There are two sources of energy: fossil fuels and renewable sources. This section is dedicated to discovering the available renewable energy technologies. Before exploring how renewable energy sources such as wind or solar can be mechanically transferred into usable energy, lets look at their passive applications. Passive solar design is concerned with the initial orientation and positioning of a new house. Something that most of us have no influence over as we live in existing housing. However, we can tap into the power of passive solar through the appropriate use of our south-facing rooms (if we have any). Conservatories are best placed on this side, although attention has to be paid to shading and ventilation to prevent overheating. In the winter, conservatories act as a buffer zone between the cold outside space and the warm indoors. However, conservatories should remain unheated. Passive ventilation is something that we do automatically - opening windows and doors. For effective passive ventilation a cross-airflow has to be encouraged. This is done by opening windows on the opposite sides and or different levels of the house.

Solar Technology: There are typically two types of technology, although some variations do exist. Those include space heating which uses the recovered heat from solar water heating or hybrid of solar heating and photovoltaics.

Solar Water Heating also referred to as solar thermal, is the most common solar technology used in the UK. Solar panels are mounted on the south-facing side of the roof and plumbed into the hot water cylinder. There are two types of panels - evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors.

Photovoltaics (PV) produce electricity and can be roof or surface mounted on south side of the house. They can be used as a façade, sun shading devices, roof mounted (panel) or roof integrated (roof tiles). PVs in urban setting are generally connected to the grid through two-way meter with the option to sell excess electricity to the energy supplier. In rural areas or on boats etcetera they are used to charge stand-alone batteries. Both technologies are almost entirely maintenance free due to advances in the development of the self-cleaning glass. Both technologies are supported by a grant.

Sun Pipes are reflective tubes or pipes fitted to the roof channelling light to where is needed. More efficient sun pipes are fitted with a daylight sensor and a light fitting which can be turned on when daylight conditions are poor.

Ground Source Heat Pump utilises the heat stored in the ground and provides space heating ideally through the use of under floor heating system. There are two options: slinky (coiled pipe) laid approximately 2m under ground; or deep bore hole. This technology is supported by a grant.

Solar Garden Lights and Other Gadgets - when thinking solar it doesn’t always have to be a big scale project. Garden lights, calculators, chargers, radios and many other gadgets are now available.