An interesting aside published in this months National Geographic:

Renovations and new structures are now required to have solar panels incorporated into their design. The Spanish government estimates that use of a single 2 meter solar panel reduces a home’s yearly water heating bill by up to 70%. Global demand for solar power has grown at about 25 percent a year, with Japan, Germany, and the U.S. leading the market.

I was disappointed to find that there were no options like solar panels when I bought my (newly-built) house in 2002. I know the UK gets less sun than Spain, but I know of a couple of people who generate most of their hot water this way. Maybe the government should take note.

Posted in Technology |