As the world faces the reality of climate change and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, it’s becoming increasingly important to explore sustainable energy solutions. If you’re concerned about the climate crisis and want to make a difference, producing renewable energy at home is a great place to start.
Solar Photovoltaic Panels
One of the most popular options for homeowners is to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on their homes. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight and can be positioned on most homes, making them an ideal choice for individual households. Once installed, these panels can not only generate energy that you can use in your property, but any excess energy can be fed back into the national grid, providing clean energy to others.
PV panels are the most popular option for generating renewable energy at home due to their accessibility and ease of installation. Once installed, these panels can generate electricity from sunlight, which can be used to power your home, and any excess energy can be fed back into the grid. Not only do they help to reduce carbon emissions, but they can also significantly lower your energy bills. With the UK aiming to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, it’s becoming increasingly important to explore sustainable energy solutions like PV panels.
Solar PV panels not only help to reduce carbon emissions but also lower energy bills. Once you have a solar panel system installed, you won’t need to pay for electricity from a traditional energy supplier. The initial installation cost of solar panels may be relatively high, ranging from £5,000 to £8,000 on average, depending on the size of the system. However, these costs can often be offset by the long-term savings in energy bills.
Renewable water
Aside from generating electricity, solar energy can also be used to provide hot water in your home. By installing a solar hot water system, you can harness the power of the sun to heat your water, reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources. These systems typically require around four-square meters of solar panels to provide enough hot water for a family of four. While the initial installation cost may be higher compared to traditional hot water systems, solar hot water systems can save you money in the long run as you’ll no longer need to pay for the energy to heat your water. Plus, by using solar energy, you’ll be doing your part in reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.
In addition to solar panels, another way to produce renewable energy at home is through the use of rainwater harvesting systems. Installing a water butt is a simple and cost-effective way to collect and store rainwater for use in the garden. Water butts can be connected to the guttering of a property, allowing them to collect rainwater that would otherwise be lost to drainage. The water collected can then be used to water plants, wash cars, and clean outdoor surfaces.
Not only does rainwater harvesting save money on water bills, but it also helps to reduce the demand for water from mains sources. This can be especially beneficial during times of drought or when water restrictions are in place. The water that collects in a water butt comes from rainfall, which is a natural, renewable source of water. By collecting and using rainwater in your garden instead of relying on tap water, you can reduce your water bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has recently called for swift action from the government to implement new standards focused on reducing carbon emissions within the building sector. In doing so, the CCC has highlighted the importance of clearly stating within the standards that on-site renewables like solar PV and wind power cannot be utilized to offset ongoing fossil fuel use. Furthermore, the CCC has emphasised the need for the government to address fundamental issues related to compliance and performance to ensure the effectiveness of the standards and achieve a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
