Alternative Enery

Nearly half of us are doing absolutely nothing to cut our energy use, according to the latest survey by the Energy Saving Trust.
That's right - a big fat zero. The environment might be the political, scientific and cultural issue de nos jours, but there are still a hell of a lot of people who are not yet friends with their inner eco.
The cost of turning green could be one reason, because it can work out expensive. And the government has made matters worse.
It recently announced savage cuts to the grants that are available under the Department of Trade & Industry's (DTI) Low Carbon Buildings Programme - even though the chancellor gave the scheme a £6 million boost in the
budget in March.

Fewer incentives to go green.
The Low Carbon Buildings programme was set up in April 2006 and offers grants to people who want to generate their own power from renewable sources.
It is certainly popular - the grants usually run out within hours - so hopes were high after the Budget boost to the fund.
The DTI suspended the programme after the Budget, promising a revamp.
It is due to get going again soon, but the DTI has slashed the grants available for wind turbines and solar photovoltaics (PVs) -
a system that generates electricity.
The maximum grant you can now get for a wind turbine is a mere £2,500, down from £15,000. The grants for PV panels have halved to £2,500. The maximum grants for solar water heating (£400) and ground source heat pumps (£1,200) remain unchanged.

Green homes: for the wealthy only?
Green campaigners were astonished by the cuts. Philip Wolfe, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association, said: "The move will increase the cost to the customer of an average PV system by over 60% and is expected to further undermine growth in the PV, micro-wind and small hydro sectors.
"The decision will place renewable electricity beyond the reach of all but the wealthiest of households."
Wolfe also challenged the official commitment to cut our energy emissions. "Our members cannot understand why the DTI responds to a 50% funding increase by drastically reducing grant levels," he added.
"Less than two months ago, the UK committed to a target to achieve 20% of our energy from renewable sources by 2020. If we want a thriving and efficient UK renewables sector, it needs strong and stable incentives, instead of this chaotic situation that is strangling it at birth."
Indeed, it is hard to see how the cut in grants squares with the government's emission targets. It is also hard to see how the typical household can now afford to invest in solar panels or wind turbines.

So how much does it actually cost to go green?

Wind turbines
The energy we use to heat, light and power our homes produces 27% of the UK's CO2 emissions, so more people are choosing to generate their own power from a renewable source - and the wind seems an obvious choice.
Of course, you don't want a giant wind turbine whirring away at the bottom of your garden, but there are some dinky little rooftop turbines. And if they are good enough for David Cameron...
There are, however, doubts about the efficiency of a wind turbine. Can it really generate enough power to make a difference? And is your house suitable? They might be mini, but those turbines can still cause damage to your property - and annoy your neighbours.
Mini turbines start from about £1,500. A bigger turbine can cost about £12,500 to install; in some cases the price can be as high as £25,000. If you can apply for a maximum grant of only £2,500, you are going to be left with a hefty bill.
You should check with your local planning department whether you need permission to erect a turbine. You should also have a word with your neighbours. The Department of Communities and Local Government last month launched a consultation paper recommending changes to the planning process to make it easier for householders to indulge in a spot of micro-generation.
But in the meantime, you should follow the rules.

Solar panels
Solar panels are often a better option. You don't need full-on sun all day, but you do need a roof that faces within 90 degrees of south and is not obscured.
It also needs to be strong enough to bear the weight of the panels.
However, they are far from cheap. A typical domestic photovoltaic system costs between £10,000 and £18,000. The panels can also generate up to half the average family's supply of electricity, saving up to £125 on the annual bill.
But it would still take years to recoup the costs, even with a possible grant of £2,500.

Solar water heaters
If you haven't got a spare £18,000, a solar water heating system might appeal. It typically costs between £3,000 and £4,500.
If you successfully applied for a grant, you could knock up to £400 off the price - and you would save about £50 on your annual energy bill. You would, however, have to top up the hot water supply in the winter.

Hydroelectricity
People who live in rural areas might like to harness water power with a hydroelectric system. It sounds cool and could cost as little as £4,000. But you might end up paying £25,000, depending on the site.
The logistics are complicated. Plus, you need a licence from the Environment Agency and there's a limit on the amount of water you can extract.
So it's really only for people who are seriously green.

Ground source heat pumps
The queen apparently has a ground source heat pump - but that's probably because they cost a royal price.
They collect natural heat from the earth to heat your home and
sometimes your water.
But they cause a bit of disruption and cost between £6,500 and £11,500.
The maximum grant is £1,200, so it only makes a small dent in the total bill.
No wonder even the greenest of experts agree that you are better off sticking with gas.

Biomass stoves
What about a biomass or wood burning stove, which is 100% carbon neutral?
The bigger versions can power the heating and hot water and cost up to £11,000. The grant from the DTI is capped at 30% of the cost, up to a maximum of £1,500, so you don't get much. But they can look quite nice.

Please contact us with any questions about Alternative Energy solutions in Portsmouth as the situation re available products and grants changes almost by the day.
sales@tradeframe.net