Renewable energy

Switching to a renewable energy supplier is becoming a lot easier – now that consumers have the power to choose who provides them with their energy needs, there really is no excuse to be stuck with the same company for years on end. Now that renewable energy suppliers are becoming ever-more prevalent, you will need to have the information at your hands to be able to choose which renewable energy supplier is better and greener, which is where this guide comes in!

Renewable (or green) energy has been available to some customers in the UK since 1997, but has only been available to the general public since the energy market was opened up in May 1999. Why should you choose to switch, when you’ve always had the same supplier? Well, renewable energy does not directly result in any by-products that might harm the environment and comes from ‘renewable’ and unlimited sources such as wind and water. Most forms of renewable energy do not produce waste, and those that do produce miniscule amounts that have a negligible effect on the world around us.

When looking at which tariff is better to choose – it’s actually worth your while to look at what green tariffs are trying to achieve. The aim is to increase the amount of renewable energy supply there is in the country.
Tariffs should only be taken up if:

• They (the companies) sell green electricity
• Produce green electricity in a large percentage of power stations they own
• Buy or generate one unit of green electricity for every one unit you buy
• Hold onto at least some of the proof that they have done this.

Tariffs from companies that own ancient and inefficient fossil fuel-based power stations ought to be discounted on the basis that we’re still supporting their ownership of such redundant decadence.

Let us make no bones about this – switching to green energy is the responsibility of us all – with the range of choice open to us there is simply no excuse to keep being supplied by power companies which are raping the world of valuable resources and depriving future generations of a clean world to live in. By supporting green energy suppliers you will be helping to change the world in which you live for the better.

Solar energy in the home

As technology improves and people become more clued-in to the idea that generating your own power through renewable sources is the way forward, so the notion of solar power at home is no longer considered the preserve of the rich or slightly wacky vegetarians.

Solar panels are an excellent alternative to having your energy supplied by traditional methods. They are easy to maintain and although they require regular cleaning to maintain efficiency levels, the savings to your bank account and the environment are too great to be ignored. Interestingly in 2005 the government aimed to have 6,000 roofs in the UK covered with solar panels, while Germany had a target of 140,000 and Japan 400,000!

If you’re worried about cost, the most cost-efficient solar panel to go for is the amorphous panel made from amorphous silicon – this is less efficient than the more expensive polycrystalline panels and monocrystalline panels but costs a lot less and allows for your entire roof to be replaced.

As time draws on the technology is getting cheaper. While it may seem initially prohibitive, your long-term savings will be considerable. Just consider the idea of generating your own power, without having to pay for the raw materials! This is one step on the way to self-sufficiency, and you could even make money from it.