Huron Expositor, 2007-03-28, Page 12Page 12 March 28, 2007 • The Huron Expositor
News
Solar energy canreduce dependence on the grid
Centre for Applied and Renewable Energy in Brussels offers info on alternative (f`,
r
•nnifrr Hubbard energy
"When it comes to solar energy,
it's important not to underestimate
your own common sense."
That was just one of many tips
Evert Schaap, of e -Vert Energy,
shared with more than a dozen area
residents during a March 22 solar
energy information night hosted by
the Centre for Applied and
Renewable Energy in Brussels.
"People come to me and say `I
have a huge hydro bill, what can I
do?' Well...the first step is to start
saving your power. It's common
sense, but it's true," he explained.
Schaap's energy saving tips
ranged from energy efficient light
bulbs and light timer switches to
electronic thermostats.
While a variety of technologies
have been developed to harness
solar energy, photovoltaic systems
are among the most popular. The
systems feature solar cells that con-
vert solar energy directly into elec-
tricity.
And though it is possible for a
modern home to run completely on
solar power, Schaap stressed even
small changes can make a differ-
ence.
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He presented
He presented
three different
options for solar
system s :
autonomous,
hybrid and grid
connected.
The smallest of
the three,
autonomous sys-
tems rely exclu-
sively on, solar
energy to meet
their electricity
needs. Batteries
store energy from
the photovoltaic
systems during
the day for use at
night or on
cloudy days.
Ranging in
price between
$6,000 and
$7,000, this sys-
tem is appropri-
ate for cottages,
but not the most
reliable, Schaap
commented.
A hybrid sys-
tem is a more dependable — and
costly — option for those who don't
want to be connected to the power
grid.
"It's an expensive system, but it
does allow you to say good-bye to
Hydro One," said Schaap, who has
developed a hybrid system for his
own home.
"Two to three times a year I have
to fire up the generator due to a
lack of sunshine, but most of the
time I'm okay."
Hybrid systems operate using a
mixture of solar, wind and/or fuel -
fired generator energy methods.
e initial investment for a system
f this style ranges from $45,000 to
60,000.
But it's not all or nothing, Schaap
added.
Grid -connected systems generate
Evert Schaap holds
a meeting in Bruss
0
•
from the sun.
Solar water, solar air and solar
process heating systems are also
popular for heating commercial or
industrial buildings.
And because "nobody needs hot
water 24 hours a day," solar hot
water heaters can also be a great
idea for the home, Schaap said.
"It's one of the best investments
you can make. Hot water heaters
represent 30-35 per cent of our
hydro and/or natural gas consump-
tion," he explained.
At a cost of about $3-4,000 for a
family of four, Schaap predicted a
solar hot water heater would pay
for itself in about five years.
"Solar energy is not something
that we've discovered in the past 50
years, it's been used for hundreds of
years in the Caribbean to create
salt," he explained.
"It costs a little bit in the begin-
ning, but it's something you will be
enjoying for a long time."
Last week's meeting was the first
a series of information seminars
osted by the centre. Two seminars
e set for April.
A wind energy information night
11 be held on April 19 and feature
nnifer Shergold, wind energy lead
the centre, and Bill King, of
William King Consulting.
The bio -diesel seminar originally
for Feb. 22 and postponed due to
ather, has been rescheduled to
ril 26. Ernst and Jasmine Hofer
11 share information about their
periences with on-farm produc-
n of bio -diesel and Paul Hoggarth
speak on motor adaptability.
oth meetings begin at 7 p.m.
d pre -registration is preferred.
ntact the centre at (519) 887-
4 for more information.
he Centre for Applied and
newable Energy was established
the fall of 2006 to promote all
ms of renewable energy. It pro -
es information services, general
ning and project assistance.
in
up a solar tube for a hot water heater at h
els on solar power. ar
their own electricity utilizing solar wi
or wind energy. Excess power can Je
be stored in batteries or fed into the
power grid for later use. at
"That way if your solar power cuts
out, Hydro One will pick up and set
you'll always have power," he
explained. "The only disadvantage Ap
is, if you don't have batteries and
the grid goes down, you're dead. wl
Except if the sun is shining of ti
ex
course." do
Like the smaller autonomous sys-
tems, grid -connected system can anB
start out small and grow in time. Co
Regardless of their choice, Schaap 269
encouraged all solar energy users to T
monitor their system in a daily log, Re
and make adjustments as neces-
sary i n
On a larger scale, concentratin for
g
solar power systems are used bvid
power plants to generate electricity trai
>
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