Why Solar Energy?

As a renewable energy company, Solar Fusion have researched all aspects of renewable energy and their viability for residential homes both in terms of cost and energy produced.
There are 5 main renewable energies:

Wind:
Wind Turbines use the wind to power generators which are normally used to power machinery or to generate electricity. Although used since 200bc, they are only 20-40% effective as wind strength varies dramatically daily. To generate a significant amount of energy requires a lot of land and planning permission, meaning that as a technology – it’s suitability is geared towards large commercial use such as energy companies. It certainly has its place as a renewable energy but not at a consumer/residential level.

Rainwater:
Rainwater harvesting is only for the super eco as it requires major underground renovation to install a large tank and connections to both existing water and waste pipes. The water generated is really only suitable for toilet flushing and use in a washing machine. Unbelievably rain isn’t guaranteed and although a good product – it won’t make a difference to your overall energy bills.

Hydroelectricity:
Large/National use only. Very good form of renewable energy that has been utilised for many years now but generally needs a fast flowing stream/river or the sea to work which most of us do not have in our back garden!

Geothermal:
Power is extracted from the natural heat stored in the earth. More effective if you live near tectonic plate boundaries such as the west coast of The America’s. Air source heat pumps require an additional electric heating element. The overall lifetime costs for using heat pumps should be considered carefully as gas is usually cheaper than electric. If saving money and lowering your carbon emissions are important then biomass boilers (wood burning) or Solar water heating offer a better return. These work better in conjuction with additional renewable energy sources.

Solar:
Guaranteed energy which is predictable for many years in advance as sun rises and sets to a pattern. The panels to utilise the suns energy work on natural daylight and are relatively small compared to the other technologies. Easy to install with minimum of fuss and offer a high yield return. Dramatically reduces energy bills which in turn becomes an investment and a way of life statement to other people. The sun provides more energy than we could ever consume. If we put solar energy panels on the Gobi Desert – it would supply 20 X the current worlds total energy demand!!