Solar panels and wind turbines a danger to aviation?

Flight Global reported how concerns by US Federal Aviation Administration led to the halting of a proposed wind turbine farm in 2010.

Aviators and aviation authorities are concerned by the ability of wind turbines to interfere with long range surveillance radar.

There's also discussions amidst fears that solar panels could cause a glare problem for pilots.

According to Flight Global, a number of near misses have been reported that have been attributed to renewable energy sources, and the dangers don't stop there.

Proposed wind farm sites very often have taller meteorological towers installed which can stay for up to 18 months. These slim towers which can be erected in a matter of days, without warning, pose a threat due to possibility of being poorly marked.

Aviation groups are looking to long term technology emerging which will stop the disruption to radar caused by wind turbines etc.

It's a fascinating read and yet another side to the story of renewable energy and how best it can be deployed without impacting on the environment. Read Flight Global's full article here.

photo credit: madzia bryll

It's an ill wind that blows

A few days ago, we posted how the 'green' science community was getting pretty hot under the collar following the recent 'climategate' and other renewable energy figures being called into question, and how they weren't going to take it anymore.

So when I spotted this story about Renewable UK considering filing a complaint with the Press Complaints Commission regarding a story the Sunday Times published about 'inefficient' wind farms, I thought this was the start.

It all centres around a report that the Sunday Times published calling into question the actual efficiency of wind farms around the uK, citing that several were not performing as well as they'd said they would.

However, it seems that the paper failed to mention that the figures it based its story on were from a report prepared by a lobby group opposed to onshore wind farms.

I'll let you read the full report on the Business Green website. If you're thinking of tracking down the original article on the Time's website - hurry up before they start charging for content.

photo credit: pescatello

Staffordshire housing associations ground source pumps not a green option

Green Building Press ran a post last month regarding a Staffordshire housing association decision to change the heating system on a development of bungalows to ground source heat pumps.

The article is interesting on two counts.

The first - the article makes an argument for the case that ground source heat pump technology is just another form of electric heating - in this case, the energy will be used to provide underfloor heating to the bungalows - 5,600 of them in total.

The ground source heat pumps have been chosen over condensing gas boilers. One site which is unsuitable for ground source pumps is being considered for air source heat pumps.

However, the article casts doubts on the energy saving figures quoted, given the amount the project will cost.

The second interesting point to come out of the article is two comments left which both speak in favour of ground source heat pump technology with some interesting case testimonials on energy savings from the people that installed them.

So, plenty to read and who know? perhaps it will help you make up your own mind about installing solar or other renewable energy on your home. Click here to read the full article.

If you're interested in finding out how much installing solar energy will cost on your home, and you'd like to read feedback on how well (or poorly) local installation companies to you performed, start by getting an online quote at Solar Panel Quoter - click here.

photo credit: leonid mamchenkov