Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is derived from inexhaustible sources such as the sun, wind, water and plant material. Using renewable energy reduces our dependence on energy sources that contribute to climate change (from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas) and can help make a big difference to the energy efficiency of your housing or buildings. To find out more, view the Renewable Energy Factsheet.

NEW - Relaxation of Planning Consent for Microgeneration Find out more from the Energy Saving Trust, here: Relaxation of Planning Consent for Microgeneration

 
Solar Thermal (Water) is currently the most cost-effective, affordable renewable technology for housing. It's suitable for urban and rural environments. Used and sized correctly for the household, it can provide 50% of hot water needs over a year.

Solar Photovoltaic Panels (PV) convert sunlight into electricity and could, over a year, provide a household with 30-50% of its electricity needs. Solar PV is suitable for urban and rural environments.

Micro-Wind Turbines can provide enough electricity to power the base-load demands of a single dwelling.

Biomass is organic matter of recent origin. It doesn't include fossil fuels, which have taken millions of years to evolve. The carbon dioxide released when energy is generated from biomass is balanced by that absorbed during the fuel's production (a carbon neutral process).

Ground Source Heat Pumps take heat from under the ground using liquid (water and anti-freeze) circulating in horizontal pipes or a vertical borehole. The heat extracted is generally used to warm water for space and under floor heating.

Small-Scale Hydro systems convert potential energy stored in water held at height to kinetic energy (or the energy used in movement) to turn a turbine to produce electricity.

The DTI's Low Carbon Buildings Programme provides grants towards renewable energy technologies: www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home

Community Team

Daventry District Council

Lodge Road

Daventry

Northants

NN11 4FP

Telephone: 01327 302257