Solar power is ideal for urban living since solar energy systems can be easily integrated into the existing structure of a building. Solar energy can be used to provide either electricity or heat.
Solar Photovoltaic Panels convert the suns energy into electricity. Contrary to popular belief they do not require direct sunlight to generate electricity and are therefore suitable in our northern climate. Some systems allow the householder to connect a two-way meter so that any excess electricity can be sold to the grid.
Solar Thermal systems absorb heat from the sun which can be used to heat domestic hot water. There are two different types of solar thermal collectors – either evacuator tubes or flat panel collectors. Vacuum tube collectors are the most efficient, providing almost as much energy on a cold sunny winter's day as on a warm summer's day, but they are more expensive. A typical solar thermal system, when fitted to a south-facing roof, will provide 72% of a household’s hot water over the course of a year. They are probably the most cost-effective renewable energy technology that can be installed in a domestic situation in this country, with the shortest payback time.
Micro Wind Power
Whilst there is little potential within the St Albans district for large-scale wind turbines, there are many opportunities for small scale domestic turbines, called micro-turbines. These can be fitted to the roof or on a mast.
Micro-turbines can cost from £1,500-£20,000. The effectiveness of micro-turbines is highly dependent on wind speed and the surrounding land-use so are most suitable for properties in a rural location, where there is open exposure free from turbulence and obstructions from surrounding buildings or trees. If you are considering a wind turbine it is advisable to have a professional assessment of wind-speed in the exact location of the turbine over a year.
Wood fueled heating systems
Biomass boilers use wood fuel in the form of pellets, chips or logs to power central heating, provide warmth and hot water. This system of heating may either consist of a standalone stove which may also be connected to a back boiler to provide hot water or a wood burning boiler connected to a central heating and hot water system.Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps transfer heat from the ground into a building to provide space heating and in some cases pre-heat domestic hot water. Some electricity is used to power the pump but for every unit of electricity used, 3-4 units of heat are produced, making it an efficient way of heating a building. The system is ideal for new build homes and there are no planning issues given the underground nature of the system. You will need space outside for the ground loop and the heat generated can be linked to existing systems, though it is ideally suited to households with underfloor heating.Grants for Renewable Technologies
The Feed In Tariff (FIT)
The Feed In Tariff provides payments to those who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon technology. Allowable technologies include, up to an installation size of 5MW, solar PV, wind turbines, hydroelectricity, anaerobic digestion and micro combined heat and power. The tariff has been set at a level to ensure that anyone investing in renewable technology makes a 4-5% return on investment across the life of the technology. For more information visit the Energy Saving Trust website or call 0300 123 1234.
Renewable Heat Premium payment (RHPP)
The Renewable Heat Premium Payment is a one-off grant designed to help towards meeting the costs of installing renewable heat generating technologies in your home, until the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)(see below) is introduced for domestic customers. Voucher levels have recently been increased to:
- Air to water Heat Pumps - £1,300
- Biomass Boiler - £2,000
- Ground or Water source heat pump - £2,300
- Solar Thermal - £600
Householders will need to complete a Green Deal Assessment before submitting claim for payment. For more detailed information please visit the Energy Saving Trust website or call 0300 123 1234.
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
The Renewable Heat Incentive is designed to provide a financial incentive to individuals, communities and businesses to install heat generating renewable technologies such as biomass boilers, air or ground source heat pumps and solar thermal.
The scheme will be introduced in phases. The domestic phase has been postponed until spring 2014 now however any installations installed or commissioned after 15th July 2009 will be eligible for the tariff when it becomes available, providing it meets the eligibility criteria. It is proposed that payments will be made to householders on an annual basis according to an estimation of the amount of heat generated. For further information visit the Department of Energy and Climate ChangeRenewable Heat Incentive webpage.
Planning requirements
The planning rules have been simplified to make it easier for those wishing to install renewable technology. Please refer to thePlanning Portal website for comprehensive information on the specific rules for individual technologies. Special considerations are likely to apply to listed buildings or those sited within the green belt or conservation areas. Within conservation areas inconspicuous positions for installations are encouraged however this may mean that solar panels cannot be placed on the south facing slope of the roof.
Buy renewable energy
If you want to see provision for renewable energy improved in the UK, choosing a green energy tariff is a great start. Choose a tariff where the energy supplier can demonstrate that for every unit of energy you purchase, they will fund equivalent renewable resource, 'additional' to their statutory obligations. Switching is free and there are websites to help you do this, such asuSwitch.com and Energywatch.org.uk. Remember to tell your old supplier why you’re switching!
Useful links
To find out more please visit the following websites and sources of advice:
- Energy Saving Trust
- Renewable Energy Centre.
- Hertfordshire Building Futures - comprehensive resource on sustainable building
- Micro-generation Certification Scheme (MCS) - In order to claim the Feed in Tariff or Renewable Heat Incentive you will need to use a MCS accredited installer. When selecting an installer do try to use a local firm. This helps to support the local green economy, reduce transport emissions and congestion, and also increases the likelihood that they will understand specific issues related to the area.
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