[Article] Solar energy 'could halve heat bills'

Victor

http://www.thepost.ie/web/DocumentView/did-157209562-pageUrl--2FThe-Newspaper-2FSundays-Paper-2FNews.asp

Solar energy 'could halve heat bills'
27/06/04 00:00
By Louise McBride

The average Irish family will spend up to €40,000 over the next 30 years heating its home, according to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) - but home heating bills could be cut by up to 50 per cent through greater use of solar power.

SEI has developed an information pack on renewable energy, including solar energy. The pack offers advice on geothermal heat pumps and solar water heaters.

It informs you how to choose the right product and supplier, and how to incorporate solar designs into your home.

Passive solar design maximises solar gains through good orientation, layout and glazing.

It avoids heat loss through insulation and airtight designs, and manages comfort by using controlled ventilation and daylight.

SEI said interest in renewable energy such as solar power was increasing due to rising energy demands, high oil prices and the proposed carbon tax on traditional fossil fuels.

In the last five years Ireland's energy demand increased by 20 per cent, and most of this energy comes from imported fossil fuels, according to Paul Kellett, a technical manager with SEI.

The burning of fossil fuels to heat or to create electricity generates carbon dioxide emissions, a key contributor to global warming and climate change.

Ireland consumed the equivalent of 15 million tonnes of oil in 2003, costing consumers over €7 billion and emitting over 45 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, the SEI said.

This is almost twice the 1990 levels when we spent €4 billion on energy and emitted 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, our greenhouse gas levels cannot exceed an average of 60.9 million tonnes a year between 2008 and 2010.

``We have many ways to save energy and money in our homes by using energy-efficient systems and appliances, and installing insulation to reduce heat loss,'' said Kellett.

``The next stage is to consider installing a renewable energy system in your home.

"Many households in Ireland are already experiencing the benefits of natural power.''

The number of solar suppliers in the Irish market has in- creased from five in 2001 to 18 now, though take-up of solar energy remains low.

Only about 300 houses use solar energy, according to SEI.

In Europe, about 2.5 million households use solar water heaters.

K2

my mates brother in Germany not only produces his own electricity from solar power but the power companies are obliged to buy his excess capacity from him. Along with the tax breaks provided by the German goverment it has taken less than 5 years for his system to pay for itself.