a compromise that will please the planners and the homeowner.
You don’t have to have a south facing sloping roof on which to install solar panels. They can still work efficiently if you have one panel facing east and another facing west. They can also be placed on flat roofs, or on a house wall if the roof is unsuitable.

To decide how much you could benefit from solar energy you’ll need to look at the facts and figures related to your own home and energy usage. Take advice from a qualified solar heating engineer who offers free, no obligation consultations.

People who are looking for alternative sources of energy to power their homes should learn about the many advantages of wind energy.

Prior to the discovery of oil wind power was the primary source of energy in Europe

1. Environment-friendly

 Coal and oil are fossil based sources and have contributed a lot to the present state of degraded environment. It has become very crucial to look for renewable and more environment-friendly sources. Wind power, along with solar power provides clean and healthy source of electricity. Conventional energy use can be reduced and can help a lot in slowing the worsening of global climate change.

2. Cheap Wind energy is cheap.

 By far the cheapest, among all kinds of energy, be it conventional or renewable. Average cost per kilowatt-hour is put at 5 cents. Since wind is not very likely to stop blowing generation cost is stable. The cost can only go lower with more advanced and bigger wind power generators. With a unit large enough to allow getting off the grid, savings on electricity bills are substantial and electricity bills can be eliminated altogether. The only worry you will have is the minimal maintenance expense. This will probably be the most important of the wind energy advantages.

3. Easy to build and maintain

 Wind power technology is simple and cheap. There is no need for expensive and complicated machinery that requires round the clock maintenance. Most materials needed to construct the wind power unit are available in your local hardware store.

4. A source of additional income.

 Aside from the savings in electricity bills, a windmill is a great investment because it can also generate income. Your excess energy generated by the unit can be sold to the power company. Some land from farmers can be rented to the government where wind power generators can be put up to supply electricity requirements of rural areas.

5. Helps maintain a healthy economy.

This is another wind energy advantage that gives the economy a boost. People have more money to spend on other things, therefore stimulating the economy when they spend less on electricity bills. Wind power reduces dependence on conventional energy, especially oil. Over and over, the crazy movements of oil supply and prices have resulted to economic crisis.

Before deciding for a way to reduce your power bills, think of the many wind advantages.

Barbara J Adams- Go to this web site and get more information on alternative energy.

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