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Solar energy



		solar power leaflet

		solar cooking interview

	Solar Power at home

The UK's climate change bill put forward by the government in March 2007 seeks to reduce UK carbon emissions by 60% by the year 2050. Householders will be asked to be more energy-efficient and there will a greater drive for homes to generate their own energy.

The following is a leaflet from a local authority on using solar power to self-produce energy. Before you read, try an activity on using solar panels.


	Tadchester District Council Environmental Services Department Energy Efficiency Advice Unit How to get the most from renewables Information sheet #4: Solar power

The sun is a limitless source of energy. Your local authority can help you make the most of it. Here are some practical suggestions for improving the energy-efficiency of your home.

Solar Heating Panels
Why use solar power?
A solar heating panel put on a south-facing roof can provide most of the hot water you need in your house all year round. The size of the panel will depend on the number of people occupying the house and how much water they use. The panel will continue to collect heat from the sun even on cloudy days. You can save at least £200 a year on your fuel bills.

How do they work?
Inside a solar panel is a series of pipes. The pipes contain a special liquid which, once heated by the sun, transfers this heat to the water that you use in your bathroom or kitchen. After 3 or 4 hours of daylight you will have enough hot water to take a shower or use the sink or washbasin. Simply store the water in your tank until you want to use it.

How can I get one for my home?
You can receive a grant from the Environmental Services Department to cover 80% of the cost of buying and installing a solar panel in your home. We can supply a list of recommended local firms who will fit your solar panel and maintain it free of charge for ten years. If you are disabled or over 65 we may be able to pay all of the cost for you.
Please fill out the form below with your contact details and we will send you an application form. Alternatively, apply directly online at this web address www.tadchester.gov.uk/solarsolutions

Other solar ideas

Security Lights
If you want your home protected from intruders, motion-activated security lights are available at low cost. They use small photovoltaic cells which convert the light from the sun into electrical energy which is stored in a normal battery. If you are disabled or infirm, you can take advantage of our Solar Security Scheme. We will install up to three lights for no charge in your front or back garden. Please contact the Social Services Department for details or at the website above.

Garden illumination
Why not make your garden look nice at night with no increase in your electricity bill? Solar garden lights work in a similar way to security lights and keep your garden permanently illuminated for up to 6 hours.

Tadchester District Council – renewable ideas in action

Now try a vocabulary activity based on some of the words used in the leaflet.