Microgeneration Technologies
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps work by extracting energy from the ground and converting it into heat for your home. They do so by passing a solution through a long length of piping that is buried in the ground surrounding your property. This piping can be buried, using a deep borehole, or long shallow trenches depending on the best solution for your property. The Ground Source Heat Pump can work with both existing central heating systems and underfloor heating. Heat pumps do require some electricity to run, but with conversion efficiencies of between 300 and 500% (meaning that, for every unit of electricity used, you get 3-5 units of heat), it is a far more efficient and renewable way to heat your home
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps work by extracting energy from the air and converting it into heat for your home. They can work with existing central heating systems or underfloor heating. Heat pumps do require some electricity to run, but with conversion efficiencies of between 300 and 500% (meaning that, for every unit of electricity used, you get 3 to 5 units of heat), it is a far more efficient and renewable way to heat your home.
Micro CHP
Micro-Combined Heat and Power is an innovative new product which looks and provides heating just like your existing boiler. It also helps cut electricity bills by generating low carbon electricity in your home. The micro-combined heat and power boiler burns gas, using around 70-80% of the energy value of the gas for heat, Between 10 and 25% is then converted into electricity and the remainder usually 5 – 15% is lost in the flue gases. Although there is a small waste and gas consumption is slightly higher than a typical boiler, the system provides all the hot water and space heating required and reduces dependence on electricity from the grid supply thereby proving more efficient than conventional boiler systems.
Micro-Wind
Micro-Wind turbines are a sustainable option for generating electricity, provided they are sited carefully and the UK has some of the best wind resource in the world . As the wind turns the blades of the turbine, a generator is driven providing electricity which can be either used within the home or exported back to the grid. With freedom from planning red tape just around the corner, generating energy from wind is about to become easier than ever before.
Solar Water Heating
Solar water heating is the most widespread household renewable technology in the UK, requiring no planning application, minimal maintenance and providing long term benefits. Solar panels (collectors) fitted to the roof of your property collect heat from the sun and this heat is typically used to warm water stored in a hot water cylinder. This pre-heated water is then ready for domestic use. The system will be backed up by a conventional boiler or immersion, but crucially this only needs to act as a top up, saving you money on energy bills and doing your bit for the planet. Micro-generation Misconception: Solar only works when the sun is shining Solar panels can be used to heat water throughout the entire year in the UK as only solar radiation is needed not direct sunlight. During the summer months the system can usually perform all the water heating requirements necessary for the home. Once installed, solar requires very little maintenance, providing you with free hot water created by the sun’s energy in your home for over 20 years.
Solar Electricity
Solar electricity enables you to generate electricity by harnessing the sun’s rays. Requiring only daylight, solar panels produce electricity to power your home or export to the grid, even on cloudy days. Solar electricity is sometimes known as Solar Photovoltaic, or Solar PV. Most installations (in England) do not require any planning permission. Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert solar radiation into electricity. The solar collector 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.
Wood Fuelled Heating Systems
Wood fuelled heating systems (sometimes known as Biomass heating) can be ideal if you live in areas without access to a mains gas supply. A biomass boiler could provide all of the heating and hot water needs of your home, whilst helping to reduce CO2 emissions through use of sustainable fuel sources. Wood fuelled heating will be eligible for clean energy cash back from April 2011 onwards. This technology is a sustainable option even though burning wood releases CO2. The CO2 emitted is simply the CO2 absorbed by the plant during its growth. Provided that these trees are replaced, the fuel is zero carbon.
