Renewable Energy
Generating energy from renewable sources can help reduce our dependence on non-renewable sources like fossil fuels. There are a number of options available to provide your heating or electricity needs.
FACT! If all the houses in the UK installed solar PV panels, enough electricity would be generated each year to meet 26 per cent of the domestic energy demand (Energy Saving Trust).
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Solar water heating systems
Solar water heating systems use heat from the sun to pre-heat water for your hot water or space heating needs. A typical system consists of a solar panel, a pump to circulate water, a controller and a drain back tank or expansion vessel. The panel absorbs heat from sunlight and transfers this to water in the hot water cylinder. Over a year, you can expect 50 per cent to 70 per cent of your hot water needs to be met by the solar system.
PV systems use cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Power is generated whenever there is daylight and you could be able to sell any excess power produced and not used on-site back to your local energy supplier. PV systems work better if you have a large south facing roof area available for the panels.
Microwind systems use the kinetic energy of the wind to turn small turbine blades which rotate a generator shaft and generate electricity. To work effectively they need reasonable wind speeds. Wind speed increases with height so the turbines are usually sited on a mast or house roof. An on-site wind speed survey may help to establish how effective a wind turbine will be.
10m below the earth's surface, the ground is a constant ten to 14 degrees C all year. Pipes are buried in the ground in deep boreholes or trenches and they draw heat energy from the ground. The heat provided works better with under floor heating systems, which operate at a lower temperature than standard radiators.
Wood chip and rapeseed oil, amongst other fuels, can be used in biomass heating. They are usually used either in a boiler provide central heating and hot water or in a stove with a back boiler. Biomass fuels are considered renewable because they can be replaced (new crops grown) at the same rate as it is used.
Grants and advice
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Low Carbon Building Programme
You can claim a grant of up to £2500 for your household micro-generation installation through the government’s Low Carbon Building Programme. For solar installations, this can be combined with your Southwark solar reward.
Visit the Low Carbon Buidlings Programme website for more information.
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Energy Smart
Energy Smart, operated by CEN, can offer discounts on solar water heating installations. For more information call 0845 230 3320 or visit their website.
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Southwark Renewable Energy Reward
Look out for news on a new cashback scheme from Southwark Council for renewable energy measures
To encourage more people to take up micro-generation installations, the government has relaxed the need for planning permission for PV, solar thermal, ground source heat pumps, micro-CHP and biomass technologies. Within certain parameters, these now fall under the General Permission Development Order. Buildings within conservation areas or World Heritage Sites may still require permission and the relaxation does not cover micro wind. You can get more information from your local energy advice centre on 0800 512 012.
Contact us
Energy team
Tel: 020 7525 2379
environment@southwark.gov.uk
30-34 Penrose Street
London
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