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Renewable energy in housing

 

Once only of interest to committed 'greens', renewable energy technologies are now an increasingly familiar source of energy in housing, and a key element of Government energy policy.

 

Thousands of householders have already fitted solar and other technologies to their homes, often with the help of government grants. Many local authorities and housing associations have also taken advantage of grants to fit renewables to new and existing housing - sometimes as part of wider community regeneration programmes.

 

The Primrose Hill solar regeneration project, for example, includes a number of renewable energy projects in the context of regenerating a Huddersfield estate that has had economic and social problems. The project includes demolishing the central core of the estate, building 31 new houses and 32 new flats, and refurbishing existing homes.

 

Solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) systems will be installed in the new houses (PV only for the flats) and 32 existing properties. A grant from the DTI's Clear Skies scheme (www.clear-skies.org) will help to fund the proposed solar thermal hot water systems.

 

The inclusion of renewable energy technologies will provide a thematic and physical link between the new and existing housing, and give the estate an innovative and distinctive look. It will reduce current and future energy costs to tenants, addressing fuel poverty concerns and protecting tenants from predicted energy cost rises.

 

Photovoltaics

PV systems, such as that being installed at Primrose Hill, convert energy from the sun into energy and supply it to the building or the electricity grid.

 

They need only daylight, not sunlight, to generate electricity (although more electricity is produced with more sunlight), and so work in overcast or cloudy conditions and in all parts of the UK.

 

Photovoltaic cells come in modular panels that can be fitted to the tops of roofs (looking similar to rooflights) and in slates or shingles that are integral parts of the roof covering (looking similar to normal roof tiles). They can be incorporated into glass for atria walls and roofs, or used as cladding or rain screens on building walls.

 

PV systems can be discreet when designed as an integral part of the roof. An 'invisible' design using slates or shingles, as opposed to an architectural statement, is likely to be preferable in sensitive areas.

 

Solar water heating

Solar water heating systems use a heat collector, generally mounted on the roof, in which a fluid is heated by the sun. The fluid heats up water stored in the building. As these systems can function in diffuse lighting
conditions, they work successfully in all parts of the UK. They are suitable for any building type that has sufficient year-round hot water needs and a south (or south-east/south-west) facing roof.

 

Other systems

Among several other renewable energy technology systems are:

• Wind turbines -  Modern, quiet wind turbines are increasingly seen in lower-density urban areas. For denser areas, a number of companies are developing small, roof mounted turbines that, if successful, are likely to be an increasingly popular way of providing buildings with energy.
• Fuel cells - currently being developed and trialled, fuel cells convert energy stored in chemical form into electricity - as do batteries, but fuel cells use externally supplied fuel (hydrogen) and so do not need recharging.
• Biomass heating - biomass, usually in the form of wood chips or pellets, can be burnt to provide heat in buildings
• Ground source heat pumps - these draw heat from the ground, concentrate it and deliver it to the building
• Ground sourced cooling - space cooling for a building can be provided by circulating water cooled directly by the ground.

Renewable technology showcase

The latest renewable energy and energy efficiency developments will be on display at resource05, a three-day showcase being held at BRE near Watford on 13-15 September 2005. Leading industry figures will discuss advances in low carbon technologies and how they are being applied in building projects across the UK.

 

Indoor and outdoor exhibitions areas will showcase a wide range of products and materials - solar thermal, advanced insulation, innovative cooling, biomass boilers, lighting, photovoltaics, ground source heat pumps and many others.

 

For more information contact BRE Events on 01923 664800, Email events@bre.co.uk or visit www.resource05.com.

 

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