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Choosing the right renewable energy technology

It is important that you choose the technology that is right for both your property and your energy needs. People choose renewable energy systems for very different reasons and property size and location may affect the types of renewable energy system that you can choose.

The first thing to consider is whether you are looking for a renewable energy system that will provide you with space heating, hot water or electricity. The next thing to consider is your existing heating system and electricity supply, and which technology would integrate best with what you already have. There are many other factors to take into consideration including:

  • How much you want to spend
  • The size of any available grants
  • Whether your renewable system will supply all or part of your energy requirements
  • Your location (especially important for small-scale hydroelectricity)

Some other factors specific to each technology are listed below:

Solar hot water

  • The area of south-facing roof on your property and whether this is enough to meet your needs
  • Whether your existing boiler is compatible with a solar hot water system (your boiler manufacturer will be able to advise you on this)
  • Planning issues such as whether you live in a Conservation Area or your home is a listed building

PhotoVoltaics (PV)

  • The area of south-facing roof on your property and whether this is enough to meet your needs 
  • Planning issues such as whether you live in a conservation area or your home is a listed building
  • Whether standard panels, transparent panels or PV tiles would be most suitable

Small-scale wind turbine

  • Whether a building-integrated or tower/mast-mounted turbine be best suited for your location and energy needs
  • Whether your property would be best suited to a stand-alone or grid-connected system
  • Planning issues including the space available for the turbine, its effect on your neighbours, whether it may affect the structural integrity of the property and the amount of noise it will produce

Ground source heat pump

  • Your existing heating system (under floor heating is better than conventional heating as it works at a lower temperature). If you do not have under floor heating then it may be worth investigating the cost as it offers a more efficient heating system
  • Whether or not there is enough space for the trench or borehole to accommodate a ground loop
  • The suitability of the ground for digging a trench or borehole
  • The fuel that is being replaced (heat pumps are a good option where gas is unavailable)
  • Choosing a green energy supplier or tariff

Small-scale hydro

  • Whether or not your property is suitably close to a waterway
  • The speed of flow of the waterway
  • Planning issues, such as the construction of a weir
  • The cost (small-scale hydro often involves a high initial capital output)

Biomass boilers and stoves

  • The existence and suitability of your flue - is it suitable for wood burning appliances?
  • Possible planning issues if a flue is required
  • Finding local suppliers of biomass fuel
  • Space for storage of biomass fuel
  • Access for deliveries of wood pellets, wood chips or logs
  • Compliance with Building Regulations (Part J) and the Clean Air Act
  • Where to situate the boiler or stove boiler (boilers are often in placed in a utility room or garage)

Installers

It is a really good idea to make use of an accredited installer’s expertise and experience when they are carrying out an estimate of the cost of the works. They will be able to provide you with information on the best system for your property and answer any questions that you have about installing a renewable energy system.

Visit the Micro Generation Certification Scheme website for a list of accredited installers for each technology as well as links to their websites and contact details, details of approved systems for each of the technologies, and manufacturer contact details.

More information

If you want to research any of the technologies in more detail, contact the Notts / Derbys Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 01298 766881 or visit some of the websites listed in the information on other websites section.

Contact details

South Derbyshire District Council
Energy Officer
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
DE11 0AH

Tel: 01283 595974
Online: contact form
email: energy@south-derbys.gov.uk

Page ref: SDDC 130

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