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Making the most of your Home

When it comes to Renewable Energy Sources - what is best for me?

March 4, 2011

There is no doubt that we as a nation are starting to warm to the idea of generating energy from a renewable source. Next time you are out and about, simply lift your head to the roofs of homes around and I will be bitterly disappointed if you are not confronted by an array of solar panels or indeed a token wind turbine for example. Advancements in technology have made it easier and more affordable to generate heat and power from sustainable, environmentally-friendly sources and as a result, small-scale microgeneration projects have sprung up across the United Kingdom.

With government targets in place for the production of energy from renewable sources, for reducing carbon emissions and for ensuring that all new homes are as sustainable as possible, it has never been more important to consider renewable energy. Add to this the potential financial benefits associated with the Renewable Heat Incentive and Feed-In-Tariff scheme and renewable becomes a very attractive long term solution. In order to help you through this process, we at doineedplanningpermission.co.uk wish to set out some of the key considerations that may help inform your decision when it comes to choosing the right technology for you.

Biomass/wood-fuelled heating

This is arguably the most traditional of all home heating sources. Although burning wood might on the face of it appear to be at odds with a clean, green source of energy – the fact that CO2 produced by wood burning is absorbed by growing trees means that in essence this is carbon neutral.

Considerations: The ongoing cost of fuel is an important aspect together with compliance with local building regulations and smoke free zones. Also, don't forget that wood is bulky and therefore, you need to have a storage area near to your boiler as the last thing you want to be doing on a winter's evening is heading toward the garden shed for more supplies.

Cost: Whilst the price will depend on your home and its heating together with hot water needs, a typical log pellet boiler will start at around £3,000. A wood burning stove with a back boiler to run ten radiators would cost around £600-£700.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

A ground source heat pump uses pipes buried a few metres below the earth's surface to extract the heat the ground has absorbed from the sun. This heat which stays constant year-round is then transferred into the home to warm radiators or heat a hot water system.

Considerations: The installation will require your garden to be dug up or a borehole sunk. Ground source heat pumps are only suitable for homes with lots of surrounding space and if your home is poorly insulated the pump will need to use more electricity to effectively heat your home.

Cost: Between £9,000 and £17,000 depending on the size of your home and how well it is insulated.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps work by extracting the ambient heat from the air outside your home and converting it into a temperature suitable for heating. They can operate effectively despite outside temperatures being as low as minus 20 degrees C.

Air source heat pumps can be easily installed in flats and other properties with limited space.

Considerations: Planning permission may be required if you particularly live in a Conservation Area or your home is Listed.

Cost: Air source heat pumps generally cost £6,000 – 10,000 for a detached home including installation.

Wind Turbines

By far the most well known of all renewable energy sources. However, in order to allow the technology to work efficiently for you, you will need to live in a windy location, away from nearby buildings and trees.

Considerations: Erecting a wind turbine requires planning permission and the turbine will only be effective if sited in a windy location.

Costs: According to the Energy Saving Trust, a small roof mounted system can cost around £2,000. Larger, mast mounted systems will set you back up to £24,000.

Solar Thermal

Solar thermal is the most common and simplistic use of solar energy in the home. It works by using the sun's energy to heat water stored in panels on your roof before transferring this to the water in your cylinder.

Considerations: You will need a roof space of at least 5 square metres facing east to west through south.

Costs: An average system should cost around £4,800.

Solar Voltaic

Solar Voltaic cells generate electricity form the sun's rays. The technology allows electricity to be generated even on cloudy days! It is a clean green source of fuel that under the Feed-In-Tariff scheme allows any excess energy to be sold back to the national grid.

Considerations: You will need a roof that faces within 90 degrees of south and is clear of any obstructions such as trees.

Costs: An average 2.2kW system will cost about £12,000.

Micro CHP

Micro combined heat and power provides a way of generating your own electricity and reducing your carbon footprint. This technology allows the simultaneous generation of heat and electricity from the same energy source. You will expect to pay about £5,000 for this technology.

When it comes to renewable energy sources, there are many possibilities and the one you may decide to choose will depend your own personal circumstances. We would love to know what option you may have opted for.

To find a company who may assist you further, simply click on the free links located on the right hand side of the page.

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