The Green Familia » Energy Suppliers

Guest Post: Eco Energy Advancements – Residential Photovoltaic Energy Systems for their homes

Brenda — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:00:54 +0000

As both home energy usage and conventional energy costs continue to rise, more and more homeowners are considering residential photovoltaic (PV) energy systems for their homes. Home PV systems have never been more affordable. Improved technology, streamlined manufacturing processes and a number of governmental incentive programs have significantly reduced the cost of installing residential PV systems.

Light Electricity

Photovoltaic, which literally means “light electricity,” is the technology of generating power by converting the energy of sunlight into electricity. Solar cells use semiconductors to transform the sun’s energy into electricity. Solar cells are connected to each other and assembled into frames called solar panels. The DC current the interconnected panels generate is then run through an inverter that converts the energy into the AC current that homes use.

Homeowners who purchase home PV systems may be eligible for a variety of rebate and tax credit programs that can significantly decrease the initial installation costs. The federal incentive program alone can save a homeowner up to 30 percent on upfront costs. Once the initial cost of a home PV system is recovered through monthly savings on electric bills, the energy that the system produces is free for the life of the system, which is typically 25 to 30 years.

In the many areas of the country that use net-metering, homeowners with residential PV systems can enjoy additional savings. In net-metering systems, the surplus energy that the systems generates is sent back into the electrical grid. The utility typically credits the homeowner for the electricity, reducing the homeowner’s conventional electricity costs.

Keeping your Rate Low

Many utilities use a tiered-rate system for their customers, charging a higher rate when customers use more than the established base amount. Even a small home PV system can generate enough electricity to keep the conventional usage in the lower, base rate. Utilities often use time-of-use rate systems as well, charging more for electricity used in peak-demand periods. As the peak-demand period is usually in the afternoon when solar energy systems are working most efficiently, homeowners can often avoid paying these higher rates as well and get cheapest electricity they can.

While most homeowners choose to have professional contractors install home PV systems, DIY residential solar systems are available as well. Major home improvement centers now offer modular home PV systems, making it possible for homeowners to start small and add to the system over time. As a substantial investment that will impact the energy efficiency of a home for many years to come, it’s extremely important to compare solar products, particularly for DIY systems, before making a final decision on a home PV system.

Guest Post: The Viability Of Installing A Wind Turbine On Your Land

Brenda — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:42 +0000

Thanks to self imposed targets put in place by the government, the UK is committed to producing 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. This equates to around 35% of its electric. Whilst the intentions are good, the execution is proving somewhat more problematic. The truth is that many of the most suitable sites for wind farms have already been used. Others that suit the criteria of such a project are protected by planning restrictions. In order to lift these restrictions the government is faced with much opposition – usually from local residents who do not want what they consider to be unsightly wind turbines to be installed. A problem that is perhaps best highlighted by recent news that Bradford councillors have given the green light for the first stage of more wind turbine in Yorkshire.

Thornton Moor Site

Located in West Yorkshire, Thornton Moor is a renowned site that is said to be the inspiration for the Emily Bronte’s classic novel Wuthering Heights. The moor attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of whom travel the famous Bronte Way tourist trail, which passes right by where the test wind turbine is to be installed. If the site proves to be subject to appropriate levels of wind, it is planned that four larger wind turbines that stand 100 metres tall will follow. A proposal that has caused much concern from locals; who argue that tourism will be affected. Surely a place of great natural beauty and national heritage must be protected from such a project?

Whilst it looks as though the wind farm is likely to go ahead, should the test mast deliver acceptable performance, the opposition met is symptomatic of the problems faced by the government as they strive to increase renewable energy sources. One solution that is perhaps not being explored as thoroughly as it ought to be is that of installing a greater number of smaller wind turbines on privately owned land, with farms being especially attractive.

Financing Your Own Wind Turbine

If you are a farmer or own a reasonably sized piece of land then you could do your bit to help the environment and also make some money in the long term. Installing a small to medium sized wind turbine can cost anything between £50,000 and £500,000. There are so many different variables to consider, from the cost of being connected to the grid, to how much wiring you need, that it is impossible to be specific without examining each site individually. Whilst these figures may appear initially daunting – you shouldn’t be put off by them.

Thanks to the Feed In Tariffs (FITs) put in place by the government, any excess energy you create can be sold back to the national grid. Providers of these wind turbines have several different options that you can choose when planning an installation. For example, you can borrow the money to purchase the turbine from a lender and then use the income from the FITs to make your regular payments. In such instances you will usually have paid off the loan within 5 to 8 years, dependant on wind speed. If you have the money to pay for the turbine and planning upfront then you can expect to see a return on investment in as little as 4 years, with significant profits annually after. A medium sized turbine can generate as much as £50,000 profit per year once the initial outlay has been covered. Considering the fact that wind turbines have a life expectancy of 25 years, there are huge profits to be made in the long term. If you are uncomfortable with making such a huge outlay then you may even decide to go for the option of simply renting out some land space and allowing a provider to install their own wind turbine.

Impact On Environment

Rather than concentrating on larger wind farms, it would be wise for the Government to put more effort into encouraging landowners to install wind turbines. In many cases installations could be done in remote fields where they will not be an eyesore to local residents. Even if they can be
seen, having just one wind turbine is less imposing that a full scale wind farm. As a result the target of achieving 15% energy from renewable energy sources by 2020 could be achieved, whilst not impacting too heavily on the aesthetics of our countryside.

Bio:

As a keen environmentalist, Andrew Jackson believes that the Government should be doing more to encourage landowners to install wind turbines on their land. If you are a landowner looking to install a wind turbine in Yorkshire, then Andrew suggests visiting earthmill.co.uk for more in depth information on the subject.

Guest Post: The Cost of Solar Power Roofs

Brenda — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:00:30 +0000

When it comes time to install a new roof, many homeowners are now exploring the benefits of solar power roofs. Not only can the power manufactured by solar PV panels help reduce the amount of money spent on electricity from month to month but they also help reduce our carbon footprint. It is estimated that in an average household approximately 40% of the daily consumption of electricity can be manufactured with a solar power roof system. However, that figure is an average as some households need to purchase more or less depending on their individual consumption and the size of their solar power system.

Unfortunately, the one thing which keeps many people from taking advantage of this free energy from the sun is the new roof cost with solar panels. It is more expensive to install a solar roof than a conventional roof but that cost needs to be weighed against the advantages of being able to cut back significantly on the cost of electricity. A roof is meant to keep the home safe from environmental elements and while a solar roof does that, it does so much more. Besides being able to offset the cost of what you are paying in electricity now by manufacturing up to 40% of what you use, the solar panels are able to pay for themselves within a relatively short period of time.

There is still some amount of uncertainty as to what the government Feed in Tariff Scheme will pay households for any electricity manufactured with solar power and fed back into the grid, and myredlandroof directs visitors to the Energy Saving Trust website where further details are published as they are known. At this time, householders can plan on receiving 21p/kWh. Those who qualify after 1 July are projected to get a reduced rate of 16.5p/kWh and then there is the generation rate which will also accumulate over time. This is something to think about when looking at the cost of solar power roofs because there is the potential to earn back money paid for the roof.

Guest Post: How to optimise your home efficiency

Brenda — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:39:50 +0000

How energy efficient is your home and could you be saving money on energy prices by taking a closer look into this? This quick guide will put you on the road to energy efficiency in no time.

The first step is to assess the energy efficiency of your house currently. This can be done by obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate from an accredited domestic energy assessor. These certificates grade a house on its current energy efficiency (from 0 to 20, with 20 being the best) and calculate a potential energy efficiency grade which could be obtained with some of the changes outlined below. These certificates are valid for ten years and are now a requirement for those looking to sell or rent a property.

Heating

Reducing the amount of heat you need to put into your house can quickly reduce CO2 emissions and your energy bills. There are a number of methods to make the most of your heating system in order to increase energy efficiency:

- Keeping an eye on thermostats for central heating and water to ensure they are at the correct temperature, having individual thermostats fitted to radiator valves in order to regulate each individually, using electronic timers to ensure heating is switched off when not needed.

- Boilers: buying an energy efficient boiler can save a great deal of money on monthly bills. Additionally by ensuring water heaters are well insulated can reduce the amount of power they use, and by lagging pipes carrying hot water prevents loss of heat further.

- Insulation is a cost effective long-term measure for increasing efficiency by reducing the amount of heat lost through walls and ceilings. By insulating both lofts and walls however a typical household can save well over £300 a year in heating bills.

Appliances

- Buying energy efficient appliances may seem like an expensive folly but the long-term savings outstrip the cost. Keep an eye out for the energy efficiency label when buying any new appliances.

- Appliances left on stand-by are a constant source of wasted energy. Switching these off completely when not in use could save £40 a year.

- Switching off lights when not in use is as simple an energy saving method. If not using a room, why light it? Additionally energy saving light bulbs are a great way to save money on energy bills.

Every-day energy waste

There are a number of ways you can increase your energy efficiency every day:

- Only put as much water in the kettle as needed when boiling it;

- Cover pots and pans when cooking to prevent lost heat, and use the appropriate sized hob for each pan;

- Cook several foods on one ring with tiered steaming pans – recycle your cooking heat!;

- Remember to shut the fridge door when cooking to prevent it constantly having to cool itself down, and allow food to cool before storing it in the fridge or freezer;

- When washing clothes most normally soiled loads can be cleaned just as well at 30 degrees as at 40, and remember to fully fill the machine before turning it on;

- Utilise dry and breezy weather by drying clothes outside rather than in tumble dryers;

These simple methods can save a large chunk of spending on energy bills whilst reducing carbon emissions. For further energy savings see if your provider is offering the best value for money and consider a switch to a different provider.

Saving Energy Goes Social with E.ON

Jo — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:49:26 +0000

Channel 4 Show Home of the Future is launching its fifth and final innovation challenge which features the theme of wellbeing. The show is co-funded by UK energy company E.ON and this month it is asking participants to come up with an answer to what new home energy products or services could enhance your health and happiness?

Watching the Home of the Future has given us here at TGF a real insight as to what we can do to save energy and the good news is that the future looks promising. The show has given us some great hints and tips and has also showcased some cutting edge energy saving gadgets that will make all our lives easier. We’ve seen how the home of a family from Sheffield, The Pereras, has been transformed with state-of-the-art technology and how this has made a huge impact on their everyday lives, with the final episode concentrating on ways to improve the health of the family.

E.ON Innovation is using a crowdsourcing approach to ask the online community for ideas that they hope will enable the UK public to collaborate on designing the next big energy idea. What can you think of that will contribute to saving energy? For instance, we are big social media users at TGF, but did you realise that in the not too distant future it won’t just be used for networking with friends but could help engage groups of people in communities to reduce energy consumption?

Maybe you have had an idea about how technology could help you to become healthier or how to get fit at home. Take up the challenge and submit your idea and it could win you a home energy makeover worth up to £2,000. From the five winners of each episode theme, an overall winner will be selected to receive the ‘Shining Star’ award, which increases the prize to a home energy makeover worth up to £10,000. You could even see your idea transformed into reality and taken into production by E.ON, subject to research and development and a commercial assessment of the products/services.

Submit your idea for new products and services before 9^th April 2012 at www.eon-innovation.com. The challenge is open to people aged 18 or over and excludes residents of the Channel Islands. More information can be found at www.homeofthefuture.tv or by watching this video:

You can also follow the conversation about this project by following E.ON on Twitter @talkingenergy using the hashtag #eoninnov. Put your thinking caps on now… we certainly have!

Sponsored Post

Viral video by ebuzzing

Guest Post: Use High Gas Prices as Good Reason to Go More Green

Brenda — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:15 +0000

As much of the United States is finding out, gasoline prices are running rampant.

While some point to turmoil in the Middle East as the force behind the spike in prices, others label the blame first and foremost with greedy oil companies, some of whom have tallied record profits in the last few years.

No matter whether you are someone starting a small business, someone who has been in business for years or just a consumer that wants a break from the prices at the pump, there are ways to go about doing that.

If you’re not in the mood for the approaching $5 per gallon gasoline at the pumps that many Americans fear in the weeks and months ahead, try some of these options:

Shop around for a better mileage car – While it is true that you can’t go out and by a new car every the price of gas goes up, the timing may be right. In the event you’ve been thinking about getting rid of that gas-guzzler, now could be the time to do that. By switching to a fuel-efficient vehicle, you are not only saving yourself money, but cutting down on polluting the environment. If you’re not currently in the position to purchase a new vehicle, make sure your current one is as gas-efficient as possible, meaning properly inflated tires, replacing clogged air filters, no fuel leaks with older cars, etc.;
Curtail your trips – Yes, most people have to go to work, like to go out for entertainment purposes, have to shop for supplies, etc. While there is no getting around such ventures, you can consolidate your trips so that you are not running here and there all the time. If you pass a grocery store on the way home from work, get your groceries then instead of running back out. If you have the option of biking to work, the store etc., do that more often than not. Also look into carpooling with co-workers and/or other family members so that you’re not running out on a bunch of single drives;
Don’t get heated up over your home heating bills – Even though winter is winding down in the States, many regions are still looking at a month or more of cold weather. Consider setting the thermostat back a few degrees in order to cut down on your heating bills. You can also look into installing efficient windows, drapes and curtains that will help keep more of the cold air out and keep the warmer air in;
Consider homegrown products – If you see prices for fruits, vegetables and other products increasing in the store lately that is primarily due to the fact that companies who transport such goods are paying higher costs for fuel. That cost gets passed along to the store owner, who then passes those added expenses on to the consumer. At the end of the day, there is definitely a chain reaction of costs;
Take advantage of public transportation – While it may not be your first choice of getting to and from work, using the bus, train, trolley, etc. will not only save you some money over time, but it will cut down on the emissions polluting the air from your vehicle. Many public transportation avenues offer deals for regular riders, so check it out and spend less money at the gas pump;
Review business deliveries – For those individuals who run small businesses and have to make deliveries, rethink your strategy. If you have a number of customers in a general area, see about making one large delivery on the same day instead of spreading out a number of delivers over a period of days. Also consider temporarily halting customer deliveries and asking your customers to come to you for their products. In return, you can provide them with some deals that hopefully negate any inconvenience they may feel in doing so.

At the end of the day, higher fuel prices are something most of us have to deal with at some point or another.

If you haven’t considered scaling back and going greener before, now is a good time to rethink that idea.

Photo credit: wral.com

Dave Thomas writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.

Guest Post: Is there a downside to solar panels?

Brenda — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:00:18 +0000

The internet is filled with the benefits of solar panels, and certainly there are many. The reason for this is that they have fallen in price by a very large amount over the last 18 months – to get a domestic sized system installed on your home will cost 30% less now than it did in 2010. Whilst the prices are falling, the efficiency is increasing so modern systems will also generate more electricity. There are a range of government incentives available, such as the USA’s nationwide grant, where you can receive a 30% rebate on any size of system. In certain states, such as California, Florida and Hawaii, there are Feed In Tariffs available which mean that it’s possible to earn further money for each unit of electricity generated.

All of these advantages are great, but it’s natural to wonder, what are the potential downsides to installing solar panels on your home?

Source: Flickr/jhritz

1 – Inverter Replacement

Whilst electricity-generating solar panels have no moving parts and are known for being very reliable, the inverter is the only part that you may have to replace, and unfortunately they are very expensive, costing upwards of $1,000. When you install the solar panels initially, make sure that the inverter is covered by a decent warranty!

2 – The BIG Up-Front Installation Cost

Solar panels certainly pay themselves off over time, taking anywhere from 4 – 20 years in the USA, with the precise length of time determined by geographical location and the grants/subsidies available. However, they universally require a large up-front investment. A domestic system will set you back a cool $15,000, although a typical figure would have been $25,000 just two years ago. Group buying schemes have been set up in many areas to decrease this figure – make sure to spend a lot of time getting several quotes to get the best deal possible.

3 – Fashion, Darling

Some people just don’t like the way that solar panels look, and even if you don’t want them on your property, will it be accepted by your neighbors? Why not take this opportunity to have them over for dinner and talk them through the benefits – you may find that they want them too!

4 – Use It Or Lose It

Solar panels cannot store electricity. You can set them up so that the energy is stored in a large battery pack, but this is very likely to cost you extra, and may not be very efficient. In many countries, such as the UK, any electricity that you are generating but not using will automatically get solar back to the main grid and you’ll get paid for it – so make sure what will happen to that unused electricity.
Written by James Hawkins from a solar panels quotes comparison company in the UK, where he writes the solar power blog!

Guest Post: Types of Geothermal Energy used in the Home

Brenda — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:47 +0000

Geothermal energy is one of the oldest forms of energy exploited by humans and remains a very promising source of energy moving forward in the modern world. The big advantages of geothermal energy are that it is amazingly environmentally friendly, on par with its other green energy sources such as solar and wind, but takes up a far smaller surface area, one of the big disadvantages of solar and wind. It’s also capable of producing energy 24 hours a day regardless of weather conditions, which is more than can be said for solar and wind.
That kind of implementation however, is a large power plant using the geothermal energy to boil water into steam to drive turbines. The other types of geothermal energy we take advantage of are smaller scale heating and cooling systems which only drill down into soil levels. While not taking direct advantage of the heat coming from the earth’s core, these systems use the soil, which generally remains at a fairly constant temperature. This can then be used to pump heat out of when heating is needed, or pump heat into when cooling is needed.
There are several different ways this kind of system is employed; closed loop systems either vertically, horizontally or submerged in water or open loops.
Vertical geothermal systems are most advantageous for implementations where space is an issue. These work by borehole drilling straight down and putting heat exchanging pipes down there. Normally several boreholes would be drilled, though this depends greatly on the extent of the heating and cooling loads that will be required, since something like an office block will likely require a higher load than a house.
Horizontal systems work by digging a large trench several metres down and having a large coiled heat exchanger buried there. The depth of burial makes a big difference since down to around 3m, the soil temperature will vary with the weather. So depending on what is required from the system, it might be less effective. For example, when heating is required, the soil will likely be colder, and when cooling is needed the soil will likely be warmer.
An open system is where instead of transferring thermal energy with the soil, a body of water is used. This works by having 2 separate loops, one loop with the heat pump for heating or cooling the building and a secondary loop pumping water through, which is very efficient at transferring heat. Such systems do have the drawback however that they will likely pick up lime scale or bacteria and algae, which will degrade the heat transfer over time.
In these situations submerged closed systems are preferable, essentially a closed system works in the same way as the horizontal ground systems, simply replacing the soil with the a decent sized body of water. This is the main reason that submerged closed systems are far less common.
While these systems will obviously have a large appeal to people motivated by the environment (and for very good reason) they can also be very good investments. This really does depend on your heating and cooling bills, since the initial implementation costs are comparatively higher than other power sources due to the costs of the geothermal drilling equipment. The power savings however are very significant; up to 70% in some cases, with phenomenal efficiency figures which can be over 300% (since energy is being moved instead of used to create heat, as a general rule these kinds of system move much more heat than can be created per unit of energy). So do have a look at geothermal energy for your home, it’s well worth a second thought!

About the Author: Will Clevett is currently studying for a degree in natural sciences and works alongside Dando drilling International, creating content related to geothermal borehole drilling.

Guest Post: Solar Panels – Easy on the Eye?

Brenda — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:21:28 +0000

The profile and uptake of solar technology has been increased significantly by the introduction of the Feed-in Tariff way back in 2010. The incentive provides homeowners with a financial incentive by way of 21 pence for each unit of electricity generated by the panels, with additional payment for each unit that is fed back to the National Grid.

However, the aesthetics of a solar panel system can be quite a turn off for some. Some would prefer a more visually pleasing approach to this renewable source of energy.

Due to developments in solar photovoltaic panel technology and an increased understanding of the homeowner’s requirements, more and more options have been rolled out. No one need settle for a panel array that they feel worsens the presentation of their home.

All-black panels and mounting systems mean that homeowners are given a wider choice of aesthetics for their solar panel arrays, allowing them to blend in better with their existing roof designs. These kinds of panels fit most architectural styles, meaning less of a negative visual impact than their blue silicon counterparts.

One key advancement of solar photovoltaic panels is their visually appealing roof tiles, which can easily be incorporated into a roof without standing out or looking garish whilst blending seamlessly with surrounding roof tiles. Solar panels are often chosen for newer properties where style is regarded as important as function. Solar panels can also be installed on existing roofs where homeowners might choose to fit them whilst their property is re-roofed.

That said, they can also be fitted without the need for a full re-roofing of their property. Existing roof tiles can be replaced with solar tiles by reputable solar panel installers, meaning the array can be blended in seamlessly.

Whilst this more refined style of panel might be more expensive than traditional solar panels, there is an increase in homeowners choosing to install these types due to their efficiency in generating solar panel, as well as their ability to provide roof insulation. Many notice that the tiles match exactly with their roofs, integrating seamlessly and functioning in exactly the same way as more traditional panels do. The clean electricity that is generated by solar panels allow homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint as well as earn money on the side.

Solar roof tiles are a great method of preserving the existing aesthetic of a house – i.e. a period home or other traditional dwelling. Newer builds and more contemporary homes can also benefit from these kinds of panels as they guarantee economic credentials without sabotaging the house’s design features.

Guest Post: Solar PV – All you need to know

Brenda — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:00:38 +0000

People generally install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels just once. The panels last a long time, up to 50 years. If you’re thinking of switching to solar it’s likely that you have never installed a PV system before. So in that case, here is some advice from the EcoExperts.

Between 1^st April 2010 and 27^th January 2012, 175,997 solar PV systems were installed in the UK, producing a combined output of 536.454 megawatts. Solar PV is here to stay.

Solar energy is now a legitimate energy source in the UK. Until now the government’s policies meant solar wasn’t viable for the majority of people. People who opted for solar did so for their own reasons. Now solar makes measurable financial sense.

Installation Costs

Solar PV panels cost between £5k and £10k depending on the size of your installation. There are many reliable makes of PV panel on the market but most of the industry advice you’ll hear is to find not only good panels but an accredited solar specialist to fit them. Otherwise you simply won’t get the best from your panels.

Try to find both panels and an installer with significant trading history – since the Feed In Tariff (FIT) was announced a lot of businesses have been founded in a hurry to profit from the rise in demand. Look for people who have been in the industry for some time. Remember: solar PV is an investment, it should last you at least 25 years.

Feed In Tariffs

To make a long and complicated story short and simple:

The FIT rate is 21pkWh. Yes, you have a slim shot at the higher 43.3pkWh rate but no definite guarantee – that’s the truth of it.

If you have solar PV panels installed after April you have to be sure your home has an EPC ( Energy Performance Certificate) rating of D or below (ie: not A/B/C). This is part of the government’s Green Deal, which kicks in in October.

Solar PV is a worthwhile investment and will become an increasingly smart one as long as energy prices rise – something that’s expected to happen.

Yes, the government is making adjustments to its FIT scheme so that it’s not the way to make a quick buck, but in the long term solar PV is a good option.

About the Eco Experts.

The Eco Experts is a free service, promoting sustainable living and green technology.

We provide assistance to people interested in reducing their carbon footprint – we can help you find advice and the best value for money.

We only work with the best accredited suppliers of green technology.

We are free to use – we don’t charge you a penny.

http://www.theecoexperts.co.uk