Generating your own energy

Cutting demand for energy is just as important as finding alternative means of generating it. Before thinking about installing a renewable energy technology make sure you have taken all the energy saving measures that you can reasonably make. Careful thought also needs to be given to whether the location will be suitable both in terms of its efficiency as well as the impact on the building and its immediate neighbours.
 

Wind turbines work by converting the wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy. Most modern systems use horizontal axis wind turbines with three or five blades rotating around a central hub.

For further details see:

• Micro wind generation and traditional buildings
  Publication Date: 29 Oct 2010
  This guide is one of a series on small-scale renewable energy options. Separate guides look at wind generation, solar energy, bio-fuels, heat pumps and combined heat and power, explaining how each system works and what you need to consider if you wish to install it in or on a historic building. All the guides look at small-scale or 'Microgeneration' as it is known. Microgeneration is defined by Government as, "The production of heat and/or electricity on a small-scalefrom a low carbon source".

Solar electric panels (photo-voltaic) convert the sun’s energy into electrical energy. The amount of electrical energy produced will depend on how much sunlight falls on the panel, what type of panel you use and its size.

For further details see:

• Small scale solar electric (photovoltaics) energy and traditional buildings
  Publication Date: 29 Oct 2010
  This guide is one of a series on small-scale renewable energy options. Separate guides look at generation, solar energy, bio-fuels, heat pumps and combined heat and power, explaining how each system works and what you need to consider if you wish to install it in or on a historic building.

A solar collector uses the sun’s radiant energy to heat water. The heated water is then pumped via an insulated pipe to the thermal store where the heat is transferred through the pipe wall. The collector is normally fixed on the roof of a building but installations can also be located away from buildings

For further details see:

• Small-scale solar thermal energy and traditional buildings
  Publication Date: 28 Mar 2008
  This guide is one of a series examining options for the small-scale generation of renewable energy.

Hydro-power systems use running water to turn a turbine which then produces electricity through kinetic energy. The energy available will depend on the rate of flow of the water and the height (or head) that it falls.

Heat pumps ground and air

Ground source heat pumps transfer heat from the ground into a building to provide space heating. The system uses lengths of pipe called a ground loop buried either in a borehole or a horizontal trench. The pipes are filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze. When this mixture is pumped around the pipe it absorbs heat from the ground. The pipe is then connected to a heat pump.

obtaining consent for microgeneration

If you are considering installing a form of microgeneration first consult your local planning authority to find out what approvals may be required. The local authority will be mainly concerned with issues such as visual intrusion, especially if the installation is visible from a public highway. They would also be concerned with the potential impact on neighbouring properties.

Further in depth information on microgeneration can be found in:

• Microgeneration in the Historic Environment
  Publication Date: 12 Jun 2008
  English Heritage's guidance on microgeneration for householders and building owners.

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