Choosing your technology 

If you are choosing to become a microgenerator you also need to choose the right technology for your home. There are a growing number of technologies entering the market and can be challenging to identify the most suitable technology and product for your home.

We are here to guide you and help you make the right choice.

Microgeneration is all about playing your best hand. If you're lucky enough to have a river, stream or especially an old mill on your property you should explore the possibilities of micro hydro power. If you're on exposed, high ground, consider small scale wind turbines. Similarly if your property is in a built-up area with no wind, discount a wind turbine early on. Small wind turbines get unjustly criticized for underperforming but usually it's not the machinery that's the problem, it's the lack of wind.

Solar energy probably has the broadest applications, whether for heat or power. Provided you have a south-facing roof, you're off to a good start and while the further south you are, the better your solar resource, you can still get a good yield from solar panels if you are in Scotland, for example.

If you are considering a heat pump (ground source or lake source), you are going to require sufficient space as the pipe work you will require to absorb the heat takes up a considerable area. If you choose an Air Source Heat Pump you will require less space but be sure to remember that Air Source Heat Pumps still require planning permission.

To put it simply, when you are choosing your technology make sure you approach it logically and methodically and you will be heading in the right direction. And do remember we are here to help.