colorchallenge thursday green switch to green renewable energy at home

switch to green renewable energy at home

Solar thermal
The solar panels that heat up the hot water, work in tandem with the existing system.

Pros: Free hot water when the sun shines. £ 400 in grant form is available.

Cons: Suffers from multiple glazing factors: improves reports on doorsteppers offering to install the system yet at a skyrocketing price.

What you should know: Expect to pay £ 4,000 plus. You may need to get a new water tank, which will add £ 400 or more for a fee. You also need a roof facing 90 degrees south. Further information: Solar Trade Association (01908 442290; solar-trade.org.uk).

Photovoltaics
Other solar panels, this time using sunlight to generate electricity. Also present as special tiles, very useful if you plan on replacing the roof.

Pros: The renewable energy strategy yesterday floated the idea of ​​a feedback tariff, similar to that currently used in Germany. This means that households are paid a premium for the excess electricity they generate and hopefully ensure more people take the technology.

Cons: It will cost you - it could be £ 20,000-plus.

What you should know: Grants are available up to £ 2,500. Again, you need a roof facing 90 degrees south. Further information: Renewable Energy Association (r-p-a.org.uk).

Wind turbine
Critics say they will not turn on hair dryers. Supporters say they misunderstand. We say: they are controversial.

Pros: If successful, it is the highest statement technology. As renewable energy, the price is cheap - prices start at £ 2,000 for a 1 kw turbine (the average home power requirement is 2.5 kw, assuming a stable wind speed of five meters per second).