solar energy in kent Passive Solar Heating

Thanet array seen from top of North Downs near Lenham. Turbines are about 30 miles away - see map

 



Headlines

GOVERNMENT DELIVERS RAW DEAL FOR SOLAR THERMAL INDUSTRY
Today the SOLAR Trade Association welcomed the announcements by Ed Milliband regarding SOLAR energy, but expressed disappointment that the proposed rate of investment will be lower than that for other green energy technologies.
SOLARUK tests the effects of roofing colour on SOLAR Collectors
SOLAR UK teamed up with Renolit UK Ltd, manufacturers of the Alkorplan roofing membrane, for a trial showing that its SOLAR panels work 9% more efficiently when installed on this white reflective flat roof waterproofing surface known as Alkorbright.
SOLAR panel costs 'set to fall'
The cost of installing and owning SOLAR panels will fall even faster than expected according to new research. Tests show that 90% of existing SOLAR panels last for 30 years, instead of the predicted 20 years.
Wind turbines and SOLAR panels could be put up without planning permission
Wind turbines up to 15 metres high could be put up in industrial estates or farmland without planning permission under plans published by the government today.

energy saving trust

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In the simplest sense, a conservatory or greenhouse.

Unfortunately it is impractical to consider using solar thermal panels for space heating. The same level of space heating can be gained by making the same area of the house that would be covered in solar panels, a window. This will let in both the light and the warmth of the sun in the form of infra red.

The heat is hopefully retained in the house. The best example of this is the use of a greenhouse which even on the coldest of winter days will trap considerable heat.

The ideal way of utilising passive solar heating is by installing a conservatory to the southern side of the house and ensuring that there is:

  • a way to draw the warmed air into the house.
  • sufficient available insulation to close the conservatory during the night when it is not needed for heating .
  • suitable covering or ventilation to stop overheating during the summer.

The one main drawback in terms of installing a conservatory is the likely difficulty of getting planning permission even when presented as an environmentally friendly passive solar heating facility.

The original part of my house is from the 1780s which has now been built onto on the south side. The original house is now referred to as 'the dark side' both for its coldness, and darkness. The newer part of the house is significantly warmer. This newer part has a slate 'cat slide' roof, the roof is superinsulated so allows little or no heat either in or out so provides no passive solar gain.