Solar Energy Reviews

Increasingly, local planning authorities in the UK requires an energy statement to be presented as part of a planning application. This is often combined with the requirement to provide a reduction in carbon emissions from energy use of the building through onsite generation energy using technologies of low or zero carbon (often referred to as renewable energy technologies). Typical reduction targets are currently between 10% and 20%. For larger development proposals for the preparation of a declaration of energy requires a careful study option in the form of an energy renewable feasibility study. For small residential developments are limited options. This article provides information about how to prepare a statement of energy for development proposals of small: houses usually one or two. In preparing a statement of energy of five steps should be followed:

1. To determine the energy efficiency target
2. Identify the energy efficiency of the building envelope
3. Consider the possibility of energy saving measures complementary
4. Estimation of energy efficiency
5. Consider technologies low or zero carbon

Next logical steps and write in a statement that will provide a statement of energy that can be presented with their planning application.

To determine the energy efficiency target

The first step is to define energy efficiency the building in terms of carbon emissions will be achieved. Part L of building regulations introduced two terms that are used in determining energy efficiency of a building. These are the targets of emission rate (TER) and Housing Issue Price (DER). These two values are determined by the set SAP calculations to be made available by the government. Part L of building regulations require that RSD is not greater than TER.

Improve energy efficiency of building envelope

The first step to consider is to improve the energy efficiency of the building structure. This is expressed as the U-value of different construction elements (roof, walls, floor, windows and doors). Significant reductions can be achieved by specifying appropriate roof insulation, wall insulation and energy efficient windows. Other measures to improve the energy efficiency of the building structure are the tightness of the construction and ventilation characteristics. The type of fuel being used also has a significant impact on carbon emissions the building. The emission factor for different types of fuel is very different. Electricity, for example, has much higher carbon emissions per unit of energy natural gas. Clearly, the use of electricity for space heating have a significantly adverse effect on carbon emissions from the house.

Consider Additional energy saving measures

A number of energy saving measures that can be applied further. The effect of most of these Additional measures influences the behavior of people living in the dwelling. The actual amount of energy savings and can not be quantified, but these measures are believed to useful, however. Measures to consider are:

• Provision of drying space
• The power supply of the white label
• From energy-efficient lighting internal and external
• Provision of cycle storage
• Provision of a home office

Estimation of energy efficiency

Including an indication of expected carbon emissions in the statement of energy is important for two reasons. First, can serve as a final element to the declaration of energy. Second, when the planning authority requires a certain percentage of total emissions will be reduced by generating own power through renewable energy technologies, carbon emissions are expected to serve starting point for consideration of renewable energy technologies. Sometimes refers to a set of tools that was published in 2004: "The integration of renewable energy in new developments: Toolkit for planners, developers and consultants. "The reference data in the toolset are dated and based on existing material and therefore probably overestimates the energy use for any particular new building. We therefore recommend the use of actual calculations that are suitable for construction. This must be done through SAP calculations. Although the request for the detailed planning stage design not yet complete, a good estimate of the value of the parameters in the calculations of SAP can do. The information considered in the section on energy efficiency of building fabric must be taken into account in preparing the SAP calculations.

Consider technologies low or zero carbon

For major development plans, chances are technologies make low or zero carbon technologies renewable energy available. For small one or two unit developments viable technologies available are more limited. Energy technologies Renewable that are widely available and viable options for small developments are:

• Solar hot water system
• Photovoltaic cells
• Ground source Heatpumps
• Air source Heatpumps
• Biomass Heaters

Moreover Small wind turbines are often mentioned and the progress in micro CHP is advancing rapidly.

Peter Beutel Talks Energy Stocks