News
Eco-friendly micro-generation of energy – solar panels and domestic wind turbines
New plans introduced by the UK government this summer have paved the way for UK homeowners to install eco-friendly energy production technologies such as domestic wind turbines and solar panels. Previously, planning restrictions hampered homeowners, however, the government have announced that these planning restrictions will be lifted.
The new regulations are planned to be introduced in 2007 and will help to satiate an expanding market for the domestic micro-generation of energy. Indeed, even with the existing difficulties in applying for planning permission to erect a domestic wind turbine and house the unit on one's home or land, the number of people willing to implement wind power technology on a domestic level has doubled in the last 10 years. The Energy Savings Trust has estimated that the amount of energy that could be produced by domestic micro-generation via wind turbines and solar panels could amount to up to 30% of the total electricity needs for the UK by 2050.
The planning minister in charge of the plans, Yvette Cooper, stated, "It is absurd that you should be able to put a satellite dish up on your house but should have to wrestle with the planning process for small-scale micro-generation, which is no more obtrusive and can have a real impact on tackling climate change."
The generation of power through domestic wind turbines has been in the news recently due to the plight of David Cameron, the leader of the Conservative party, and his difficulties in obtaining the permission to erect a domestic wind turbine on his Kensington property. A number of large retail outlets have announced that they will begin stocking micro-generation technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels in their stores, the latest being B&Q and Currys.
Currys currently stock solar panels in three of its London stores; Croydon, Fulham, and West Thurrock and state that the price of a solar panel for mounting on the roof of a standard three bedroom house will be £9,000. This is one of the highest value products in their stores, however, the price can be mitigated through obtaining a grant via the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, an approximate 50% reduction in annual electricity bills and a possible increase in the value of one's home. Customers wanting to purchase one of the solar panels from Currys will need to attend a consultation in order to ascertain whether the technology would be appropriate and a free house assessment is offered. Currys maintains that most houses will be capable of sustaining the solar panels and state that installation should take no longer than 1-2 days.
B&Q have announced their intention to begin selling domestic wind turbines in their warehouse stores nationwide. The units will cost somewhere in the region of £1,600 (including the installation) and the cost can be offset by 30% due to a government grant scheme. Before purchasing a unit, homeowners will need to have a consultation, which will ascertain whether there is a high enough wind speed in the area to sustain the turbine, and the wind turbine will need to be manufactured to order.
Also in this section:
The Case for Sustainable Energy
Mirage and Oasis – Nuclear vs. Renewable
Mini Wind Turbines For Domestic Usage