Investigate Domestic Renewable Energy Options

Financial Incentives

Because of an overall desire to be more environmentally aware, from the government downwards, there are incentives being offered to homeowners to switch to renewable energy. This really began in 2010, with the implementation of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme. For 2014, a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme will be introduced. In the meantime, Renewable Heat Premium Payments (RHPP) are an option.

Solar energy users can benefit from the FIT scheme, via being paid if the national grid receives that user's surplus electricity. The groundbreaking Renewable Heat Incentive aims to see, by 2020, renewable energy being responsible for providing as much as 12% of the heat generated in the UK. Financial incentives will be offered to both homeowners and business as a spur to choosing renewable energy.

Solar Energy And Biomass Heating

Because solar panels can be introduced in stages, this makes it easier for a homeowner to determine the efficacy of solar power before choosing to have more panels installed. Solar panels also don't require much maintenance, so, once in place, the panels should be usable for many years.

Biomass heating is a flexible form of renewable energy. There's a variety of heating systems to choose from, which all require different sorts of fuel - and all of that fuel comes from waste. The types of heating systems available include ones generating energy through pellets or wood waste.

Simple Ways Of Saving Energy

Saving energy in the home is something can see a homeowner reap the rewards once little things become habitual. This can range from always remembering to switch a light off when the room has been vacated to keeping an eye on the temperature and adjusting heating accordingly. Keeping the freezer or fridge well stocked will also result in less energy being required to preserve food.

One area where savings can really be made is by cutting down on water usage. Wasting water can impact on both energy and water bills, and using all the hot water for a bath to using too much water to cook vegetables with are two examples.

Though there are many different types of renewable energy, solar energy and biomass heating are the most realistic types to be able to install in the family home. Other types of renewable energy, such as wind turbines, are also suitable for providing homes with energy from a distance.