It's not possible or practical for everyone to consider renewable energy technology at home, however, for those that are interested in this, there are a number of options to consider.
It’s possible to generate your own electricity or heat from renewable, or replenishable, sources of energy, such as the sun or wind. Electricity generated at home can be used to power electrical appliances, or even an electric vehicle, reducing the amount of electricity you import and pay for from the grid.
This could help you save money on your electricity bills, as well as contribute to reducing the carbon emissions of the UK’s electricity network. With over 1 million homes in the UK already generating electricity from either solar or wind, renewables are quickly becoming a common sight across the UK.
There are different technologies available, the main ones listed below, each with their own benefits and considerations, however, to find out more about renewable and low carbon heating options for your home visit energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/heating-your-home.
It is possible that the installation of renewable energy technologies within the home will need planning approval and/or building control sign-off, so before commencing any work of this nature it is advisable to contact the planning department to discuss this and ensure that any works are fully compliant. Amber Valleys planning department can be contacted on 01773 841571 or via email development@ambervalley.gov.uk.
Heat pumps are suitable for almost all homes and may also reduce your energy bills, depending on the system you are replacing.
A heat pump captures heat from outside and moves it into your home. It uses electricity to do this, but the heat energy delivered to your home is much more than the electrical energy used to power the system.
There are a number of different types of heat pumps available so it is important to understand which system will best suit your individual needs. For anyone wishing to commission a heat pump system, it is recommended to contact an MCS certified installer which is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme supported by the government. For further information visit mcscertified.com.
Solar electricity panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home. By installing solar panels, you can generate your own renewable electricity. The benefits of installing your own panels include;
There are a number of different types of panels and systems available so it is important to understand which system will best suit your individual needs. For anyone wishing to commission a PV system, it is recommended to contact an MCS certified installer which is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme supported by the government. For further information visit mcscertified.com.
Contact the team directly on 01773 841335 or email eh-housing@ambervalley.gov.uk
