MICROGENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

SOLAR HOT WATER	SOLAR PV	HEAT PUMPS	MICRO CHP

Solar Thermal systems use solar radiation to produce hot water mainly used for showers, washing etc., but sometimes additionally for space heating and swimming pools.	Solar PV (Photo Voltaic) systems use solar radiation (sunlight) to produce electricity for use in homes or other buildings.	Heat Pumps extract low grade heat from the air or ground, rather like a fridge in reverse. For every unit of electricity input, around 3 units of useful heat is delivered to the home.	Micro CHP replaces the gas boiler in a central heating system. It burns gas to produce heating, whilst simultaneously generating electricity.
BIOMASS	MICRO WIND	MINI WIND	MICRO HYDRO

Biomass boilers burn wood pellets, chips or logs to produce heat in a central heating system. Biomass is effectively zero carbon over its life cycle; a typical system in a family home can save around 6 tonnes of CO2 annually.	Micro wind turbines generate electricity from the energy in the wind striking the turbine. They are only effective when located in windy areas remote from buildings or other obstructions; current products have failed to perform well.	Mini wind turbines generate electricity from the energy in the wind striking the turbine. Free-standing mini turbines are most effective when located in windy areas remote from buildings or other obstructions.	Small hydro systems produce power from the flow of water. The continuous power output resulting from this flow is a valuable resource where available.