Can we Really Use Solar Power in the UK

After the last couple of summers we have experienced, the idea of solar power being used effectively in the UK to create power may not seem to be a great idea, with our continually cloudy skies is solar power really a viable option to the average homeowner in the UK. The idea or myth that you need blue skies for solar energy to be effective, probably arises, because although people in general understand the basics of how solar panels work they probably do not understand the intricacies of how solar power is produced. I will hopefully dispell a couple of these myths in the article.

1st Myth: You need blue skies with the sun high in the sky.

Blue skies in the UK doesn't seem to happen that often, but, let me ask you this have you ever been to the beach on a cloudy day, and been sunburnt at the end of the day. At the same time you are getting burnt by the suns energy, solar panels can be collecting this energy. This will be less than the amount of energy you would collect on a sunny day, but as long as their is a degree of sunlight, the panels will continue to collect the sun's energy. This energy can then be stored in batteries, solar modules, and then used in the evening to provide power to a home.

2nd Myth: We don't get enough sunlight in the UK

Over the course of a year, on average, the UK experiences 2.5 hours of sunlight a day that can be used to produce energy. Not very much, but with current technology it is more than enough to handle the power demands of the average home without fully draining the solar modules. The methods and technologies used in storing and gathering the solar energy are also continually improving which will allow for even greater demands on the stored energy.

An average solar panel can capture 15 to 20% of the energy collected, again this looks like a low figure, but it is enough to power an average home during a cloudy day, without having to dip into the battery power. Storing the energy in solar modules allows future use of the energy and is easily expanded by adding to the number of panels and modules.

Solar energy is still a relatively new resource in our search for alternative energy options. While the concept of solar power has made some great advances in the past thirty years or so, the next decade should see a number of technological improvements. These new innovations will make the harnessing of the suns rays even more viable as a means of not only safe and clean power to our homes. As we continue to refine the process of using solar energy, perhaps we can also rid ourselves of some of the misinformation about solar energy that has become part of our public consciousness in the UK. Mind you I would still like to see more blue skies.

Gavin Dye is the webmaster at Solar Power 4u where you can learn about solar power and other forms of alternative energy you can use around your home. You can also learn how you can do your bit to stop Global Warming and learn more about Solar Power.