As the temperature drops and energy consumption increases, you may find yourself thinking more about switching to a renewable energy source. With the rising price of non-renewable energy sources, you are not alone in considering a sustainable energy source to power your home. Many people are now looking for alternatives to traditional energy sources such as gas, coal, oil, and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
What are renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy is energy from natural resources which have either an infinite supply or quickly and constantly renew their supplies. Simply put, renewable energy does not run out. Also known as clean or green energy, renewable energy sources emit little to no greenhouse gasses as they generate energy. In comparison to the burning of fossil fuels, renewable energy is carbon-neutral.
Renewable energy is often harnessed from the elements. Well known examples of renewable energy sources include; solar, wind and hydropower. Common green energy alternatives used in the home are solar panels, air heat pumps and ground heat pumps.
Solar PV Panels
A solar PV panel system is designed to capture energy from the sun and use this to generate electricity for your home. Not only can solar panels provide your home with electricity they can also heat your water. Solar PV panels are typically installed on the roof of your property to gain maximum exposure to the sun. In rain or shine they work, so energy will be generated regardless of the weather or time of year.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air outside and using this to heat your home and provide you with hot water. The temperature outside does not have to be high for the system to work. Air source heat pumps can generate heat from temperatures as low as -15°C. Although source air heat pumps run on electricity, they use only a small amount compared to the energy they generate. For example, for every 1 kWh of electricity, the air heat pump can generate as much as 4kWh of heat per year.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps work in a similar way to air source heat pumps by using the elements to generate electricity for your home. However, the ground source heat pump harnesses natural heat energy from the ground, converting it to usable energy to heat your property. The heat produced from ground source heat pumps can be used to heat radiators and underfloor heating systems.
What are the advantages to renewable energy?
- Renewable energy sources are in limitless supply
- Choosing renewable energy alternatives can reduce your carbon footprint
- Switching to renewable energy can cut the costs of your energy bills
- Future-proof yourself against energy price hikes as renewable energy running costs are more stable
- Installing a solar PV system, air or ground heat pumps will give you more independence from the National Grid
- Clean energy is better for your health than burning fossil fuels
- There are government grants available if you decide to switch to a renewable energy source
Is a renewable energy source right for my home?
There are a variety of options available to you if you are considering switching to a renewable energy source. Depending on your property size, access to land and other factors, one system may be more suitable than the other. At Hafod Renewables we can discuss and suggest which renewable energy source would be the most appropriate solution for you.
You should take into account certain factors when choosing the right renewable energy source for your home. The size of your property, in particular the land surrounding it, is an important factor when installing a ground heat pump, for example. The ground source heat pump requires an area of land in which to install the pipework needed for extracting heat energy from the earth. For solar PV panels, we can help you to select a system that fits your roof size and suits your budget.
If you have any questions, our team of experts will be happy to assist. At Hafod Renewables we provide excellent customer support, from responding to initial enquiries right through to the installation of your renewable energy products and beyond.
