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It is by using natural resources such as tidal or wind energy - collectively known as ‘Green Energy’ - that we could meet our daily energy needs. They are considered ‘Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. The older energy skill sets have had value for years, especially when we think of wind power and windmills. Regardless of this, we are mainly talking about using modern techniques to offer planet friendly and eco-efficient solutions.

It is the use of simple renewable energies such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors, that suits the home environment. It is equipment such as Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) that develop electricity through suitable roof-panels. Equally important is that of Biomass Energy - which includes Stoves, Fuel, Pellets and Boilers burning Wood. Then we have the ancient energy of the Sun and the heat that comes from it - now called Ground Source Heat Pumps. Considering items such as Wind Power and Hydro Turbines, we are finally getting to very old forms of energy production.

Thermal Solar Energy - This technology is based around two core types of system. First, we have Solar Water Heating Collectors, which absorb energy from the Sun and transfer this into hot water. Then we have the work of the Photovoltaic Heat Collectors, often called Solar Electrical Panels - which transform solar radiation into electricity. Typically, these panels are found on roofs - and need to be away from any light blocks such as trees, chimneys and other buildings.

Within Solar Energy overall, Solar Water Power is most commonly used in the UK. Solar Water heating systems are extremely important - and can provide over half of the hot water needs for houses within the UK. The typical cost for installation ranges from 500-1500 pounds for a DIY system, all the way through to 2-5k for a professional fit.

Systems Utilising Biomass Energy: This term encompasses all forms of natural products - such as plant and animal material. It is extremely useful - in that it can produce a range of power sources, including heat and electricity. The ability to generate electricity is one of the UK’s main green strengths - as it has one of the larger Biomass legacies within Europe. One of the main factors of this style of energy is the result without the impact on C02. With a new tree being planted as each is felled, you can see how the C02 produced during heating is minimised - and why the system is deemed sustainable.

Within this field is the need for the use of ‘Energy Crops’, such as fast growing trees, e.g. Willow and Poplar or other entities grown on a Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Also producing high yields of dry matter are the perennial grasses. Other less known materials within this field are Agricultural and Municipal Waste. One natural offshoot of agricultural work is Agricultural Waste. Because it comes from food or wood, Municipal Waste is also considered a useful biomass product.

Systems Using Geo-Thermal Energy - The constant energy of the Sun heating the Earth results in both warm water and electricity being produced. Within the UK, the constant ground source heat temperature is around 12 degrees centigrade - and can be utilised to both heat and cool buildings. Generally, items such as Heat Pumps are thought of as very effective, as they produce four units of energy for every one that is used for generation. By using energy from solar electrical panels or wind turbines to power them, heat source pumps can be almost 100 percent renewable in energy production.

Systems Based On Wind Energy: In use for milling grain or pumping water, wind energy has been with us for a very long time, although its modern uses are complex. That aside, the ability to generate energy and both transfer this into the home or the local grid has been a relatively new option. In the European union, it is the UK which is seen to have the largest wind capacity. Although, within the UK we currently only utilise 1 percent of electricity from wind, yet the potential rests at a surprising 10 percent. Instead of producing electricity at a rate of 2-10p per kWh, we could be generating at 2p per kWh. From this, the estimation of the cost recovery period is around 6-9 months overall.

Then there is Hydropower - something within Europe that the UK excels in. Although new in its approach, the act of harnessing energy from water has been going on for a long time. That said, this type of energy can generate around 2 percent of the total electrical demand for the UK.

Using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transform the energy of water into other forms. The important thing is that, without having to rely on water storage, the turbines can generate electricity. ‘Micro-Hydro’ however, uses the dam and sluice systems that have been made redundant by the larger national distributions. Although a lesser known form of electricity output, this process could supply 200mW of UK demand. Installing systems like this could cost between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of energy created.

The demand on ‘Green Energy’ continues to develop - in light of the energy demands worldwide. The UK is very well placed to provide most of the schemes set out above, and the UK domestic market again is one of the key beneficiaries of this technology.

With the bulk of development work in the domestic area, both Plumbers and Electricians are set to capitalise in this area. With EEC and UK recognition of renewable energy getting ever-higher on the political agenda, the grants and financial aid for introduction of these systems can only increase. Gaining installation certification across these areas can only provide further opportunity and job security to anyone already in related fields or looking to retrain. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.

(C) 2009 Scott Edwards. Navigate to Solar Energy Training or Click HERE.