Renewable Heating Systems Space heating and water heating represents about 60% and 23% respectively of the energy requirements of a typical household. Thus it makes sense to focus on this in the first instance, if renewable energy is of interest. Whilst undertaking some simple steps to reduce the heating requirements through efficiency measures, more drastic steps may involve the installation of a renewable heat system. Three options, in the renewable heat field, are available: Heat Pumps These systems transfer heat from one source, such as ground sourced, water or air to another heat system. Solar Water A panel uses sunlight to pre-heat hot water in the hot water cylinder. Wood Fuel Wood, in the form of wood pellets, logs or wood chips, is burnt in a boiler which provides both space heating and hot water.

Element Heat Pumps Solar Water Wood Fuel CO2 Emissions Electricity Required for Compressors & Pumps None during Operation Carbon Neutral in Operation Energy Availability Throughout the Year Should be Combined with Low Temperature Heating System Mostly in Summer Boiler Required for Heat Top-Up Throughout the Year Maintenance Minimal Annual Maintenance Required Service 3 – 5 Years Minimal Annual Maintenance Required Service 3 – 5 Years Frequent & Annual Maintenance Flue Cleaning Planning Issues Generally not Required Generally not Required Required for Chimney Running Costs Electricity Required for Compressors & Pumps None Less Expensive than Oil, LPG & Electric Space Issues Trenches & Boreholes Require some Space Heat Pumps are Larger than Boilers Hot Water Cylinder is Larger than Normal Larger Boiler Space Required Fuel is Bulky Other Issues Installation can be Messy & Disruptive Good Insulated Property Required Roofs should face South Panels need to be Tilted Often Refuelling may be Required High Amount of Automation Possible The Government is planning to pay producers of some renewable energy systems an annual payment equivalent to the amount of heat produced called the Renewable Heat Incentive. This legislation is expected to become effective in April 2011, although approved systems installed after July 2009 will be eligible. Element Heat Pumps Solar Water Wood Fuel Payment Ground – Up to 7p per kWh produced Air – Up to 5.5p per kWh Produced Up to 18p per kWh Produced Up to 9p per kWh Produced Timescale Ground – Up to 23 Years Air – Up to 20 Years 20 Years 15 Years

Renewable Electricity Systems Electricity represents about 14% of the total energy requirements of a typical household. Whilst measures can be introduced to reduce electrical consumption individually, electrical consumption is increasing year on year on account of additional appliances in each household, which may prompt the installation of a renewable electricity system. Three options, in the renewable electricity field, are available: Hydro Running water is passed through turbine which in turn generates electricity Photovoltaics This technology converts sunlight into electricity via a panel. Wind Turbines These systems harness the power of the wind to generate electricity.

Element Hydro Photovoltaics Wind Turbines CO2 Emissions None During Operation None during Operation None during Operation Energy Availability Fluctuation throughout the Year More Generation in Rainy Season Mostly in Summer Fluctuation throughout Day & Night Throughout the Year, but More in Winter No Generation in High Winds Maintenance Annual Maintenance Required Minimal Annual Maintenance Required Planning Required Consult Neighbours Planning Issues Planning Required Generally not Required Planning Required Running Costs None None None Space Issues None Large, Unshaded Space Required with Southerly Aspect Large Distance Required between Turbine & any Obstruction Other Issues Water Flow Speed & Head Height Determines Production Environment Agency Approval Required If Roof Mounted, ensure Roof Structure is Strong Enough Wind Speed at Site Determines Production The Government is paying producers of some renewable energy systems an annual payment equivalent to the amount of electricity produced. It is called the Feed In Tariff and the payments are as follows: Element Hydro Photovoltaics Wind Turbines Payment Up to 19.9p per kWh produced New Build – Up to 36.1p per kWh produced Retrofit – Up to 41.3p per kWh Produced Up to 34.5p per kWh Produced Timescale 20 Years 25 Years 20 Years

Combined Heat and Power In the combustion of fuel to generate electricity, heat is produced as a by-product. In a combined heat and power system, both electricity and heat is utilised and as the latter cannot be stored, the location of this type of plant must be in the vicinity of the heat user(s). As a result, the constraining factor in Combined Heat & Power systems is the utilisation of the heat produced not the electricity output. Two options are available in the field: Anaerobic Digestion By using bacteria in the absence of air, organic material is broken down into fertiliser and biogas. The latter is burnt to produce electricity and heat. Biomass Wood or other plant based material is burnt to produce electricity and heat.

Element Anaerobic Digestion Biomass CO2 Emissions None During Operation Carbon Neutral in Operation Energy Availability Throughout the Year Throughout the Year Maintenance Annual Maintenance Required Frequent & Annual Maintenance Flue Cleaning Planning Issues Planning Required Required for Chimney Running Costs High High Space Issues Suitable for Farms, Food Processing & Retail Industries Large Space Required Larger Space Required Fuel is Bulky Other Issues Possibly Need to Take In other Organic Matter Possible Sale of Biogas to the Grid Frequent Refuelling is Required Combined Heat and Power systems are able to claim both heat and electricity renewable payments. Element Anaerobic Digestion Biomass Payment Heat – Up to 5.5p per kWh produced Electrical – Up to 11.5p per kWh Produced Biogas – Up to 4p per kWh produced Heat – Up to 3p per kWh produced Electricity – Up to 9p per kWh Produced Timescale Heat – Up to 10 Years Electrical – Up to 20 Years Biogas – Up to 15 Years 15 Years