Christmas and New Year is a traditional time of giving and receiving, but it is also a time of year that can cause great stress on our planet. One of the best ways that you can care for the environment this festive season is by considering the benefits of renewable electricity for your home.
As the decline in fossil fuels continues and the effect on the environment hits more and more news bulletins with every year, renewable energy types such as wind and solar power are growing in popularity right around the world, including the UK.
Solar Electric Power
Solar electricity is generated by using photovoltaic cells to convert radiation from the sun into electricity. A photovoltaic cell is made up of one or two layers of a semi conducting material such as silicon. An electricity field is created across the layers when light shines on the cell, allowing electricity to flow. The flow increases with the intensity of the light.
Solar panels are fitted to the roof as part of this process, and they work during daylight hours, with many new houses that are now being built actually integrate such a system in a more seamless manner. Solar power collectors are more useful than is often thought, as they can also function on very cloudy days, which is especially useful right around the year in the UK, and not just at Christmas! Solar power alone is not usually enough to provide for the entirety of a home’s electricity and central heating needs, but it can nonetheless supply a great amount of power.
Wind Power
Another source of renewable electricity for the home is wind power. The power of the wind is harnessed by wind turbines and used to create electricity. Electricity can be generated in the home with small-scale wind turbines.
Enough electricity can be produced by a small system to power a typical home’s electrical appliances and lights, and the turbines used in such a system are usually referred to as “small-wind” or “microwind” turbines. The wind is caught by the turbines’ large blades and the blowing of the wind forces the blades around, which drives a turbine which in turn generates electricity. And as you’d imagine, stronger winds produce greater electricity.
Make a difference to our planet this festive season by considering the benefits of renewable electricity for your home. From solar to wind, take advantage of the natural resources that don’t negatively impact the environment.
Bella Winterfold frequently writes on the topic of gas and electricity with extensive knowledge in renewable energy.