How to generate your own energy

how to generate your own energy

So you've done everything you can to save energy? (you'll need to if you want to get any of the government grants). What next? This page gives you a quick introduction to your options for generating your own energy. Use the menu on the left for more detailed info.

small scale wind turbines

These are either mounted on a pole in your garden, or in some cases fixed to your roof. A lot different makes are now on the market, but which is best for you? And what about planning permission? Click here to find out more

solar hot water systems

Imagine you painted a radiator black, connected it up, and stuck it on your roof on a sunny day. This is the basic idea behind solar hot water, and even in cloudy UK conditions a nicely set up system can give you loads of free hot water. Case study here

solar photovoltaic panels

Solar photovolatic (PV) panels have been around for years on calculators and things like that. The technology has come a really long way since then, but they're still an expensive way of powering your home. They are great for remote power though, like sheds and outbuildings.

ground source heat pumps

Heat pumps are magic. For every unit of electrical energy you put in to the system, you get between 3 and 4 units of heat out. Especially good for new build houses or if you have underfloor heating. Find out more with our heat pumps article.

wood fuelled stoves

May sound a little low-tech but efficient wood stoves are worth thinking about if you live near a cheap supply of fuel. Providing the wood is from a well managed , local source, you can revert to the good old wood stove with a carbon-neutral clear conscience.

micro CHP (combined heat and power)

This isn't renewable energy, more of a stepping-stone to efficient energy use. Gas-fired micro CHP units (such as the Whispergen model pictured) replace the central heating boiler, and simultaneously generate electricity for the home - much more efficient way of doing things.

comments (2) add comment

margaret gaisford MARGARET said:

I need information on the use of air-source heating; I can find only information on actual pumps, not how the system would be applied to a building. A renewable energy source is very attractive to us.
We are considering erection of a single storey extension to a listed house. This will consist of a bedroom and bathroom, with a garden room across the end. Ground source deems like using a sledghammer to crack a nut as underfloor heating would not be required. Any info please

June 25, 2007

kevin james said:

Air Source Heat Pumps
Even more efficient than ground source, the latest Toshiba Daiseikia 3 heat pumps have COP's of between 4 and 5.1 for the smallest model. This means for every watt you put in you get 5.1 watts back ! The other advantage is you don't have to dig up half your garden for the pipework. Just a 800x550x300 box outside and what looks like a large slim rectangular fan heater on the inside wall. They have twin DC inverter controlled rotary compressors, current prices installed for the mid range model £1500.

May 02, 2007

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