Spain is a beautiful country with a very warm climate. If you visit the country during one of its ‘green’ moments, you will see lots of people out and about, enjoying the weather. In past years, Spain has been known to suffer from energy crises which force people to wear warm clothes and leave their homes to save on fuel. Luckily, these days more people are looking into harnessing the power of the sun and creating their own eco-friendly sources of energy. Here are some numbers which depict the growing trend of opting for sustainable energy in Spain.
Home-Generated Energy (HGE)
Although there is a lot of sunshine in Spain, it is not always easy to harness that energy. Some homes are better than others when it comes to generating energy and depending on your area of residence, you might need a range of solutions which help you become more self-sufficient. One option is to purchase a solar power system which connects to the national electricity grid and allows you to produce your own electricity. Spain has a growing number of solar power companies which help homeowners connect to the grid and start generating their own electricity. If you opt for this route, you should start seeing results within a few months and the financial incentives offered by the government to promote renewable energy are worth considering. The price of a system will generally range between £10,000 and £20,000 which covers the cost of installation and hardware plus a 5% yearly maintenance fee. Although this might sound like a lot of money, the long-term savings from not having to rely on expensive foreign fuel makes it more than worth it!
The Rise in PV
PV (Photovoltaic) technology allows for the generation of electricity using solar cells which are in direct contact with the sun. If you live in a Spain where climate conditions are suitable, you can look into adding a few panels to your home’s roof which will gradually increase your power output. When the government put in place a stimulus package to support renewable energy a few years ago, the demand for solar power cells soared and prices dropped significantly. The combination of the cheap price and the Spanish sunshine make it a popular choice for homeowners who want to generate their own electricity. If you visit Spain during the ‘green season’, you will see a lot of people out and about with their rooftops covered in solar panels which provide them with energy for their day-to-day lives. If you decide to add solar panels to your home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that your roof is suitably prepared for solar panels by checking that it has a flat surface and clean-slate tiles. You will also need to take into account how much electricity you will need and how many panels you need in relation to your home size. The best way to find out how much electricity you need is by using a solar energy calculator which will give you an estimate based on the amount of sunlight which hits your roof in the morning.
The Rise in Wind Energy
Wind power is also a popular choice amongst homeowners in Spain who want to generate their own electricity. The Spanish government promotes wind energy which is generally regarded as a clean and green source of energy. There are many benefits to owning a wind turbine which generates electricity for your home. If you live in a Spain where the climate is conducive to wind power, you will find many companies which sell wind turbines and install them for homeowners. You will need to decide whether you want to go for a smaller model which produces a small amount of electricity or a large model which produces more. The best choice for you will depend on your home size and how much electricity you need. Owning your own source of energy is both convenient and cost-effective and helps reduce your carbon footprint. For more information, check out http://www.solarenergyplus.co.uk/.
The Rise In Biomass
Renewable energy, and in particular biofuel, is becoming a popular choice amongst homeowners in Spain who want to generate their own electricity. Biofuels are clean and environmentally friendly, as they are made from a range of renewable and sustainable resources such as plant matter and animal fat. The only downside is that you will need to find a way to store the fuel which can be difficult if you are living in a rural area. For instance, if you live in a village and the only place to store fuel is either in your garage or attic, you will need an additional container which is locked up when full. Some people in Spain have started using solar powered fuel pumps which help discharge the extra weight and keep the fuel fresh. If you want to go down the renewable energy route, you will need to invest in a fuel tank which can be concealed and a fuel cell, along with a suitable eco-friendly fuel like vegetable oil or palm oil. Some people in Spain are using natural gas to heat their homes which is also seen as a clean and environmentally-friendly option. If you are curious as to what types of fuel are available, visit your local forecourt or supermarket and see what options are available. A few drops of oil can be used to start a small fire which will then keep your home warm during the night.
Consumers Driving Change
If you want to change the way we generate electricity, you will need to look into the consumer market and understand what is motivating people to adopt sustainable energy. In the UK, consumers are becoming more environmentally-conscious and are looking to reduce their carbon footprint by changing the way they use energy. Spain is no different and consumers are looking for sustainable energy options too. In fact, a few years back, Spain had one of the lowest percentages of people who switched off their energy when they left home. This is probably because the country’s economy has shifted to focus more on green initiatives which reduce its carbon footprint.
The Bottom Line
If you live in Spain and are considering switching to solar power or another sustainable energy source, then the numbers below should convince you. They show that for every €1 earned in Spain, an investment of €1.63 is spent on energy. If you can reduce this number, then it will undoubtedly benefit you and your wallet!
Renewable energy is a clean source of energy and one which is beneficial to the environment. It is always a good idea to look into what is motivating people to make the change and how you can help.