Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Brief description:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert energy stored within sunlight into electricity. And contary to popular belief, you don't need direct sunlight - PV will generate electricity on a grey winter day; just less effectively than in the summer.

Advantages:
PV is neat, unobtrusive, and has recently become a 'permitted development' - this means that, within limits, you don't have to apply for planning permission to put them up (see link below). PV panels can be fitted on flat or sloped roofs, and can also be ground mounted, and PV roof tiles can prove cost effective if re-roofing is required. Furthermore, many energy supply companies can offer a buy back scheme where they pay you for any excess electricity generated.

Disadvantages:
There are a number of requirements for the siting of PV panels (see below), so your property may not be suitable. Some instances exist where planning permission is still required (see 'permitted development link). PV has a very large up-front expense.

Requirements:
The roof must be orientated within 40 degrees of south to be viable, with a pitch ideally less than 30-40 degrees. At least 10 square meters of roof space is likely to be needed, which must not be shaded.

Costs:
A system providing power of 2 kWp will produce nearly half the annual electricity demand for an average house. A rule of thumb budget for PV is about £5,000 per kWp installed, which includes installation and comissioning.

Funding:
Grants for PV are available through the Low Carbon Building Programme (see link below).

Savings:
A well fitted PV system should halve your electricity bills, and can reduce your footprint by over 300 kg CO2 per year displaced per 1 kWp installed.

Local Suppliers:
- Solar Utilities Ltd, www.solarutilities.co.uk, 01709 371144
- Sasie Ltd, www.sasie.co.uk, 0115 916 1046
- Sundog Energy Ltd, www.sundog-energy.co.uk, 01768 482282

Links:
Energy Saving Trust - http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/housingbuildings/funding/solarpv/
Permitted deveopments - http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/uksi_20080675_en_1
Low Carbon Buildings Programme - http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home/

Solar Water Heating (SWH)

One of the most cost effective affordable renewable technologies. Uses the light and heat of the sun to heat domestic hot water.
Solar panels (flat plate) or collectors (evacuated tube) are fitted to the house roof. They absorb heat which is transferred to water in a heat transfer system. The hot water is then stored in a large well insulated cylinder for later use.

'I could benefit from this if'
My house roof faces SE, S or SW, could support 3-5sq m of solar panels and there is space inside the house for a large hot water cylinder ( probably twice the size of the current one)

Advantages:
'Free' water heating during the summer months. SWH can provide 50% of a household's annual hot water requirements.
The boiler will be used less and so will last longer.
Low running and maintenance costs. Some systems use a solar powered pump.
No longer needs planning permission, unless the house is listed, or in a conservation area.

Disadvantages:
Simplest to install if existing boiler is traditional type with a hot water tank. Most combination boilers do not accept preheated water - although some of the newer, more expensive ones will.
Building regulations apply. (Installer will know about this)
Hot water will be more available at the end of the day.

Cost:
£3000 - £5000 depending on size and type of installation.
DIY kits are cheaper if you have the expertise. (see the Low Impact Living Initiative (LILI) http://www.lowimpact.org/ 01296 714184 for local courses.)

Could pay for itself in 10 years.

Sources of information:
Energy Saving Trust: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
Low Carbon Buildings Programme: www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home has information about grants which might be available, and has a list of certified installers.

Grants of up to £400 only available to people who have already installed other energy saving measures such as 270mm loft insulation,cavity wall insulation if appropriate, energy saving light bulbs and basic heating controls eg thermostats and timer.

Solar Trade Association: http://www.solar-trade.org.uk/

Local installers:
A E Solar systems, Sheffield http://www.aesolarsystems.com/
Eco Heat and Power Ltd, Hebden Bridge http://www.ecoheat.co.uk/
Solar Utilities, Rotherham. http://www.solarutilities.co.uk/
UK Solar Energy Ltd, Sheffield http://www.uk-solarenergy.com/

Biomass Boilers

Brief description:
Most biomass boilers burn wood in the form of either logs, chips or pellets, but straw and even some animal & food wastes are also suitable. There are a large range available - from small log burners to heat a room, to large auto-fed boilers capable of supplying central heating and hot water to an entire row of houses.

You could benefit from this if:
You have enough space to store the wood, and if you've got the room in your house for the boiler/heater and the associated pipework.

Advantages:
The CO2 released as the wood burns equalls the amount that it had absorbed during it's growth - so as long as you use sustainably sourced wood fuel then it's a carbon neutral form of heat! But it's important that the supply of the wood is local to reduce the reliance on transport. Logs and wood chip are best for this, since there is currently no wood pellet manufacturer within mainland UK.

Disadvantages:
Although carbon neutral, biomass heaters/boilers emitt particulates (smoke) and other gasses, and as a result may not be permitted where the Environment Agency has defined an 'Air Quality Zone' (i.e. where low air quality has been identified). They take up space within your house, and may require planning permission.

Cost & Funding:
Stove boilers - £5,000
Grants are available at 30% of the cost, up to a value of £5,000

Savings:
Your energy bill could be reduce by £200 per year
Over 1,000 kg of CO2 could be saved per year

Biomass Boiler Installers:
- Ecotech Environmental Ltd, Grantham, e: ecotech-environmental.co.uk
- Eco Link Resources Ltd, Grantham, t: 01476 580146

Pellet Suppliers:
- Heritage Doors & Floors Ltd, Killmarsh, w: http://www.theheritagecollection.co.uk/, t: 0114 247 4917
- Briquette & Pellet Ltd, Chesterfield, w: http://www.briquetteandpellet.co.uk/, t: 01246 550119

For more information:
- South Yorkshire Woodfuel, w: http://www.wood-fuel.org.uk/who.php

- Green Energy 360 website (see separate blog)
- South Yorkshire Energy Centre, Heeley City Farm, Sheffield
- Stoves Online, w: http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/
- Treco Greenheat, w: http://www.treco.co.uk/
- Action CO2, w: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/actonco2/DG_067197
- South Yorkshire Biomass Group

Green Energy 360

We think http://www.greenenergy360.org/ is brilliant. Answer simple questions on this site and it will recommend the best renewable energy technology for your situation.