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Generate your own electricity |
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Anyone can generate their own electricity in a clean, climate friendly way.
Fortunately there are a range of alternative and climate-friendly ways to generate our own electricity. Most involve utilise never-ending sources of natural energy such as the sun, the wind and flowing water.
This section describes how you can generate electricity using Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Wind turbine, Hydro-electric or Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. At the bottom of the page you'll also find details of how to apply for Government Grants towards the costs.
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Install solar PV panels
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems use cells to convert energy from the sun directly into electricity to power your home. The average UK home could generate 50% of it's electricity in this way.
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PV systems will work effectively in any weather, so long as there is daylight. As you would expect more electricity is produced when the sun is at greater intensity.
The following are recommended suppliers and installers of solar PV equipment.
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Install a small wind turbine
Wind turbines harness the renewable power of the wind. The aerodynamic blades are blown by the wind and the resulting rotation is used to turn the shaft inside a generator to make electricity.
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The greater the wind speed the more power is produced. Generally turbines which are mounted high up on and in more open spaces generated greater amounts of electricity.
The following are recommended suppliers and installers of small wind turbines.
A word of caution
Wind turbine technology is not new - most of us have seen elegant large-scale wind farms in the countryside. However, small scale turbines for domestic use are a new market and the technology is not yet mature.
When considering installing a wind turbine make sure you find out how strong your local wind resource is and try and ask installers to put you in touch with people who've installed their products in similar locations before. Small wind technology is very exciting and has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions... but make sure you're buying the right product for you.
Click here for an excellent new fact sheet on small wind turbine devices from the BWEA.
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Install a small hydro-electric system
Hydro-electric power systems convert potential energy stored in water held at height into movement which is used to turn a turbine and generate electricity.
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Hydro power is a proven technology which has been used for decades, but requires a suitable source of nearby flowing water which is available to be harnessed.
The following are recommended suppliers and installers of small hydro-electric systems.
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Install a micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system
CHP systems are designed to provide the central heating needs of your house but make extra use of the heat produced and use it to generate electricity too, thus reducing the power you use from the grid.
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CHP systems are designed to replace the boiler in your house and run using natural gas in the same way as a conventional boiler. However, because they reduce the electricity you use from the grid they have the potential to reduce your carbon emissions.
The following are the main suppliers of micro CHP systems.
A word of caution
Domestic CHP promises to be a very exciting technology but it is still very new and has not yet been installed in many homes. Manufacturers are currently assessing what types of homes and properties are most suitable for operation and provide the greatest carbon savings.
If you're keen to be an early-adopter then get in touch with the companies shown above. However, if you're more cautious and want to be certain about how this technology will affect your impact your climate change then it might be worth waiting a bit longer before investing.
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Click here for associated information relating to generating heat from renewable sources.
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Renewable Energy Installer List
This spreadsheet contains a list of UK renewable equipment installers across the full range of renewable energy technologies.
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Government Grants
The Government is keen to encourage the adoption of renewable energy systems in homes throughout the country. It has recently launched a new Low Carbon Buildings Programme which gives grants towards the cost of installation.
The programme will operate UK-wide and is due to run for 3 years, ending in March 2009. All of the technologies listed on this site are eligible under the programme.
Grant amounts differ for each technology, but generally grants of up to £5,000 are available for householders, subject to a an overall 50% of the overall installed cost. Click here to see the different grant levels available.
In order to qualify for a grant you need to meet the following criteria:
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You have loft insulation which meets building regulations, if appropriate
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You have cavity wall insulation installed (if you have cavity walls)
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You are using energy-saving light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings
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You have basic controls for your heating system (e.g. timer, thermostat)
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Are you a supplier or installer of renewable energy products?
If you'd like to appear on this site then please contact us: info@whatyoucando.co.uk
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