Green Self Build - Solar Power
Welcome to our second part in building an eco self build home. Part of building a low impact home is making efficient use of natural energy sources. First up we are looking into Solar Power. A campaign called The Clear Skies Initiative, launched by Energy Minister Brian Wilson in January 2003, offers grants to homebuilders that include solar power in their design - this makes it an ideal time to consider the inclusion of solar power in your self build house. The campaign is part of £100 million of funding for the research of renewable energy.
The Clear Skies Initiative is aimed internationally, but looking closer to home can make your self build more efficient and eco friendly. Once two installation quotations for solar panels have been obtained for your self build house a £500 energy source grant can be given. The discount only applies if the solar power system is purchased and installed through accredited suppliers. A list of solar power suppliers is available at the Clear Skies website.
How does solar power work?
Solar power is a relatively simple process - water is pumped into solar panels as it passes through them it is heated and then stored in a tank ready for use. The water will stay hot for around 24 hours. The solar panels are usually fitted to the roof and work during daylight hours, however with a self build house being built from the ground-up it may be possible to integrate them more seamlessly into the house.
It is a misconception that solar panels only work with direct sunlight - solar power collectors can heat water on a very cloudy day (luckily for us in the UK!). A system has an expected service life of 20 years.
While solar power will not support a central heating system, a substantial supply of domestic hot water can be provided. This means a traditional boiler should be installed to supplement the solar output but a reduction of your hot water bill of around 50 percent is normal.
It can be confusing with many companies all claiming to have the best solar power solution but so long as you purchase a made to measure package from an accredited installer it is hard to go wrong.
Make sure you know what to look out for in solar power systems. Good solar power collectors will have a copper absorber plate coated in black chrome with good insulation around the back and sides. Avoiding anything which incorporates plastic, wood or spot welding is wise, as is steering clear of solar powered pumps. These do need direct sunlight in order to function efficiently. An average house will require about 4sq metres of collector and a 180 litre storage cylinder.
There are three main types of solar power system - integrated, roof top and standalone.
An integrated solar power system fits within the roof tiles so is usually more aesthetically pleasing. Integrated systems sometimes incorporate a drain-back system which means water is not necessarily retained - preventing the danger of water freezing or boiling.
A roof top system works similarly but the collectors are mounted on the roof rather than set in the tiles - so less attractive.
Stand alone solar power systems have collectors setup at ground level away from the house.
Do not forget the solar panels when submitting your planning application for your self build house or renovation - permission may not be granted in sensitive or conservation areas. Solar power collectors are usually black - this blends well with slate roofs but can stand out on others.
Facts and Figures
The purchase and installation of a standard solar power system will cost between £2000 and £5000 - minus £500 by applying for a grant.
Using solar power reduces carbon dioxide emissions (less fossil fuels will be burned) to help prevent global warming. This will help to create a cleaner, safer environment for the future.
