Generating electricity at home

Darkseid

cepheus wrote: »

Darkseid. I don't see why gound source heat pumps require an inverter, these are just for space heating and should work off the mains.

They don't, of course. The restriction is (for me) not being able to convert to underfloor heating, so hot water would be the only benefit, and I seriously doubt if the capex and running costs would be worth the effort compared to a "whole house" solution.

* Special thanks to scbk for the freeflowhydro link - this sounds MARVELLOUS!


It's my long-term view that micro-scavenging energy is the ultimate solution. I would also agree that reducing dependence on energy companies will only make prices rise for every else, as was proven by the Three-Day Week under Ted Heath: They sell less, so they charge more to maintain their profitability.

SpursDave

Cardew, I think we must agree to differ! I am sure many market prices are kept artificially high via cartels and secret deals and I don't believe I am overly paranoid. Business' singular goal is profit and everything else is secondary...

As for Spurs, fifth? I hope they take the title, but I am ever the hopeful!! Strange how so much money was available to the previous manager, but not to one who may do something wth it this season....we've been here before haven't we?! Ah well....

Cardew

SpursDave wrote: »

Cardew, I think we must agree to differ! I am sure many market prices are kept artificially high via cartels and secret deals and I don't believe I am overly paranoid. Business' singular goal is profit and everything else is secondary...

I think every government in the world are united in the aim to produce 'green' energy. Not only for the reduction of carbon emissions, but to preserve oil/gas/coal reserves.

This government, and many others, are providing huge subsidies/tax breaks for 'green' power generation as well as incentives for private individuals for solar/wind generation.

Huge amounts of money is being invested in research to produce cheap solar panels for electricity generation. When/if panels can be produced that are financially viable, then there will be a fortune to be made. Bear in mind that electricity produced cheaply can charge batteries for cars, boats etc much in the way that(expensive) solar arrays power spacecraft.

So yes I do think you are being overly paranoid;)

Darkseid

I hate to be cynical, but...

Cardew wrote: »

I think every government in the world are united in the aim to produce 'green' energy.

With a quick edit, it becomes:

Cardew wrote: »

I think every government in the world are united in the aim to produce votes.

I must hate my cynicism. Hate, hate, hate. (There...I feel better now.)

Cardew

Darkseid wrote: »

I hate to be cynical, but...

Your cynicism is absolutely justified!

The leader of HM Opposition cycling to Westminster - followed by a camera car for the photo opportunity(having just taken a photo of his wind powered turbine) and another carrying his paperwork being a good example.

However the fact remains that should solar energy ever be produced cheaply, it is a win/win situation for everyone. If fact the Government will not even have to provide a subsidy.

yakky58

“It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order"

That's what I read into your comments on micro generation. Currently, it is expensive with a comparison to the current order, will you be saying the same when oil/gas/coal all run out?

To be expected from N19 not as forward looking as those in N5 as seen by trophies won in the last 12 years.

Cardew

yakky58 wrote: »

“
To be expected from N19 not as forward looking as those in N5 as seen by trophies won in the last 12 years.

N19?? or N17

yakky58

dunno only went to WHL once in 1971 was a good evening we won the double ....

yakky58

Moving back to the micro generation discussion. I have to say the suppliers of my solar DHW are very good. They called me in December 2008 to say they had found a defect in the manufacture of the tubes. By March they had come and replaced the tubes and recommission the system all for free. When I looked I found they had forgotten to lag the copper pipes externally on the roof. I called and they were back the next day and fixed it.

I can't say they ripped me off at all. It didn't cost a penny.