Renewables

Photovoltaic

Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.

The semiconductors are located within solar panels which are fitted in arrays on building roofs. The electricity is converted from DC to AC using an inverter. The generation of electricity is dependent on light intensity, not on heat or direct sunlight so it works even on overcast days. Any excess energy can be exported to the National Grid.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps operate using similar principles to fridges and freezers moving heat energy from one location to another. Whilst the pumps consume electricity, typically they generate 2.5 to 4 times as much useful heat energy as they consume and therefore provide significant savings when compared to other forms of heating. 

Air Source Heat Pumps

Low grade heat is taken from the ambient environment and converted into higher grade heat for use in warm air, underfloor or low temperature radiators.

The heat pump is normally fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It needs plenty of space around it to get a good flow of air. A sunny position is preferably.

Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) became available in the UK on 1st April 2010. Under this scheme energy suppliers make regular payments to householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources. The scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system, as well as a separate payment for the electricity exported to grid. These payments are in addition to the bill savings made by using the electricity generated on-site.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) policy which is designed to provide financial support to encourage the uptake of renewable and low carbon heat technologies.

Find out more

To find out more about our approach to Renewables please contact us.