solar energy in kent Passive Solar Heating

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

 



Headlines

Property prices soar in the desert
India's thirst for SOLAR energy has transformed Mr Singh's property from a dry, dusty inhospitable environment into a sun-drenched power socket that promises much, both for energy companies and for a country that still suffers black-outs.
Renewable Heat Incentive
This document sets out the responses of the SOLAR Trade Association (“the STA”) to the SOLAR related sections of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) consultation.
SOLAR Scammers still going strong
Which? has done an exposé which includes Everest Double Glazing’s sales techniques and prices, Which? state that Everest came close to breaking the law if not actually breaking it.
SOLAR Trade Association expresses concern to Chancellor
We, the relevant trade bodies representing the renewable heat industry, are writing to express our very significant concerns over the looming funding gap for our sector. We are aware that the funds currently supporting the two grants schemes the Low Carbon Phase 1 and 2 are about to run short and that the programmes will almost certainly have to be closed.

energy saving trust

Clear Skies

 

Feed in tariffs

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.