Renewable energy

Renewable energy is obtained from a renewable source such as the sun or wood rather than from a non-renewable source such as oil or gas.

Combined with improved energy efficiency, renewable energy has a significant role to play in reducing CO₂ emissions.

This page gives a whirlwind tour of the different types of renewable energy technologies available.

Renewable energy at home

Installing micro-generation renewable energy technologies is becoming increasingly popular and easy to do. Vast improvements in the efficiency and diversity of technologies, a change in planning permission rules relating to some renewable technologies and the introduction of the Feed-In Tariffs and the forthcoming Renewable Heat Incentive all make it increasingly possible and affordable for the average householder.

The following are the main types of renewable you might consider at a domestic scale, but there are many new and evolving technologies to investigate so do not feel restricted:

Solar hot water panels: (qualifies for the Renewable Heat Incentive) These use the sun’s energy to heat water. Usually roof-mounted and oriented in a southerly direction, they are relatively cheap, easy to install and effective. The panels work alongside your existing hot water system and should be effective even in low light levels. During the summer months you may have little need for your boiler or immersion heater.

Photovoltaic cells: (qualifies for the Feed-In Tariff) These are panels that convert the sun’s energy to electricity for use in your home. Usually roof-mounted and oriented in a southerly direction but they are also available as a roof tile. They can be costly, depending on how many you want, but are becoming increasingly effective and efficient and the new Feed-In Tariff greatly reduces their 'pay back' period. They will generate electricity throughout the year, even on cloudy days, but will have a lower output in the winter months when there are less daylight hours and the sun is lower in the sky. Shading is a significant factor in the efficiency of photovoltaic systems so they must be positioned appropriately.

Domestic and community wind turbines: (qualifies for the Feed-In Tariff) These convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity for use in your home. They vary considerably in price and performance depending on the power rating and model and also vary in the ease of installation depending on the size and locality.

Power generated from wind is proportional to the wind speed and seemingly minor variations in speed can result in large changes in the potential output of a wind turbine. Windspeed itself is dependant on a number of factors including location, height of the turbine above ground level and nearby obstructions. If you are considering a wind turbine it is advised that first you carry out an accurate assessment of the local wind speed over a year in the exact location of the potential turbine. Government advice is that the annual average wind speed be at least 6m/s before considering a wind turbine.

Heat pumps: (qualifies for the Renewable Heat Incentive) Ground source heat pumps circulate the thermal energy naturally present in the earth. They can be used for space heating or pre-heating hot water and are particularly compatible with under-floor heating, which operates at a lower temperature than radiators. Ground source heat pumps require either a trench or a borehole in which the ground loop is placed. Trenches are the cheapest option but require a larger area of land. Energy return is three to four times that invested. There are other similar technologies to consider, including air and water source heat pumps.

Heat pumps are at their most efficient in well-insulated homes. In less efficient homes the pumps will be working harder and use more electricity to operate.

Biomass boilers:  (qualifies for the Renewable Heat Incentive) These use plant-based fuel that is burnt to produce heat and can provide both space and hot water heating. They include conventional log burners, woodchip and pellet automatic feed boilers and combined heat and power stations. Biomass fuel is effectively carbon neutral provided the  biomass is from a sustainable source and can sometimes be obtained from waste wood material. If you are thinking about a biomass boiler you will need to consider installation costs and delivery and storage of fuel.

Installing certain renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and biomass boilers, has now been made simpler, having become part of Permitted Development Rights. There are, however, certain restrictions, especially within the boundaries of a National Park, so it is advisable to speak to a planning officer prior to the installation if you have any doubts. The New Forest National Park Authority is the planning authority for the New Forest National Park – see below for contact details.

Switch supplier or tariff

Not everyone is able to install renewable energy technologies in their homes, but we can all consider where our electricity comes from.

One easy change we can make is to switch to an electricity company that provides 100% renewable energy, or to the ‘green’ tariff of our existing supplier. The amount of energy that comes from renewable sources varies from company to company, and some tariffs are better than others. For organisations that can help find the ‘greenest’ options look at the Further Information section.

Further Information

Feed-In Tariff
www.fitariffs.co.uk

The information site for the new guaranteed payments for renewable electricity in the UK.

Renewable Heat Incentive
www.rhincentive.co.uk

The information site for the forthcoming guaranteed payment for renewable heat in the UK.

Energy Saving Trust.
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.

Call 0800 512012 or visit  Advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)
www.cat.org.uk.

Call 01654 705989. Factsheets and publications on a variety of alternative technologies and courses on renewables and DIY installation.

National Energy Foundation (NEF)
www.nef.org.uk..

Call 01908 665555. An independent educational charity working for more efficient, innovative and safe use of energy. Information about how households can utilise renewable energy.

Green Electricity Marketplace
www.greenelectricity.org.

Lists and analyses green tariffs.

New Forest National Park Authority. Call 01590 646600. The New Forest National Park Authority is the Planning Authority for the National Park area. Planning advisors will be happy to discuss possible renewable energy schemes with you.

The mention of an individual product, brand or company is for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as either an endorsement or recommendation by the New Forest National Park Authority of that individual product, brand or company. You are advised to seek independent professional advice as to what might be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

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