Can the sun help the environment?

• Mar. 20 by Reshma Karia (2)

New world solar installations have been officially installed carrying over 350 renewable technology installations in theUK.

Even new solar projects in California have been undertaken and have been a worldwide new application.

Solar panels start to collect energy from the sun these ranges from solar hot water, PV systems and air source heat pumps, this is how the process begins.

The two main forms of these are solar electricity panels and solar hot water panels these let us generate electricity for our homes and to the heat the water that we use.

Solar hot water panels have been increasingly popular around the world, as it also can be seen as cost efficient.

So far this project has shown that new solar hot water systems can produce up to 50% of the homes hot water requirements.

These New world solar panels have been introduced to offer its best with consumers in making an environment and solar impact.

Electricity is such a strong intake that makes the world go round, households use electricity in such huge masses without even realising it. Through hair straightens, cookers, phone charges, television, computers and to even cooking appliances. It flows just like a running tap!

The idea came from The Summerfield residents for an eco village. They approached Family housing, which are the largest social housing provider in the area, who in turn approached the Council for funding.

Since the council are involved in such a big project this can potentially get others around involved such as local schools in the area and voluntary organisations. The new Eco Radio station based through the web has been recognized to promote the project further in order to communicate green information and issues with the residents that are raised. The Eco radio station is currently working with primary school children, which I think is such a good idea, as the children are getting involved with environmental issues.

Birmingham is now responsible for the solar water heating at Northfield Eco-Centre and the Summerfield Eco-Village.

Family housing association in Birmingham received a recent award of 2.3 million in recognition on behalf of their Eco village project in the summer field area of the city.

Working in partnership with the Birmingham city council, new world solar, urban living and some local residents. So far this project is the largest renewable technology to be build in the UK.

Since it is a huge project it is really important how local residents are getting there say in what they want improving in the environment, these can be bought up in regular meetings in the community with the main organisers to get points across.

Residents in the area have also benefited from the advice given by a Green Doctor who is employed by the council. The Green Doctor provides a service whereby residents can call him out to their house to assess any practical, small-scale improvements that could be made to make the house more energy efficient.

350 new world solar thermal panels so far have been installed in Birmingham and around areas like West Bromwich and Sandwell so far. Helping the area has made an improvement, helping people in the area to finally afford a modern central heating system.

It has really provided a mass of hot water and reduced household bills; the advantage about these solar panels is that they are not really noticeable so it wouldn’t change to what your rooftop looks like.

Harpal Singh a former resident aged at 22, living at home with his parents who is currently studying at Aston University said, “ The new solar world panels is an extraordinary idea, even people from here are pleased with the result”

Currently this project is now running in Lozells in Birmingham and Warwick aiming to install 23 solar hot water panels and providing 1500 homes with green information packs on recycling, water conversation and other green issues.

Family Housing is now focusing their work on South Lozells to help homeowners in this area receive the same benefits. This is great idea, as the project can develop further in order to keep it going in well-known areas in and around Birmingham. Helping the environment can ensure we are all happy from such great results.

Mark Clemson the director of the new world solar project does want this project to carry on meeting its expectations and keeping more residents aware about them his views are “If we are to meet the governments targets for CO2 reduction more people need to start thinking on how we use energy and alternatives”