Session 3 ENERGY
Suggested links
3.0 Energy savings summary
3.1 Energy efficiency
BRONZE actions – quick solutions!
3.1.1Closing your curtains
3.1.2 Lag your pipes
SILVER actions – stepping it up!
3.1.3 Draught proofing
GOLD actions – go for it!
3.1.4 Floor and skirting insulation
3.1.5 Double glazing
PLATINUM actions – do big things!
3.1.6 Insulate your loft
3.1.7 Insulate cavity walls
3.1.8 Insulate external walls
3.2 Heating and hot water
BRONZE actions – quick solutions!
3.2.01 Put foil behind radiators and a shelf above
SILVER actions – stepping it up!
3.2.02 Use a thermostat to control the temperature of hot water
3.2.03 Thermostatic radiators
GOLD actions – go for it!
3.2.04 Turn down your thermostat
3.2.05 Hot water timer
3.2.06 Insulate your hot water tank
3.2.07 Replace your boiler
PLATINUM actions – do big things!
3.2.08 Install a wood pellet stove/boiler system
3.2.09 Ground source heat pump
3.2.10 Air source heat pump
3.2.11 Cooling your home without air conditioning
3.3 Household appliances
BRONZE actions – quick solutions!
3.301 Smart meters
3.302 Shut down your computer and monitor
3.303 Only boil the water you need
3.304 Wash full loads of laundry
3.305 Fill your dish washer
3.306 Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
3.307 Defrost your freezer
SILVER actions – stepping it up!
3.308 Turn appliances off at wall
3.309 Think before using your tumble dryer
GOLD actions – go for it!
3.310 Replace appliances with A+ rated equivalent models
3.311 Help your fridge!
3.4 Renewable energy
BRONZE actions – quick solutions!
3.41 Renewable energy tariff
GOLD actions – go for it!
3.42 Solar hot water
PLATINUM actions – do big things!
3.43 Install solar photovoltaics (PV)
3.44 Alternative renewable energy technologies
Session 3 Energy Suggested links
Energy Saving Trust www.energytrust.org.uk
- Easy ways to stop wasting energy
- Energy home improvements and products
- Generate your own electricity
- Energy Saving Trust Recommended products
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Energy-Saving-Trust-Recommended-products
- Grants and discounts database for home improvements
Home insulation summary www.thinkinsulation.co.uk
Home insulation (home refurbishment)
Spend £100 for annual saving of £240 www.greenspec.co.uk
Green gadgets www.mygreenerhome.co.uk (not used, lots ideas)
Green electricity suppliers
How do I compare green electricity suppliers? Energy helpline.com
http://www.energyhelpline.com/green-energy/compare-green-energy.aspx
Green electricity market place http://www.greenelectricity.org/
Providing consumers with environmental information on the UK electricity supply industry electricityinfo.org http://www.electricityinfo.org/supplierdataall.php?year=latest
Section 3.0 is from Energy Savings Trust http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Sections 3.1 to 3.4 is from ecoteams site for registered members http://www.ecoteams.org.uk/
You are advised to check the live web sites for more up to date information.
Christine 27/9/10.
3.0 ENERGY SAVINGS SUMMARY
Information from Energy Saving Trust web site (21 Sept 2010) http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Energy efficiency – insulation
All costs and paybacks shown are approximate and are based on a gas heated semi-detached house with 3 bedrooms. Based on gas price of 3.67p/kWh.
| Measure | Cavity Wall Insulation | Internal Wall Insulation¹ | External wall Insulation² | Energy Saving Trust Recommended double glazing |
| Annual saving (£/yr) | Around £110 | Around £365 | Around £385 | Around £130 |
| Installed cost £ | Around £250 | £5,500 – £8,500 | £10,500 – £14,500 | £2,500 – £6,5003 |
| Installed payback | Around 2 years | - | - | - |
| DIY cost | - | - | - | - |
| DIY payback | - | - | - | - |
| Annual CO2 saving | Around 560kg | Around 1.8 tonnes | Around 1.9 tonnes | Around 650kg |
| Measure | Loft insulation (0-270mm) | Loft insulation (50-270mm) | Floor insulation |
| Annual saving (£/yr) | Around £145 | Around £40 | Around £50 |
| Installed cost £ | Around £250 | Around £250 | Around £1,900 |
| Installed payback | Around 2 years | Around 6 years | - |
| DIY cost | £50 – £3504 | £50 – £3504 | Around £1005 |
| DIY payback | less than 1 year to 3 years | 1 – 9 years | Around 2 years |
| Annual CO2 savings | Around 730kg | Around 210kg | Around 240 kg |
| Measure | Draught proofing | Filling gaps between floor and skirting board | Hot water tank jacket | Primary pipe work insulation (visible hot water pipes) |
| Annual saving (£/yr) | Around £25 | Around £20 | Around £35 | Around £10 |
| Installed cost £ | Around £100 | |||
| Installed payback | Around 4 years | |||
| DIY cost | Around £100 | Around £20 | £15 | Around £10 |
| DIY payback | Around 4 years | Around 1 year | 5 months | Within 1 year |
| Annual CO2 savings | Around 120 kg | Around 100 kg | Around 170 kg | Around 60 kg |
Heating and hot water
| Measure | Cost saving a year (up to) | Cost to implement | CO2 saving a year (up to) |
| Foil behind radiators and shelf above | Around £5 – £25 | Around £3 – £4 /panel | 15 – 35 kg |
| Thermostat to control hot water temperature | Around £10 | Around £15 – £100 | 51 kg |
| Thermostatic radiators | Around £10 | Around £8 /valve + £100 for plumber to install | 45 kg |
| Turn down your thermostat | Around £55 | Free | from 294 kg |
| Hot water timer | ? | Around £15 – £50 | from 484 kg |
| Insulate hot water tank | Around £12 | Around £35 | from 200 kg |
| Measure | Annual saving (£/yr) | CO2 saving a year |
| Condensing boiler upgrade and heating controls upgrade (from old G rated boiler to A rated condensing boiler) | Up to £225 | Up to 1,100 kg |
Household appliances
Assume replacing average appliance purchased new in 1998 with an Energy Saving Trust Recommended model of similar size and an electricity cost of 12.50p/kWh.
| Appliance | EU Energy rating | Saving a year (up to) | CO2 saving a year (up to) |
| Fridge freezer | A+ or A++ | £38 | 155 kg |
| Upright/ Chest Freezer | A+ or A++ | £23 | 95 kg |
| Refrigerator | A+ or A++ | £13 | 55 kg |
| Dishwasher | A | £11 | 47 kg |
| Integrated digital televisions | (no EU label for TV’s) | £7 | 24 kg |
| Measure | Cost saving a year (up to) | Cost to implement | CO2 saving a year (up to) |
| Smart meters | Around £10 – £100 | Around £3 – £4 /panel | 15 – 35 kg |
| Shut down computer and monitor | Free | Around £15 – £100 | 51 kg |
| Only boil the water you need | Free | Around £8 /valve + £100 for plumber to install | 45 kg |
| Wash full loads of laundry | Free | Free | from 294 kg |
| Fill your dishwasher | Free | Around £15 – £50 | from 484 kg |
| Switch to energy efficient light bulbs | Around £1 – £5 each | Around £35 | from 200 kg |
| Defrost your freezer | Around £10 | Free | 11 kg |
| Turn your appliances off at wall | Around £37 | Free | 143 kg |
| Think before using your tumble dryer | Around £74 | Free | 198 kg |
Session 3 ENERGY
All information which follows is from ecoteams web site for registered members http://www.ecoteams.org.uk/
Much of the energy used in our homes is produced from burning fossil fuels, which emits millions of tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. Our domestic energy consumption accounts for almost a third of the UK’s total energy use. There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient, thus reducing carbon pollution and saving money on bills.
3.1 Energy efficiency
[Information in 3.1 to 3.4 is from Ecoteams web site, Global Action Plan, September 2010. You can access it online if you have already joined Lovelace Green Champions ecoteam.]
We may spend more money than we need to heating our homes due to poor insulation.
- around 40% of heat lost is through the walls and roof
- 20% through windows
- 20% through draughts and ventilation
Here are steps you can take to save some of this energy and reduce your bills.
BRONZE actions – quick solutions!
3.1.1 Closing your curtains
Windows and door frames are a common source of draught. Closing your curtains at dusk before the temperature falls will keep the heat in your home. You can improve the insulation of your curtains by lining them with heavy fabric. Line your curtains.
- CO2 saving per year: 70kg
- Cost saving per year: £20 Source: National Housing Federation
- Cost to implement lining curtains: £10 to £50
3.1.2 Lag your pipes
Lagging your hot water pipes with foam insulation (available from hardware stores) will prevent the heat escaping as the water passes through the pipes. Cover the pipes where they leave the boiler or water heater as a priority as this is where most heat is lost.
- CO2 saving per year: 50kg
- Cost saving per year: £10 Source: Energy Saving Trust
- Cost to implement: £10
SILVER actions – stepping it up!
3.1.3 Draught proofing
Draught proof your house by filling in the gaps that allow heat to escape and cold air in. A professional will help you make the right choices but it is often easy to do it yourself. An easy first step is to fit a brush to the bottom of your external doors and letterbox. Involve your children by stuffing old socks and tights with newspaper or cloth to make snake draught excluders.
- CO2 saving per year: 150kg
- Cost saving per year: £25 Source: Energy Saving Trust
- Cost to implement: £100 to £200
GOLD actions – go for it!
3.1.4 Floor and skirting insulation
Banish cold toes by getting your floor insulated. If it’s not possible to lift the floorboards then an effective step is to fill in gaps between skirting board and floor and between the floor boards. You could also consider putting down some rugs.
- CO2 saving per year: 380kg
- Cost saving per year: £70 Source: Energy Saving Trust
- Cost to implement: £1.50 – £120
3.1.5 Double glazing
Double glazing can cut heat loss through windows by 50% in cool climates. The cost of installation depends on the number of windows, replacing all of them could cost a few thousand pounds.
However, you may want to prioritise and only double glaze the windows in the rooms you use most often. A lower cost alternative is to fit a secondary pane of glass.
Plastic panels (available from DIY stores) can be fastened to the window frame. Source: Centre for Alternative Technology. Alternatively you can use a layer of readily available window insulation film.
- CO2 saving per year: 720kg
- Cost saving per year: £135 Source:Energy Saving Trust
- Cost to implement: £1,000+ (for all windows)
PLATINUM actions – do big things!
3.1.6 Insulate your loft
Hot air rises, which means a lot of energy can be lost through your roof. Investing in loft insulation saves energy and money. Various materials can be used and the recommended thickness is 270mm. Government grants exist to help cover costs. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website to find out if you’re eligible.
Search the Energy Saving Trust grants and offers.
Are you refurbishing your home? Have you thought about energy efficient refurbishment?
For more information visit the Green Spec website.
- CO2 saving per year: 1,025kg
- Cost saving per year: £45 to £150 (depending on thickness)
- Cost to implement: £250
For more information visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
For more information visit the Think Insulation website.
For more information visit the the Climate Change and Your Home website.
3.1.7 Insulate cavity walls
Most houses built after 1920 have cavity walls. Insulating them is easy and will take just a few hours.
- CO2 saving per year: 800kg
- Cost saving per year: £115
- Cost to implement: £250
For more information visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
3.1.8 Insulate external walls
Insulating solid walls is more difficult and costly, however it can significantly reduce energy use. The cost will depend on the size and external surface area of your home but huge gains can be made. You might need to apply for planning permission if you intend to alter the appearance of your home.
For more information vist the Oxford Solar Initiative.
- CO2 saving per year: 2,100kg
- Cost saving per year: £400 Source: Energy Saving Trust
- Cost to implement: £2,200 to £5,000
3.2 Heating and hot water
85% of domestic energy is used for heating or cooling our homes. By making small adjustments we can have a positive impact on the environment and save money on our bills.
BRONZE actions – quick solutions!
3.2.01 Put foil behind radiators and a shelf above
Putting a reflective surface behind your radiators will avoid heat loss through external walls. You can use aluminium foil or buy panels from most DIY stores. Putting a shelf above a radiator will prevent heat escaping through windows or walls.
Remember to only heat the rooms you are in and put an extra layer of clothing on to keep warm. Set radiators to a lower temperature if they are in the same room as electrical appliances such as the television, which produces heat.
- CO2 saving per year: from 15 to 35kg
- Cost saving per year: £5 to £25
- Cost to implement: £3 to £4 per panel
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Building Professionals section).
SILVER actions – stepping it up!
3.2.02 Use a thermostat to control the temperature of hot water
We often heat our water to an unnecessarily high temperature. For most people a temperature of 60°C/140°F is adequate for bathing and washing. Installing a thermostat directly onto your tank will help maintain the temperature of your water.
- CO2 saving per year: from 51kg
- Cost saving per year: £10
- Cost to implement: £15 to £100
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Home Improvements section).
3.2.03 Thermostatic radiators
Installing thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) will allow you to control the temperature of each radiator and room independently. Remember to lower the temperature of radiators in hallways and less frequently used rooms.
- CO2 saving per year: from 45kg
- Cost saving per year: £10
- Cost to implement: £8 per valve + £100 for plumber to install
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Home Improvements section).
GOLD actions – go for it!
3.2.04 Turn down your thermostat
When the outside temperature is lower than inside for every degree you reduce your thermostat setting you can reduce your fuel bill by 10%.
- CO2 saving per year: from 294kg
- Cost saving per year: £55
- Cost to implement: Free
3.2.05 Hot water timer
Installing a 7-day timer switch on your heating system means that you can heat water only when you need to.
- CO2 saving per year: from 484kg
- Cost saving per year: Information unavailable
- Cost to implement: £15 to £50
3.2.06 Insulate your hot water tank
Insulating your hot water storage tank retains heat and requires less energy to keep your water hot. An 80mm (3 inch) thick insulation jacket could cut your heat loss by up to 75%.
- CO2 saving per year: from 200kg
- Cost saving per year: £12
- Cost to implement: £35
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Home Improvments section).
3.2.07 Replace your boiler
Gas boilers produce up to 60% of total domestic CO2 emissions. Boilers have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years, when next replacing your boiler look at upgrading to a more efficient model. For example a ‘condensing’ or ‘combination’ boiler wastes 30% less heat.
Energy and cost savings are dependent on the age and efficiency of your current boiler. Replacing an old, inefficient G-rated boiler with an A-grade model, you could reduce your emissions by over a tonne and save a substantial amount on your heating bills.
- CO2 saving per year: from 702kg
- Cost saving per year: £70 to £235 per year
- Cost to implement: £1,500
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Home Improvements section).
PLATINUM actions – do big things!
3.2.08 Install a wood pellet stove/boiler system
Various types of wood burning heating systems can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and energy bills. Although easy to install you should first have your chimney checked to ensure it is suitable.
Converting a conventional fossil fuel heating system to a wood pellet boiler system can save up to 10 tonnes of CO2.
- CO2 saving per year: from 1,000kg to 9,600kg
- Cost saving per year: £470
- Cost to implement: wood burning stove £250 to £600; standalone stove £3,000; boiler system £9,000
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Generate your own energy section).
For further information on a wood-fuelled home visit the Centre for Alternative Technology website.
3.2.09 Ground source heat pump
Ground source heat pumps make use of renewable energy stored in the ground. Heat is collected in a closed loop of pipes containing water with a little anti-freeze which is then used to heat your home and hot water.
Find out about grants to help you at the Low Carbon Buildings website.
- CO2 saving per year: from 1,000kg to 7,000kg
- Cost saving per year: £400 to £1,000 (depends on energy source you are replacing)
- Cost to implement: £7,000 to £13,000
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Ground source heat pumps).
3.2.10 Air source heat pump
An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air to provide indoor heat, even when air temperatures outside are low. Although generally producing less heat than a conventional system they provide adequate heating of your home and hot water.
Find out about grants to help you at the Low Carbon Buildings website.
- CO2 saving per year: 800kg to 6,000kg
- Cost saving per year: £300 to £800 (depends on energy source you are replacing)
- Cost to implement: £5,000 to £10,000
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Air source heat pumps).
Find out more about Heat Pumps.
3.2.11 Cooling your home without air conditioning
Domestic air conditioning can double household energy use. There are many alternative ways to keep our homes cool. Shading houses from direct sunlight, painting roofs/walls white and insulation will all reduce heat transmission.
- CO2 saving per year: 1,300kg
- Cost saving per year: £200 to £400
- Cost to implement: Free
- Find out more… Heat Pumps.pdf
3.3 Household appliances
Our use of electronic goods and gadgets is constantly increasing, with new and improved models being released all the time. Between 1972 and 2002 the electricity consumed by UK household domestic appliances doubled. This is expected to rise by a further 12% by 2010.
There are many easy ways to reduce the amount of energy we use through our appliances.
BRONZE actions – quick solutions!
3.301 Smart meters
Most of us spend more on energy bills than we need to. Smart meters help us to identify where we are using energy unnecessarily and reduce waste. Many public libraries have smart meters available for short term loans, so you can try one out.
- CO2 saving per year: 70kg
- Cost saving per year: 5 to 10% energy bill reduction
- Cost to implement: £10 to £100
Read more at the My Greener Home website (energy meters).
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (smart meters).
3.302 Shut down your computer and monitor
Switch off your computer when you aren’t using to save energy. If you want to avoid shutting down your computer make use of its power management settings or invest in an ‘eco-button’. Source: Eco-button.com.
Switching off your monitor is easy, don’t leave it on standby, just press the button whenever you’re not looking at the screen. 50% or more of the energy used by a computer goes to the monitor.
Depending on the make and model laptops can be up to 30% more efficient than PCs.
- CO2 saving per year: 27kg
- Cost saving per year: £4
- Cost to implement: Free
Read more about computers and peripherals at the Energy Savings Trust website.
3.303 Only boil the water you need
When making a hot drink only boil enough water to fill the number of cups you need. You’ll save yourself time, money and energy. Pour any excess hot water you boil into a thermos flask for instant hot water later.
- CO2 saving per year: 27kg
- Cost to implement: Free
3.304 Wash full loads of laundry
Save energy and water by waiting until you have a full load before switching on the washing machine. Washing at 40° or at 30° will save you even more.
- CO2 saving per year: 43kg
- Cost to implement: Free
3.305 Fill your dishwasher
Only put the dishwasher on when it’s full. A half load setting usually uses more than half the energy of a full load. (Source: Energy Saving Trust) Use the economy setting if you can.
- CO2 saving per year: 28kg
- Cost to implement: Free
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Energy saving products).
3.306 Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
Replace old style light bulbs with energy efficient ones – they use 75% less electricity and last eight times longer. If you can’t replace all your bulbs at once, start with ones that are left on longest – those in living rooms, landings and hallways. You don’t need to wait until your current bulbs blow. You can save money if you switch today.
For lamps and halogen lighting, opt for energy efficient alternatives such as LEDs and low energy halogen bulbs. These are available in most hardware shops.
- CO2 saving per year: 11kg
- Cost saving: £40, over the lifetime of bulb
- Cost to implement: £1 to £5 each
3.307 Defrost your freezer
Regularly defrost your freezer to ensure it runs efficiently.
- CO2 saving per year: 10kg
- Cost saving per year: £10
- Cost to implement: Free
Read the National Housing Federation Guide: Save Money, Help the Planet (PDF).
SILVER actions – stepping it up!
3.308 Turn appliances off at wall
Turning appliances off at the wall prevents them from charging or using energy when not in use. You can use a smart meter to show you how much energy you are saving.
- CO2 saving per year: 143kg
- Cost saving per year: £37
- Cost to implement: Free
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Energy saving products).
3.309 Think before using your tumble dryer
Tumble dryers use a lot of energy and over 40% of UK households now own one. If possible and practical dry clothes outside in the sunshine or inside on a clothes rack. Avoid putting wet clothes directly onto your radiators as it will make them less efficient.
- CO2 saving per year: 198kg
- Cost saving per year: £74
- Cost to implement: Free
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Energy saving products).
GOLD actions – go for it!
3.310 Replace appliances with A+ rated equivalent models
When buying new appliances, choose a model with an A+ or A++ energy efficiency rating. Choose a computer that carries the Energy Star logo.
For more information about energy labelling visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
Remember to wait until your appliance actually needs replacing before purchasing a more efficient model. Upgrading perfectly functional machines unnecessarily increases your carbon footprint due to the resources used during manufacture and disposal.
- CO2 saving per year: 200kg per appliance
- Cost saving per year: will vary according to appliance
- Cost to implement: £200 to £1,000 (depends on the appliance)
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Energy saving assumptions).
3.311 Help your fridge!
As your fridge is always on it uses a large share of your household’s energy. UK households spend £1.8 billion every year on cooling/freezing food and drink – the equivalent of nearly five 700MW power stations’ output in a year.
Don’t make your fridge work any harder than it has to. If possible place it in a room that is cooler than the rest of the house (e.g. a utility room). If your fridge is in the kitchen be sure not to place it next to the cooker or other heat sources. Check that the thermostat inside isn’t set too low and regularly clean the back of the fridge.
- Full fridges and freezers use less energy than an empty ones. Fill empty space with containers of water in a fridge and store some extra bags of ice in a freezer. Defrost frozen items in the fridge overnight. Close the fridge! For every 1 minute a fridge door is open, it takes 3 to get it back down to temperature [Source: Centre for Alternative Energy (CAT)]
Some people have started living without a fridge so this may be something you might want to consider.
- CO2 saving per year: 200kg
3.4 Renewable energy
One way to reduce CO2 emissions is to switch to a renewable energy tariff. You can also generate renewable energy within your community or in your home.
BRONZE actions – quick solutions!
3.41 Renewable energy tariff
Switching to a green tariff could help increase market demand for renewable energy and asist in reducing future prices. It’s simple and can be done over the telephone or online. How effective this is in reducing CO2 emissions will depend on which company you choose as your provider.
To compare green energy visit the Energy Helpline website.
You can also buy appliances powered by renewable energy – solar powered phone chargers, alarm clocks, even shavers.
Find solar-powered products at the Solar Centre website.
- CO2 saving per year: Dependent on tariff
- Cost saving per year: £100 to £130
- Cost to implement: £0
Read about green tariffs at the Green Electricity website.
Find out more: Renewable energy tariffs
GOLD actions – go for it!
3.42 Solar hot water
Before embarking on the installation of solar hot water systems it is necessary to investigate its feasibility in your home. Successful installation is dependent on a number of variables and whilst a great option it is not suitable for all households.
- CO2 saving per year: 325kg to 645kg
- Cost saving per year: £55 to £95 per year
- Cost to implement: £3,000 to £5,000
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Generate your own energy).
PLATINUM actions – do big things!
3.43 Install solar photovoltaics (PV)
A PV system is relatively easy to install and could provide up to 50% of your electricity needs each year. A variety of choices exist.
Roof-mounted solar panels won’t normally need planning permission unless you live in a listed building or a conservation area, but check your ‘permitted development’ rights with your local planning authority.
Read more on the Planning Portal website.
Grants which can contribute to the costs may be available through the Government’s low carbon building programme.
Read more on the Low Carbon Buildings website.
- CO2 saving per year: from 1,000kg
- Cost saving per year: £250
- Cost to implement: £8,000 to £20,000
For more information visit the Energy Saving Trust website (Generate your own energy).
3.44 Alternative renewable energy technologies
There are various alternative renewable technologies available which may be more suitable to install at a community, rather than individual household level. For example combined heat and power (CHP) or macro/micro wind turbines.
Community heating has been used in the UK for many years, although it only accounts for around 1% of the UK domestic heating market. A community heating scheme provides heat from a central source to more than one building, dwelling or customer and is an alternative to providing individual heating systems to each dwelling.
Read more at the Energy Saving Trust website (Generate your own energy).
Grants which can contribute to the costs may be available through the Government’s low carbon building programme.
Read more at the Low Carbon Buildings website.
Roof-mounted or mast turbines can be used to generate ‘micro-wind’ energy for domestic use, and ‘macro-wind’ energy for use by the whole community. You will need planning permission to install any kind of wind turbine. A turbine kept in good condition will last 20 years although batteries may need to be renewed every 5-10 years.
Read more about wind energy at the Energy Saving Trust website
Read more at the Planning Portal website.
- CO2 saving per year: 1,700kg
- Cost saving per year: £150 to £250 per year
- Cost to implement: £1,500 (roof mounted), £11,000 to £19,000 (mast mounted)
Download the BWEA briefing sheet on Small Wind Energy Systems (PDF).
Read more about wind turbines at the Energy Saving Trust website.
Read more about micro wind power at the Energy Saving Trust website
END