Technologies
Below is a brief description of the technologies which can be used by you to either generate electricity or heat and how they work.
Biomass energy
Biomass energy is produced from the burning of organic materials, either directly from plants or indirectly from industrial products. Although biomass produces CO2 it only releases the same amount that it absorbed whilst growing making it a carbon neutral process. It is most cost effective when a local fuel source is used.
How it works
There are two main ways of using biomass energy in a domestic property either by using a stove in a room or a larger biomass boiler. Both can be connected to central heating and hot water systems. These can be fuelled by logs or pellets and some models can even generate electricity which can either be used in the property or exported to the national grid.
Ground source heat pump
Ground source heat pumps use a buried loop of pipes which transfers heat from the ground into a building to provide space heating and, in some cases, to pre-heat domestic hot water. As well as ground source heat pumps, air source and water source heat pumps are also available working in a similar way.
How it works
Ground source heating uses a ground loop comprised of lengths of pipe filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze buried in the ground, either via a borehole or a horizontal trench. The heat pump then extracts this heat and distributes it around your heating system through under floor heating, radiators etc.
Wind
Wind turbines use the wind to turn a rotor which generates electricity. These rely heavily on your location and the amount of wind you receive.
How it works
Most small wind turbines generate electricity that can be connected to the national grid or be used in your premises and stored using a battery for storage. Alternatively any unused or excess electricity may be able to be exported to the grid and sold to the local electricity supply company. The wind turbines can either be free standing mounted on a mast or installed on buildings and roofs.
Hydro
Hydro power systems use running water turning a turbine to produce electricity. Useful power may be produced from even a small stream.
How it works
Hydro power systems convert potential energy stored in water falling from height to turn a turbine to produce electricity. This can either be stored water such as a loch, pond etc to running water from a river or stream. Both depend on a constant source of water and will be affected by water shortages.
Solar
There are two forms of solar renewable energy. Solar PV (photovoltaic) uses energy from the sun to create Electricity for use in the home or business. Solar Water Heating Systems use heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater. The technology is well developed with a large choice of equipment to suit many applications.
How it works
Photovoltaic systems use cells of a semi conducting material to convert sunlight into electricity. You can use PV systems for a building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. Solar Water Heating systems collect heat from the sun via Solar panels or collectors fitted to your roof, even on a cloudy day. The panels/collectors contain water which is heated and transferred to a hot water cylinder for storage and for use later on.
