• Paid to Save the Planet
• Reducing CO2
• Why Solar?
• Save the Planet

Save the Planet

Climate Change

Climate Change is a global challenge that we simply can’t afford to ignore. It’s a threat to all of us that’s been created by all of us. However, at Ethical Solar we believe that the future isn’t doom and gloom. There’s a lot we can do to turn back this worrying global trend of ever increasing carbon emissions. While solar panels are obviously not the only answer they can certainly form part of the resolution.

Every time we turn on a light, the kettle, hair dryer, cooker or computer we create pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels required to produce that electricity. In 2008, total UK CO2 emissions were 533 million tonnes. 27% (144 million tonnes) of those emissions came from the energy we use to heat, light and power our homes. It’s clear our homes have a critical role to play in mitigating the effects of climate change. The average household emits 5 and a half tonnes (that’s the same size as an African Elephant) of carbon through heating and electricity. A lovely solar power installation, with its promise of an abundant and clean electricity supply, can save 1,800Kg of C02.

What’s also promising is that these savings on conventional electricity use and consequent emissions can be stretched further. A solar system introduces a financial incentive to both monitor and change households’ usage patterns. The more free electricity you generate and subsequently use the greater the financial savings and the lighter your households step on the planet will become.

What’s more- our panels are manufactured with hydropower being made in Norway so are not going to be producing a lot of carbon before they’re even put to use. Especially carbons neutral are our lovely Innotech panels. Innotech solar applies processing technologies to solar cells that are deemed to be anomalies. Effectively these cells are restored to their maximum capacity providing us with cost-effective and environmentally friendly modules.

12 Energy saving tips to consider before you install

These energy savings tips could maximise the potential of your solar system to replace the electricity that you have to buy from the grid and increase the value of your returns.

1. Use energy saving light bulbs: swapping all the light bulbs in your home for energy saving ones could save you around £37 a year.
2. Always aim to fill your dishwasher and washing machines: and if you’re planning on installing a solar system try to get into the habit of using them during the day so they can run on free solar energy once it’s installed.
3. Lower the temperatures: turn down your thermostat by a few degrees and put on another jumper! You’ll soon adapt to the slight change in temperature and be happy with the lower bills. Try not to set your washing machine above 40C.
4. Only boil as much water as you need: and check with the rest of the house if they want a cuppa so you’re not unnecessarily boiling it twice! Not only will you save money in doing it you’ll be popular as well!
5. Fix any leaking taps: especially the hot ones.
6. Insulate your Hot Water tank with a jacket: a 3inch thick jacket will cost you a couple of pounds and could save you £35 a year
7. Insulate your loft: will help to keep your house cosier in the winter and it will save you about £145 a year
8. Install double glazing: double glazing can cut heat loss through windows by 50% and could cut your heating bill by around £140 a year.
9. Draught proofing: stop the cold from getting in through cracks in the doors, key wholes and windows fill these gaps with newspaper, beading or sealant. You can install a cheap, easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on exterior doors as well.
10. Turn off appliances get out of the habit of using standby: turning everything off at the mains can save you as much as 8% a year on your electric bills.
11. Turn off lights when you leave a room: an obvious one but it’s easily forgotten as well
12. Avoid the tumble dryer: if weather allows it try to hang your clothes out to dry instead or put them in the airing cupboard. Tumble dryers are big energy users and often not needed.