energy : micro generation
Solar Electricity
Photovoltaic panels - high capital costs put people off, but costs are falling and efficiency is rising all the time. For a good summary of what solar power involves, look at the ecocentre website. For more general information on the subject check the information on the Energy Saving Trust and DTi-Low Carbon Buildings Programme photovoltaics webpages.
Wind Generators
Wind turbine generators -
Modern turbines use the wind's lift force to turn aerodynamic blades that turn a rotor connected to
an alternator which creates electricity.
In the UK we have a high proportion of the available wind energy for Europe, with prevailing southwesterly winds
blowing in uninterupted across the Atlantic, making Britain one of the windiest countries in Europe.
However we only make about 0.5% of our electricity by wind power.
Individual turbines vary in size and power output from a few hundred watts to two or three megawatts
(as a guide, a typical domestic system would be 2.5 - 6 kilowatts, depending on the location and size of the home).
For general information on the subject check the information on the Energy Saving Trust - small scale wind turbines and DTi-Low Carbon Buildings Programme - Wind turbines webpages.
Hydro Electricity
Hydro-electric -
The AONB SDF has already provided £25,000 of grant funding to the hydro-electric
scheme development at Heron Corn MIll. It was originally hoped to install an archimedies screw system
with the low head of water, which is available from the existing mill race and weir.
However concerns with this technology regarding safety for fish has forced the design to be changed and a more
conventional turbine will now be installed.
For general information on the subject check the information on the
Energy Saving Trust - hydro and
DTi-Low Carbon Buildings Programme - small scale hydro
webpages.
