Consejos

HOW TO COPE WITH ELECTRICITY COSTS IN WINTER?

Winter brings with it colder temperatures and shorter days, which often translates to an increase in electricity expenses. With heating in full swing and constant use of appliances, it’s easy to see how bills can skyrocket. However, there are steps you can take to address these expenses and save energy.

TIPS TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

Not only for the sake of reducing costs but also as a way of protecting the environment, many consumers are becoming aware of the importance of saving energy. So how can we save electricity effectively during the winter period? Follow these tips:

Adjust the thermostat temperature.

In winter, heating consumes a lot of electricity. Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees can make a big difference in your bill. You can keep the temperature between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius when you’re at home and lower it a few degrees when you’re outside or sleeping. In addition, it is important to ensure that there are no air leaks to prevent heat loss.

Take advantage of natural light.

Whenever possible, it is advisable to use natural light during the day. If you open the curtains and blinds to let in natural light, you not only illuminate the home, but you can also bring in some warmth. This will reduce the need to turn on the lights and heating during the day.

Use thermal curtains.

Thermal coastlines are a smart investment for winter. They are designed to block out the cold and retain heat, acting as an extra layer of insulation on your windows.

Perform regular maintenance.

Make sure your heating system is running efficiently through regular maintenance. Change the filters and schedule annual checkups to make sure everything is working properly. This is important as an efficient heating system consumes less energy.

Invest in smart technology.

Undoubtedly, smart technology can help control and reduce energy consumption. Thanks to smart thermostats, we can adjust the temperature of the home remotely, consuming less energy. Also, we can opt for the use of  LED bulbs  as they are more efficient and durable than traditional bulbs.

By adopting these small tips, you can effectively cope with electricity expenses during the winter and keep your home warm without compromising your budget. These changes can make a big difference in the long run.


Learn more about energy in our news section.


eólica offshore

THE POTENTIAL OF OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY

Offshore wind energy is also known as offshore wind energy and is that which produces electricity through generators that are placed in the sea.  This energy has great potential as it is practically CO2-free, responds to the environmental problems of climate change and is inexhaustible. 

THE FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR THIS TYPE OF ENERGY

Offshore wind energy has the potential to play a crucial role in the transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources. With continued investment in research and development, this technology is expected to evolve, offering more efficient and economically viable solutions. In addition, international cooperation to address common challenges and share knowledge will contribute to maximizing the benefits of this form of clean energy.

What technological innovations have made their way to offshore wind energy?

  • Developments on floating platforms will allow the installation of wind turbines in deeper waters, expanding the areas available for offshore wind energy.
  • Advances in materials and designs are improving the turbines’ ability to withstand storms and harsh marine environments
  • More efficient transmission systems are being developed to transport offshore power to shore.

What types of structures do we find in offshore wind energy?

  1. Offshore wind turbines with fixed foundations: these are structures mounted on the seabed and are classified according to the foundation used in their construction as “monopile”, “gravity support”, “jackets” or “tripod”.

These fixed foundations offer structural stability and allow the installation of wind turbines in various offshore locations. Fixed  foundation offshore wind farms  have seen significant growth due to the availability of large areas in the ocean with favorable wind speeds, as well as less interference with human activity compared to onshore wind farms.

  1. Floating platform offshore wind turbines: this concept allows  wind turbines to be deployed in large marine areas  with greater wind potential in deep waters, also facilitating machine configurations within offshore wind farms.

Although not yet as widespread as offshore wind farms with fixed foundations, floating platform wind turbines are expected to play an important role in the future of renewable energy generation in the marine environment.

Offshore wind not only represents an efficient renewable energy source, but also offers solutions to challenges associated with onshore power generation. As we move towards a more sustainable future, the expansion and enhancement of offshore wind energy promises to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and building a greener world.


tecnología

ADVANCES IN PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY

Photovoltaic solar energy, in addition to being a renewable energy source that leads the drive towards the energy transition, is experiencing great technological advances as a result of its versatility and the maturity of the industry.

WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM PHOTOVOLTAICS BY 2024?

Photovoltaic energy has made improvements in the manufacture  of both polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels, but it also goes a step further by experiencing continuous improvements thanks to the incorporation of new and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence.

For this new year, several innovations have been outlined that promise to increase the efficiency and reduce the costs of solar energy, thus cementing its position as a crucial energy source for the future. Some of them are as follows:

  1. Perovskite Solar Cells: These types of cells remain one of the most exciting trends in photovoltaic technology. In fact, they have proven to be exceptionally efficient, outperforming traditional silicon cells. That is why in 2024 the large-scale production and commercialization of these cells is expected to accelerate.
  2. Tandem Technologies: This technology makes it possible to make the most of incident sunlight and significantly improve conversion efficiency. According to researchers, these tandem systems could reach efficiencies of more than 30% in the coming years.
  3. Advanced Anti-Reflective Layers: These are used to optimize the absorption of sunlight and help minimize light losses by improving photon capture, resulting in higher conversion efficiency. By this year, improvements in these layers are expected to contribute to the overall performance of the solar panels.
  4. Nanotechnology Integration: By incorporating nanostructures into solar cells, researchers seek to improve electron capture and conduction, thereby increasing overall efficiency. Nanotechnology is here to revolutionize the solar industry!
  5. Integrated Storage: Another major advance is energy storage. These systems make it possible to store excess energy during periods of maximum generation and release when demand is high, or weather conditions are not optimal. This system improves the reliability of supply.

Photovoltaic technology has come a long way over the years, and while there are still challenges to overcome, developments planned for 2024 are generating renewed optimism in solar’s ability to play a crucial role in the energy transition.


CAE

CAES CERTIFICATES

A CAE or Energy Savings Certificate is an electronic document that guarantees that, after carrying out an energy efficiency action, a new final energy saving equivalent to 1kWH has been achieved.

WHICH AGENTS ARE INVOLVED? WHAT ADVANTAGES CAN WE HIGHLIGHT?

This year, this type of accreditation mechanism for the achievement of energy savings has arrived in Spain, the purpose of which is to contribute to the fulfilment, by 2030, of the final cumulative energy savings objectives set, and  it applies to the same obliged subjects of the SNOEE, these being: gas and electricity marketing companies,  wholesale petroleum products operators and wholesale liquefied petroleum gas operators.

On the other hand, this system aims  to promote an increase in investment in energy efficiency technology with a benefit for consumers, as well as to encourage the adoption of actions aimed at improving business competitiveness and productivity.

It is important not to confuse Energy Saving  Certificates (EACs)  with Energy Performance Certificates  (EECs) as they have nothing to do with each other and are regulated by different regulations. The main objective of the EACs is to certify and recognize specific measures that lead to the reduction of energy consumption in buildings, systems or processes, while the main objective of the CEEs is to assess and classify the energy performance of a building or property.

Which agents are involved in the CAE System?

  • Obligated subjects: refers to those companies that sell gas and electricity, operators of wholesale petroleum products and operators of wholesale liquefied petroleum gases.
  • Delegated subjects: those accredited intermediaries that are responsible for executing the energy saving projects that generate CAE. This subject must be accredited by the National Coordinator of the CAE System.
  • Energy Saving Verifier: it is part of the National Accreditation Entity and will verify that the documentation submitted by the obliged companies or their delegates to obtain certificates in accordance with the regulations.

The CAE system has several advantages,  among which are: accelerating energy saving targets, reducing the costs of energy consumption in our country, generating non-energy benefits such as boosting employment and monetizing the energy savings obtained by end consumers.

Learn more about energy in the  Nara Solar news section.


hibridación

HYBRIDIZATION, THE NEW BUZZWORD IN THE FIELD OF RENEWABLES

Energy hybridization refers to the integration of multiple energy sources, such as solar and wind. This approach seeks to leverage the strengths of each component to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts, potentially involving the combination of renewable energy entities, energy storage, and conventional generation technologies.

THERE IS ALREADY A COMMITMENT TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS NEXT TO WIND FARMS

Renewable hybridization is a renewable solution that not only facilitates the massive integration of renewables into  the electricity system, but also allows generating companies to optimize the use of their connection points and grid access permits.

Combining wind and photovoltaics can help improve system efficiency, reduce generation variability, and provide greater profitability in energy production. Their combination makes it possible to obtain electricity through solar panels with energy from windmills.

Wind farms have large open spaces between wind turbines, and only about 3% of the surface area of a facility of this type is actually occupied by equipment and infrastructure, in this case wind turbines. Therefore, the installation of photovoltaic panels on these lands makes it possible to maximise energy production in a single site and to evacuate it through the existing connection point.

What advantages and key considerations can we take into account in this technique?

  1. Resource complementarity: By combining solar and wind energy sources, the variability of both can be harnessed to provide more consistent power generation. In addition, sharing infrastructure, such as substations and transmission lines, can reduce investment costs and improve overall system efficiency.
  2. Improved baseload capacity: Hybridization can help provide more consistent baseload capacity, making it easier to integrate these renewable energy sources into the power grid. In the case of wind farms with solar panels, this translates into a greater number of hours injecting electricity, since there will be hours when there is no solar radiation, but the wind does blow.
  3. Energy storage: Combining wind and solar with energy storage systems, such as batteries, can be especially effective in managing generation variability and ensuring a continuous supply of energy even when weather conditions are not ideal.

Given this scenario, can we consider that the future lies in hybridization?

It seems right to bet on a hybrid model between photovoltaic and wind in the future due to the multiple advantages it entails.  However, this will require a clear and stable regulatory framework, as well as standardization of grid connection requirements.


perovskita

PEROVSKITE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Perovskite is a mineral that has great properties in the field of renewable energy. Perovskite solar cells are photovoltaic devices that use a perovskite semiconductor material to convert sunlight into electricity. These solar cells have attracted a lot of attention due to their high conversion efficiency, as well as their relative ease of manufacture and versatility in terms of applications.

THE MINERAL THAT REVOLUTIONIZES PHOTOVOLTAICS

Perovskite is set to revolutionise the photovoltaic sector, arousing great interest in this field. What are the reasons why it is being considered a revolution in photovoltaics?

  1. They have a high efficiency: Perovskite solar cells have been shown to have a very high efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity. That is, they can generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.
  2. They have lower manufacturing costs: Perovskite solar cells can be less expensive to manufacture compared to silicon solar cells. This makes perovskite cells more accessible and potentially cheaper to produce on a large scale.
  3. They possess great flexibility and versatility: these types of cells can be thinner and more flexible than silicon solar cells, making them suitable for a variety of applications. In addition, they can be integrated into different substrates, such as fabrics, windows, and flexible materials.
  4. Research is continually being done on them: As research on perovskite advances, scientists are addressing critical challenges, such as long-term stability and sensitivity to moisture. Once these challenges are overcome, perovskite technology is expected to become even more competitive and reliable

Today, perovskite shows great potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs in solar power generation. Its application in solar cells can contribute significantly to the advancement of renewable energy technologies, making solar energy more accessible and competitive in the energy market.

Find out more news and updates from the renewable energy sector on the  Nara Solar website.


La geotermia

WHAT IS GEOTHERMAL?

Geothermal is a form of renewable energy that harnesses heat stored in the Earth’s interior to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling. In Spain, geothermal energy can be obtained from a minimum depth of 1.5 m. Thanks to existing technologies, it is possible to convert geothermal energy into usable heat without negative effects on the climate.

HOW IT WORKS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

The way geothermal energy works is very simple. Through the use  of heat pumps and the help of an exchanger, the temperature of the ground is transmitted to the homes. In winter, the pump absorbs heat  from the ground and releases it into the building and in summer the opposite process occurs, it absorbs the heat from the building and transfers it to the ground. All with the same installation.

There are two main ways to take advantage of geothermal:

  1. Geothermal Electricity Generation: In this application, deep wells are drilled into the Earth to reach areas where the temperature is significantly higher than at the surface. Heat is collected by geothermal fluids (usually water) and used to produce steam that drives an electricity-generating turbine. This method is used in geothermal plants.
  2. Geothermal heating and cooling: In this application, geothermal heat pumps are used to transfer heat from the subsurface to a building in winter and move heat away from the building underground in summer to provide efficient heating and cooling. This is done through a system of pipes buried in the ground that circulate geothermal fluid.

Geothermal energy has several advantages and disadvantages that vary depending on its application:

Some of the advantages we can mention are:

  • It is a renewable energy source that does not depend on weather conditions.
  • Geothermal heating and cooling systems are highly efficient, as they take advantage of the constant heat from underground.
  • Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
  • In an energy that can be produced locally, reducing the need to import energy

On the other hand, some of the disadvantages are:

  • Not all regions have access to adequate geothermal resources.
  • Installing geothermal systems can be expensive.
  • If not properly managed, the local geothermal resource can be depleted over time.

Although geothermal energy is a renewable energy source  with many advantages and on the rise, its viability depends largely on geographical location.


temperatura

WHAT IS THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE FOR THE FRIDGE AND FREEZER?

The fridge and freezer are among the most energy-intensive appliances in a home. Although the ideal temperature may vary depending on the type of food being stored and personal preferences, knowing how to identify it is essential to save energy.

THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE TO SAVE ON YOUR BILL

The ideal temperature  of the fridge is between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius, although it will depend on the capacity of the fridge. The emptier it is, the less cold it will need and vice versa. Keeping the fridge at this temperature helps prevent the growth of bacteria and ensures that perishable food is kept safely.

As for the freezer, the recommended temperature is -18 degrees Celsius.It is important to ensure that  the freezer is cold enough to ensure that frozen food remains in good condition and safe for long-term consumption.

What recommendations can you keep in mind to save energy using your fridge and freezer?

  • Avoid opening the door unnecessarily: Every time you open the fridge or freezer door, warm air comes in, requiring more energy to cool the inside again. Try to open the door only when necessary and be quick to do so.
  • Defrost the freezer regularly: If ice accumulates in the freezer, it must be thawed to maintain its efficiency. A freezer with accumulated ice consumes more energy.
  • Keep your door seals in good shape: Rubber seals on fridge and freezer doors should be in good condition to prevent cold air from leaking. If the seals are damaged, replace them.
  • Look at the energy label: one point that will directly influence energy savings is the energy label. Until 2021, we could see on the labels of appliances: A+++, A++, A+, A, B, C, D. But, since March 2021, it has been modified, so that the user has a clearer idea of which appliances are more efficient: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. In this way, what would previously be equivalent to an A++, becomes a B.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your food safe while reducing the energy consumption of your fridge and freezer.

Want to know more about energy saving? Go to the Nara Solar news section and find all related articles.


etiquetado energético

ENERGY LABELLING

The energy label is a seal that every energy-consuming appliance offered for sale must have and which indicates its energy efficiency, as well as its performance. The aim is to provide consumers with clear and easy-to-understand information about energy consumption and other aspects related to product efficiency.

NNEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY LABELS

“Energy labelling is already present on most electrical appliances”

Since 2021, energy labelling in the European Union (EU) has undergone a significant change in the way energy efficiency labels are represented, becoming mandatory on all household appliances.

The change  in energy labelling aims to provide clearer and more understandable information for consumers, and to keep pace with technological improvements in energy efficiency.

What new features do these tags include?

  1. New Rating Scale: The rating scale has been modified so that the most efficient products are rated with letters A to G, with no plus or minus (plus or minus) signs. The “A” represents the highest energy efficiency, and the “G” the lowest. This was done to avoid confusion, as, under the old system, many product categories had achieved the “A+++” classification or similar.
  2. Removal of blank labels : Blank labels, which indicated that a product met minimum energy efficiency standards, were removed. This means that all products are now labeled based on their relative efficiency, allowing consumers to compare products more effectively.
  3. Additional Information: Updated labels often include more detailed information, such as estimated annual energy consumption in kWh per year, noise level, load capacity (in the case of appliances such as washing machines), and other product-specific features.
  4. QR codes and web links: Some labels may include QR codes or web links to allow consumers to access additional information about the product and its energy efficiency.

The characteristics of energy efficiency labels may vary depending on the type of product and geographic region. What is clear is that this concept is fundamental and a great bet.

Energy efficiency is essential to address challenges related to the availability of energy resources, energy costs and climate change.


precios del gas

¿QUÉ SE ESPERA DEL PRECIO DEL GAS ESTE INVIERNO?

The arrival of the cold this winter could trigger the price of gas in Europe, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) which recognizes that, although market conditions have “softened” after consumption cuts in Europe and part of Asia, the supply continues “adjusted”.

WINTER COULD SEND GAS PRICES SOARING

The latest increases in the price of gas are mainly due to two problems: the leak of a Finnish gas pipeline and the closure of a field in Egypt due to the conflict in Israel. Although inventories are almost at full capacity at the moment, structural supply problems continue and can give scares if the winter is very cold.

The IEA notes that: “Inventories in Europe are starting the heating season at 96% capacity, but this does not guarantee stable prices during the season, especially if temperatures are unusually cold.”

Rising gas prices  can pose an economic challenge for many people and businesses. What strategies can we follow to deal with the rise in the price of gas?

  1. Invest in energy efficiency improvements in the home and business,  including insulation installations, efficient windows, programmable thermostats… The less gas you need to heat your space, the less impact price increases will have.
  2. Consider using alternative energy sources such as solar or geothermal, to reduce dependence on natural gas.
  3. Hire a gas supply trying to negotiate a good deal, comparing offers with different suppliers and looking for more competitive rates.
  4. Track gas consumption and adjust based on results. To do this, apps or devices can be used to track consumption and find areas for improvement.
  5. Anticipate gas price increases in the budget and save money to meet those additional costs.

As we can see, gas prices are volatile and can vary depending on a number of factors. Therefore, it is critical to closely follow energy market news and analysis to stay informed and predict gas price trends this winter.


Learn more news from the renewable energy sector in the Nara Solar news section.