Following on from our topic last week, which was Rainwater harvesting, we had a great response and interest shown in knowing more about the renewable energy sources for domestic projects. This week we will give an overview of the renewable energy systems you can use to make your own energy. We also look more into Solar panels and grants available in the later section.
Renewable energy options :
Solar panels- There are 3 types of solar panels –
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) generate electricity from sunlight.
Solar thermal panels which produce heat from solar energy.
Hybrid Solar panels which are a combination of solar PV & thermal panels.
Costs - PV system of 4kWp costs £5k- £8k incl. installation. The costs work out similar for thermal panel systems. The panels that mimic tiles or slates can cost up to £15k.
Air-source heat pumps- These take heat from the air and boost it to higher temperature to use for heating water or in central heating systems. This is done using a pump which runs on electricity.
These need space on side or rear of the property for the units to be placed outside.
Costs- £6k-£8k
Biomass heating systems-
In this a wood burning stove is connected to a back boiler, heat generated can then be used for hot water or central heating.
Requires room where the wood burning stove can be placed and requires a chimney. Building regulations apply to these and a specialist (HETAS registered) should be used for installation and commissioning.
Costs- £8k-£15k
These costs are for just the systems; costs of add on elements required to make the systems work, need to be considered on top.
Ground source heat pumps and Wind Turbines are other options of renewable energy systems, although less popular.
Solar panels:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) convert the sun’s energy into electricity. Installed on sunny part of the roof, when exposed to sunlight the cells become energised to produce electricity. The direct current produced is converted to an alternating current with the help of an inverter which needs to be installed in the loft of the house.
A meter is generally installed to show the electricity generation in real time. Some power would still be required to be sourced from the National Grid for a dull day or a snowy day. Solar battery can be installed which can store excess electricity from your solar panels; this can then be exported back to the national grid.
Solar thermal panels have two main types, evacuated tubes and flat plate. Evacuated tubes look like a bank of glass tubes, are more efficient and easy to install. Flat plate are more budget friendly and are good for south facing roof. Heat from the panels is then moved to a hot water cylinder where the water is stored.
Houses with these panels would need back up heating system in case of less solar energy. They are not compatible with all boilers.
The best position for fitting a Solar panel in the UK is on a south facing roof at a pitch of around 35°.
Planning permission will be required if your property has no permitted development rights, roof is road facing one, protrudes more than 150mm off the roof or is for site that is a listed building /is in a conservation area /in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Grants available:
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) –This replaces the Feed in Tariff (FIT) which pays solar panel owners for the electricity they generate at home. SEG pays households only for the excess electricity that they generate and put into the National grid. You need to sign up to a SEG Tariff with a company, to get paid. Companies set their own tariff prices, so shopping around is important.
Your total gains will be your Energy bill savings by generating your energy and buying less from the grid, along with the earnings from exporting the excess back to the grid. Battery specific tariffs differ from those which don’t required specific battery.
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) – This schemes pays if you install a renewable system to heat your house, also has a non-domestic version. Energy regulator Ofgem is responsible for RHI Payments, application to join the scheme are required. After joining quarterly tariff payment for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of renewable heat is made. Payments are calculated based on -a) energy performance rating of the property and b)
the efficiency of the appliance.
Solar water heating, ground source/air source heat pumps, biomass boilers all are eligible to receive RHI payments. The technology needs to be MCS (Microgeneration certification scheme) certified.
Making your own renewable energy can be expensive but these can make you self-sufficient, environmental friendly and cut you energy bills.
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