Solar energy, renewable energy, clean energy, alternative energy, green energy – until recently, it all meant one thing… the sun, but thermodynamics has changed that!
Did you know that currently the number one country for solar power production is Germany, which reportedly produces 38,250 megawatts of its power from renewable sources?
Germany is not known for being the hottest country, however, on April 30, 2017, Germany set a new national record for renewable energy use, in which during 1 weekend in May, 85% of the entire consumed electricity was produced from renewable sources. such as wind, solar, biomass and hydroelectric power.
It would seem that there are more photovoltaic solar panels installed here than anywhere else in the world. In 2016, Italy, another European country, was also listed as the fourth most prosperous country in solar power generation, followed by France in sixth place.
The United Kingdom, which is economically more advanced than France and Italy, and not far behind Germany in its economic progress, shares a similar climate to the north of these countries, with unpredictable weather conditions and many cloudy days, but unfortunately. .. the UK doesn’t even appear on that list!
Then why? What is it about solar energy that puts us Brits off?
It’s no secret that the UK is a nation of holiday lovers, we love going abroad, our barbecues and garden parties. If a bit of sun peeks through the clouds, we’ve got our bathing suit on and we’re sitting on a folding lawn chair with a pimm, faster than you can say “sunburn.”
But if we’re all so keen to make the most of a little sunshine, isn’t it about time we started thinking about how we can take Britain’s weather by the horns and harness a little power from it? – Sun or no sun?
After all, there are 8,760 hours in a year, and the UK averages 1,493 hours of sunshine per year. So if the technology is now available to make the most of the 7,267 hours a year that we don’t see sunlight, along with the days that we do, surely we should seize the opportunity to take advantage of it?
How thermodynamic hot water could change our lives and improve the environment
Astonishingly, in the UK, 98% of domestic and commercial greenhouse gas emissions from heat come from conventional methods of heating water and space.
In light of our growing awareness of the damage CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions are doing to our planet, the UK is choosing not to invest in renewable alternatives, fearing that there simply isn’t enough sun to pay back the investment.
We can’t change the weather, but there must be something we can use to use the weather we have…
Thermodynamic solar hot water heating systems or ‘solar-assisted heat pumps’ such as Solamics Bunsen Air, were researched, designed and manufactured as highly efficient, low cost systems purposely created to suit the UK environment, and here is the best. THEY DON’T NEED THE SUN!
Hooray, finally a solar hot water system to suit the UK and its ‘Great British Weather’. These ingenious hot water systems work even at night!
The Bunsen Air heat pump not only provides water that is heated by nature, solar-assisted heat pumps like this one also help us support and care for our environment: they use ambient energy from natural phenomena, be it snow wind, hail, rain or even sub-zero temperatures, to heat water.
As they are totally reliable 365 days a year, they are also a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint 365 days a year, along with your energy bills! Leaving users with more money to spend on holidays, Pimm’s and BBQ sausages!
How can we make solar power work even without sun, and take advantage of the other 7,267 hours.
It’s actually quite simple, if you have an existing quality water cylinder, the Bunsen Air heat pump retrofits, with specialized cooling pipes connecting to your existing hot water loop. If you don’t already have a water cylinder, one is simply installed next to the Bunsen.
Externally, two thermodynamic solar collector panels are installed on a surface that is exposed to the natural elements, and an ozone-friendly liquid refrigerant that moves around the panels, taking ambient energy from any weather at any temperature, while internally, the Bunsen heat pump unit was installed near its water cylinder.
The panels, unit, and water cylinder interact with each other to successfully and efficiently transfer heat to your hot water loop.
And fear not… the Bunsen can comfortably provide enough hot water for a large family every day (not to mention its smart controls and boost function if you ever need a refill).
Finally…
Traditional solar energy is one thing, but thermodynamic renewable energy is another. We are now in a position where we have access to this innovative technology and we don’t need the sun to create solar power, so let’s lift our UK socks, learn about the UK renewable heat incentive for 2020 and come out on top. from that list as a nation of economically strong leaders in ‘solar energy’.