Comments for Solarkent's Weblog

Comment on Shock Horror, Govt Scientist has revelation! by Jasper

Jasper — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:34:45 +0000

Although it seems far off, I find 2050 a handy date to get to grips with. It’s a date that crops up a lot – as you point out, we are meant to have reduced our carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, and similarly the aviation industry is apparently pledging to halve its emissions by that date. For someone my age, it’s within one’s average life expectancy, so a degree of self-interest creeps into it. More significantly, many of the politicians who will have their hands on the steering wheel of state in the next few years can expect to still be alive then, so that might just make them think…Of potential Prime Ministers after Brown, Cameron will turn 84 in 2050, Miliband 85, James Purnell 80, Osborne a mere 79.

Comment on Why is the UK public more ‘climate sceptical’ than the rest of Europe by solarkent

solarkent — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:14:56 +0000

Have a look at the bbc ‘Have your say’ which considers the adverse health effects of Climate Change.

http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?sortBy=2&forumID=7014&edition=1&ttl=20090917181014&#paginator

It shows an overriding lack of concern or trust in the fact of climate change, as if it is one big scam to get more tax money out of the public. This is very worrying, especially if we get politicians aiming to get support by deriding climate change in order to gain votes.

Comment on Why Isn’t Solar Energy being used in Egypt? by solarkent

solarkent — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:18:42 +0000

For a real example of how easy low tech solar water heating is, see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBAi_TVNaiM

This would be ideal for any hot / sunny country!

Even better, the result allows the ‘hostess’ to take a hot shower

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXGlB1kGO5E&feature=channel

Comment on Solar Water Heating – 4th year by Ken Brackwell

Ken Brackwell — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:07:21 +0000

Pay back is all tied to initial cost. My 30 vacuum tube system with a new 160L tank as pre heater £1000 Inc vat + diy
I believe the key is the preheater system. The problem is cold water enters the house at say 6C and needs to get to 40C ( no need to be hotter) In the winter months the panel only has to heat the water to 23c to have saved 50% of the energy bill !!!!

Comment on About by leigh jackson

leigh jackson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:03:57 +0000

Hi Well done on the website map of renewables. Of course it cannot cover small scale CHP for domestic use. Have you considered Fuel cell CHP sites I believe Woking council have a large one. I also tried the No 10 petition on feed in tariffs for fuel cells in particular.
Which brings me to the question of wind power providing for separation of hydrogen by electricity and storage in powdered hydrate powders in low pressure bottles for subsequent use in a fuel cell, can this be done easily?. Will it provide consistent power in a small CHP installation at a farm shop which is off grid i.e.lots of money to connect .
I would appriciate your comments coming from an experienced wind power user and aware of fuel cell technology.
Thanks in advance
Leigh Jackson

Comment on About by David Watson

David Watson — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:59:45 +0000

Hi Solar
My search engine found your map.
Perhaps you may include Tidal Energy Devices under development? We have one or two in Lowestoft.
Best regards
David
MD
4NRG Ltd

Comment on About by solarkent

solarkent — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:33:42 +0000

Anaerobic digestion power plants: Generally these are too small, also there is the challenge of finding the data. Generally I try to include all publicly reported schemes that are about 0.5MB or larger. Realistically this excludes just about all Solar PV as though the amount of solar PV generated electricity is growing and certainly not insignificant, it is made up of many small installations. However, in both cases, I am happy to include any generation where it is serving a public amenity, ie not a private home.

Comment on About by Jane Williams

Jane Williams — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:09:53 +0000

I have been looking at your Renewable Energy Map today as I am preparing a presentation on energy saving and renewables for my local Rotary club. I am most impressed…..
This is a great resource. I have found a couple of minor mapping errors but otherwise the info is absolutely great. If I had one request it would be for Anaerobic digestion power plants but I guess these would all be too small?

Comment on E.on and my OWL Energy Meter by solarkent

solarkent — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:23:18 +0000

Energy Tracker not so good!
Moving in to the new year, although the previous years data is transferred and visible so you can see how the new year data compares, the year before is deleted!
It appears that e.on do not have the technology to show more than two years data.
Also, the facility to monitor energy use by submitting meter readings online is a bit sad. Only 3 readings per month may be entered. So being responsible and keeping a regular tally of meter readings is rewarded by a system that refuses to accept any more data.
This is balanced by e.on demanding readings – helpfully suggesting that one uses the now non-working online facility!

Comment on My Wind Turbine – Lessons by Nigel

Nigel — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:11:17 +0000

Great information thanks heaps