Renewable energy

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from sources with no climate change effect like wind, water and sun.

Some renewable energy technologies are suitable for home use, and grants are often avaliable.

What types of renewable energy could I install at home?

Solar hot water

Solar Panels, also known as collectors, can be fitted to a buildings roof.

They use the sun's energy to heat water. The water is then fed to a heat store like a hot water tank.

The panels work throughout daylight hours, even if the sky is overcast and there is no direct sunshine. Active solar panels can also be used to heat swimming pools.

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic cells utilise sunlight to provide electricity. The cells are contained within a rectangular panel about a meter long. The panels are fitted to a buildings roof.

An average south-facing house in the UK has sufficient roof area for modules to provide most of your electricity. If excess energy is produced it can be fed back to the national grid.

Wind power

A wind turbine converts wind to electricity. The electricity can either link to the grid or charge batteries. Modern designs tend to be very near silent in operation such that the wind in the leaves on trees can be louder.

The amount of electricity produced is dependent on the speed and direction of the wind. Ideally, you should get a professional assessment of the local windspeed for a full year at the exact location where you plan to install the turbine before getting one.

Small scale hydro electricity

Hydro turbines generate electricity from water flowing through them. Most hydro power is produced in hilly or mountainous areas, or in river valleys. The amount of electricity that can be produced is determined by how much water is available and how fast it flows.

To use this energy effectively at home you need to be close to the water source.

Any power generated cannot be sold back to the national grid.

Ground source heat pumps

Ground source heat pumps can be used efficiently to heat a house by drawing heat from the ground, concentrating it and delivering it to the building.

Room heaters/stoves with automated wood pellet feed

Wood burning systems, unlike other renewables, do emit carbon dioxide. However, as the wood fuel is cultivated, it absorbs the exact same amount of carbon dioxide as is released when burnt. So it does not add to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

An eligible system can be used for heating a single room, hot water or a whole house. This excludes the AGA type stove as these are not automated.

Wood fuelled boiler systems

These systems can be run on logs, wood chips and wood pellets. They can be used to heat the whole house. 

Where can I find out more?

If you are interested in installing one of the systems then the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website has more detailed information.

For more information on renewable energy technologies in general please visit the renewable energy information section at Oxford is My World

Where can I get financial help installing a system?

Our Grants and Offers page has more detailed information about who can help with the cost of installing renewable energy in your home.

Page last reviewed 14 Feb 2008