Choosing your technology

It's crucial to select the right technology for your location. You may have your heart set on a wind turbine but it might not be appropriate for your situation. Consider the following:

• Evaluate your resource
  Microgeneration is all about playing your best hand. If you live in an exposed, windy area, consider a wind turbine. If you have a south facing roof that benefits from good sunshine all year round (i.e. no shading) consider solar energy. It is important to not let your heart rule your head.  Focus on how much energy your system will produce, not it's appearance. It's important to understand the level of natural resource that each renewable technology requires. You can find out more here. 

• Planning permission
  From April 6 2008 many microgeneration technologies came under 'permitted development rights'. This means permission to install these technologies is automatically granted providing certain conditions are met. Permitted technologies include solar thermal, solar PV, biomass heating, ground source heat pumps and water source heat pumps.
  
  Small scale wind turbines and air source heat pumps are not yet permitted development but, once standards have been established to address the potential impacts of noise and vibration, these technologies will be included in permitted development rights, however for now you need to consult your local planning authority.
  
  Some restrictions apply within permitted development rights, such as how much a system protrudes above a property. Installers recommended by Good Energy will be aware of these restrictions and should ensure your installation adheres to them.
  
  However, 'permitted development rights' do not automatically apply to listed buildings, properties in conservation areas or World Heritage sites. This probably won't prohibit you from installing a microgenerator, but you will need to get approval from your local planning authority.
  
  A good way to begin your planning application is to write to your local planning authority, providing details of your planned microgeneration project, and they'll advise you on the information they require to make their decision. Be aware, obtaining retrospective planning permission can be difficult and costly.
  
  For more information on planning we recommend that you visit the Planning Portal and the Energy Saving Trust website.
  
  
• Assessing your home
  It is also important that you select a microgeneration system that is going to work well with your house. For example a family with lots of young children may have a greater demand for thermal energy to heat water, than for electricity; or an old house with lots of land might seem suitable for a ground source heat pump, but if the property is poorly insulated, a heat pump is unlikely to be effective. 
  
  To find out more about which technologies could work best for you, we recommend you read up on Renewable Technologies. Next, fill out our desk top survey for your chosen technology, send it to us and we'll let you know our recommendations.