Is small-scale renewable energy worth investing in for the average homeowner
In the past couple of years, there has been an international movement to fight climate change, inspired greatly (or even solely) by a Swedish teenager.
In 2019, our own government in the UK committed to bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, ending its contribution to global warming.
So, it’s no wonder that sustainability, green energy and eco-friendly development are high on the agenda for architects and builders around the world.
Building regulations have become stricter on the sustainability factor, ensuring eco-friendly construction of all new properties and home improvements such as home extensions and loft conversions.
Low energy bills, reduced maintenance and increasing natural light are all major considerations now when it comes to architectural design and construction, and not just to tick the ‘environmentally friendly’ box; homes designed and built with sustainability and environmental concerns in mind tend to have much lower running costs too.
With this in mind, we wanted to take a look at the latest in renewable energy sources. Are they a viable option for the average homeowner? Are they worth the investment? Or is there another way to make our homes more efficient and sustainable?
Clean renewable electrical energy generation systems are becoming to increasingly accessible to the average homeowner and can be used for home heating and cooling, hot water and even cooking.
Some of the most popular options are:
Solar panels (solar pv) (around £4-6k)
The most popular choice is solar panels, which are usually placed on the roof to capture the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity (it’s possible to generate 10 or more watts per square foot), saving money and the environment* in one fail swoop! (*You unfortunately can’t save the environment single-handedly; if only it was that easy).
Plus, you don’t usually need planning permission to add them to your roof unless you live in a listed building or conservation area (always check with your local authority). And what’s more, they can add value to your home, sometimes up to £2,000 (or you could take them with you to your next property – some suppliers offer one free move!).
Government incentives for generating solar energy in the home ended in 2018 so anyone installing solar panels now won’t receive these payments. But, this decision was coupled with a decrease in the cost of solar panels as well as the introduction of something called the Smart Export Guarantee, which requires all licensed energy suppliers to offer an export tariff to anyone generating their own renewable energy, whereby they pay homeowners and businesses for any surplus energy they export back to the grid.
If your roof covering is nearing the end of its life, you could invest in solar tiles. These are thin, flat panels that can replace your existing roof tiles. They are less obtrusive and sleeker looking than the traditional solar panels (read less efficient) but are far more expensive.
We do want to flag, though, that if you’re planning on a loft conversion, solar panels might not be the best idea. Anything like that on the roof means you’re limited in the amount of liveable space you can get up there, as you wouldn’t be able to add a dormer window.
Solar Thermal [similar cost to solar pv]
Solar thermal systems are similar to solar panels but instead of producing electricity they use the sun to heat the reserve or water which can then be pumped through radiators or other water outlets. The systems don’t require many solar water panels to dramatically reduce or even eliminate energy used by the traditional gas or electric water heater.
Wind turbines (around £3k)
Under the right circumstances a residential roof-mounted wind turbine can be practical and profitable energy solution for homeowners. They are typically small and probably won’t provide all the electricity you need but its addition can certainly lower your electricity bills.
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If you’re looking to embark on an eco-friendly home improvement project - perhaps you’re wanting to add a kitchen extension or get some extra space above your garage - renewable energy sources aren’t your only option. If you make your build (extension, conversion or even new build) as energy efficicient as possible at the design stage, you’re on to a winner. For example, go for a concrete/brick build, rather than timber frame. The initial output is more but it’s going to last far longer (timber is susceptible to rot) and will conserve heat more.
And incorporate as much natural light into the design as possible with roof windows to reduce your need for electricity-powered lighting. There are a few options, including Velux-style roof windows and tubular skylights (or sun tunnels). Sun tunnels consist of a clear roof mounted dome, a round metal tube and ceiling diffuser. These are more advantageous than traditional skylights as they are much quicker, easier and cheaper to install. However, traditional Velux windows allow much more light into the room and can be opened to let in fresh air.
Our team professionally produces architectural plans to meet building regulations and we design with sustainability and environmental concerns in mind from the very beginning. If you’re looking for help with home improvement projects, our team of architectural designers can help - contact us now.