
The UK is starting to look for more sources of renewable energy. In fact, the government is currently working towards it’s target of generating 15 per cent of the UK power demand from renewables. So with this in mind, let’s take a look at three energy sources that you can use in your home. Wood Fuelled Heating
Wood fuelled heating can be a cost-effective way of keeping your house warm during the winter months. In fact, a wood fuelled boiler can save you nearly £600 a year compared to electricity-based heating systems. You may also be able to benefit from government funding such as the Renewable Heat Premium Payment and the Renewable Heat Incentive. Wood burners generally come in two forms: stoves and boilers. A stove burns logs or pellets in order to heat a single room. You can also have a back-boiler fitted to the stove, which will provide water heating. A boiler burns pellets, wood chips or logs to generate heat. It is connected to a hot water and central heating system. What are the installation costs?
A log stove will generally cost around £2,000, with pellet stoves costing over double the price. Boilers cost between £7,000 and £13,000, including installation, VAT and a fuel store. The cost of wood fuel will differ from area to area, so check prices before you make a decision on whether to fit a stove or boiler.
Do I need planning Permission? You probably may not need planning permission, but do check first.
Solar Panels. A solar panel system can help cut electricity bills. Once you’ve made that initial outlay to install it, your bills will begin to reduce as the source of your electricity is free. In fact, if you have a surplus, you can sell electricity back to the national grid!
Solar panel electricity systems capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells. The cells convert sunlight into electricity and can be used in the home for lighting and powering appliances. They do not need direct sunlight to work and can even generate electricity on a cloudy day. What are the installation costs? The average solar panel system for domestic use costs around £7,000 (including 5% VAT). Remember to obtain quotes from different installers to get the best price. Do I need planning Permission? You probably may not need planning permission, but do check first. Wind Turbines We’ve all seen the large wind turbines that have sprung up around the countryside over the last few years, but did you know that you can have a mini-turbine to help with your energy costs? A small wind turbine can be fitted to your roof and will generate more power than your lights and electrical appliances will generally use. Thanks to feed-in tariffs, you get paid for the electricity you generate by selling it to the grid. The turbine uses blades to catch the wind and they move when the wind blows, driving the turbine and generating electricity. The stronger the wind, the more electricity is produced.
What are the installation costs?
Roof mounted systems cost around £2,000, whereas pole mounted can cost from £15,000 up to £22,000. Installation costs are subject to 5% VAT.
Do I need planning Permission?
You probably may not need planning permission, but do check first