Garden Building Resources

Solar Energy is a simple concept which has been defined in many peoples' minds over the years while there is actually a lot more to it. Used in the late 20th Century as a symbol of progression and a path of things to come with energy, Solar Energy as we know it is called photovoltaics or PV. This is the process of converting light into energy using the photoelectric effect discovered in the late 1800's. The energy is then transferred to homes and business via the usual lines and used in the same manner as any other electricity.

As mentioned though is more to it than that. The term Solar Energy applies to any form of electricity granted by sunlight. Another method of doing this with concentrating solar power (or CSP) uses the sunlight to boil water, which is then used to provide electricity.

There are a few of experimental forms of Solar Energy too. One of which is uses a solar updraft tower to catch air, then as it is heated and thus expanded, used to drive turbines that create electricity.

One common downside aimed at Solar Energy for years has been the cost of installing the system in the first place. While this is true it has been estimated that a CSP system would recoup its costs in-between 7-15 years and a PV system 20-30 years. Once you have installed all the usual energy saving technologies it's certainly worth considering as a CSP system can provide between 40% and 60% of the households hot water.

http://www.4wardheating.co.uk/
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http://www.aessolar.co.uk/
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http://www.capture-energy.co.uk/
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http://www.eagainsulation.com/
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http://www.energysuperstore.ie/
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http://www.enviko.com/
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http://www.invisibleheating.co.uk/
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http://www.schueco.com/
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http://www.solar-home-technologies.co.uk/
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http://www.solarsense-uk.com/
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http://www.solarsuppliesuk.co.uk/
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http://www.solaruk.net/
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http://www.solarutilities.co.uk/
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