FIRST STEPS, BEING EFFICIENT

INSTALLATION OF OUR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY 

PV INSTALLATION PHOTOGRAPHS

DAILY PV OUTPUTS

TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY FOR YOUR HOUSE    

GRANTS    

PLANNING PERMISSION

PAYBACK CALCULATIONS

CONNECTING TO THE GRID 

SELLING YOUR ENERGY AND CLAIMING ROCs

 OUR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

This link to the Energy Saving Trust outlines how these types of alternative energy technology work on a basic level. I guess really you have got to look at where your house is situated and think about what is most suitable. For most people there are  five main choices:

• Solar Photovoltaic  (PV) - producing electricity. An East to West facing roof which is free from shading is essential for this technology.

Our house has a large facing SSW facing roof. It seemed obvious to us that we had to install PV panels and connect to the grid.

• Solar Thermal - producing hot water. A South East to South West facing roof which is free from shading is essential for this technology.

• Integrated Solar Thermal and Solar Photovoltaic from solarcentury

• Water Turbine -producing electricity  Off grid and On grid systems are available but obviously you need to be in close proximity to a fast flowing water source.

• Wind Power - producing electricity. Obviously a windy aspect is preferable. Most wind turbines to date have been free standing. However newer types such as Windsave can now be fitted to a domestic house and pointed in the direction of the prevailing wind. 

• Biomass Burners - producing hot water and heating. Having a chimney that you can use is obviously an advantage. If its not already lined with a flue it will have to be. At present the availability of wood pellets can be problematic and you need a place to store them. Wood can also be burnt... best to avoid coal for obvious reasons.

• Ground Heat Pumps - producing hot water for heating. You need a large garden for this one and the use of a JCB. However once installed you have access to cheap renewable hot water for heating and bathing.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT

LINKS WITH SUPPLIERS

INVESTMENT 

OTHER HOUSEHOLDERS' SITES

CONSULTANCY

LINKS/ ARTICLES AND READING

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