Do you wish to live off-grid? Alternative Energy Store UK Limited can install solar PV and wind turbine systems which qualify for feed in tariffs, thus enabling you to recover your investment costs.
Building a new house in the country and need a grid connection? Go off grid, why pay the utility company thousands of pounds to enable them to give you a quarterly bill. Our systems mean you get paid to generate electricity for your own use, meaning payback is sooner than you think.
We also supply a range of batteries, solar panels and charge controllers for the leisure market. So if you have a caravan, boat or motorhome that needs off grid power, can supply you with all the equiment you need.
Our range of products are from top brand names such as Moringstar, Numax, Platinum, PowerOne, REC Solar, REW Solar, Sanyo, Schueco, SMA, Steca, Trojan Battery Company and Victron Energy. Quality and reliabilty come hand in hand with these proven manufacturers.
Solar Panels and Feed in Tariffs
Photovoltaic solar panels use cells to convert solar radiation into electricity. The photovoltaic (PV) cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow. Cells are arranged in solar panels which can be fixed to the roof of the property or at a suitably orientated position. The electricity produced by the solar panel is then stored in deep cycle batteries using a solar charge controller or exported back to the national grid using a grid tied inverter.
Solar Thermal
Solar thermal systems use heat from the sun to heat water that is pumped through solar panels (solar collectors) which works alongside your conventional water heater. Solar thermal systems can produce between 30% to 70% of your annual hot water needs. Not only do they reduce the amount of energy you consume they can also prolong the lifespan of your boiler by it not being used so much.
The technology is well developed with a large choice of equipment to suit many applications. For domestic hot water there are three main components: solar collector a heat transfer system, and a hot water cylinder. Solar collectors are in most cases fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun's radiation. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to heat water. A hot water cylinder (see Gledhill Cylinders) stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines convert the power from the wind into electricity. This can then be stored in deep cycle batteries or exported to the grid using an inverter. Wind turbines work best in open spaces without any obstructions interfering with the wind flow. The most common type of wind turbine is the horizontal axis turbine (HAWT). These are typically upwind turbines that have a tail to direct the blades into the wind. There are a few manufacturers who make downwind hawts. Another type of wind turbine is the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). These turbines are generally based on the Savonious turbine which uses drag forces or the Darrieus turbine which uses lift forces generated by an aerofoil.
Deep Cycle Batteries
When stored energy is a must, the best and most reliable type of battery is a deep cycle battery. Weighing more than a leisure battery a deep cycle can be cycled to as much as 80% depth of discharge without damaging the cell plates. Deep cycle batteries are used in fork lift trucks, aerial access platforms, floor cleaning machines, electric vehicles, golf buggies and off grid power systems. Available 2V, 6V, 8V and 12V sizes, deep cycle batteries can also be used for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and boats or other marine applications. Deep cycle batteries are ideal for computer and telecommunication system backup power supply. Solar and wind installations use deep cycle batteries to store the energy for later use. Telecom systems use deep cycle batteries as back up to ensure communications still conitnue during power outages.
Leisure Batteries
As the name suggests these batteries are ideal where power is a must but cycling frequency and useage is not as heavy as would be required for a deep cycle battery. We stock Numax and Platinum leisure batteries which we can recommend for use in caravans, campervans, motorhomes and boats.
Off Grid Living
Living off grid has never been easier, Alternative Energy Store UK Limited can provide you with a complete system to power your home. You can even qualify for feed in tariff payments under the MCS scheme (subject to system installed). Why pay to have a grid connection when you can get paid to have your own solar or wind system.