After further thought into the best ways available for us to ensure a clean future i am slowly coming to the conclusion that we need to establish a prevention rather than cure attitude and awareness. After research into the active side of solar energy its clear to me that there is a considerable amount of problems surrounding solar panels. Solar panels are a great way to save money but cost a large initial payment. Now although this price is reducing quickly and their lifespan is increasing there is a limit. With the most up to date panels lasting around 25 years before they will then need completely replacing. With the additional components such as power inverters lasting alot less.
Therefore for us to sustain a carbon neutral existence for a greater period of time and to maximise the suns potential in all seasons it is in the very way that we build that needs to change. This is where i feel the passive side of solar energy is what needs the most investment and widespread awareness. We need to build in such a way that the suns energy can be effectively maximised for a number of energy types. I feel that solar panels are a great addition but we should not stop here as our building can be used to store alot more heat. Passive building design can also use the suns energy to regulate air flow throughout a home keeping it at a comfortable level.
The television programme Grand Designs documented the making of Britain's first acredited passive house. Where a couple set out to design and build a home that would be air tight and needs no heating.
First Broadcast on the 22nd of September 2010 Watch the episode here
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