The heating of buildings in the UK represents nearly half of our fossil fuel consumption and just over half of this (55%) is for our domestic homes [1]. It is vitally important, therefore, that Britain’s climate change strategy targets the … Continue reading →

What is solar energy? Solar energy is radiant heat and light from the sun and is one of the most available renewable energy sources on earth. On a bright, sunny day, the sun’s rays give off around 1,000 watts of … Continue reading →

On the 1st of April 2010, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) initiated a system of Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) using powers from the Energy Act 2008. This scheme, also known as clean energy cash back, gives regular cash … Continue reading →

The last few decades has witnessed the rapid development of renewable energy worldwide. Modern interest in renewable energy development is linked to concerns about the exhaustion and pollution of fossil fuels; environmental, social and political risks of extensive use of … Continue reading →

The solar thermal collector is a device that uses solar radiation to heat up water to a high enough temperature that it can be used as ‘hot water’. The thermal system as we know it was invented in 1909 by … Continue reading →

If you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint and save on those ever-increasing energy bills, then a great option is too install a solar hot water system. By heating your own water you will not only save money, but also … Continue reading →

Solar chargers have taken the domestic ‘eco products’ market by storm, however do they actually work? From a distance you might be forgiven for mistaking the true purpose of the depicted items, strapped onto a lone backpack reflecting the sunlight … Continue reading →

Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and use it to generate electricity. Small systems known as “microwind” or “small-wind” turbines can produce electricity to help power the lights and electrical appliances in a typical home. 40% of all … Continue reading →

Wind energy has never been without its critics. There are many reasons people are opposed to this form of power generation: unsightly turbines ruining the countryside, noise, cost, television interference and danger to migrating birds have all be cited in … Continue reading →

There are certain items we never like to spend money on. No one gets excited when it’s time to buy new washing powder and no one call their friends when they’ve just picked up some new dishcloths. At least I … Continue reading →