Renewable energy
Energy Action Devon can help individuals and organisations assess the options for renewable energy at their site. If you are a housholder please contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012.
If you need more detailed advice about the options for your home, commuity building, business or school visit our site assessment pages. Or you can read through our case studies.
Renewable energy is derived from inexhaustible resources such as wind, sun and sea, and from replaceable resources such as waste products and crops. It's a long-term way to tackle climate change. Renewable energy is no less reliable than energy generated from more traditional sources and using it does not necessarily mean that you have to change your lifestyle or your appliances. There are a number of technologies available that can produce heat or electricity for homes, businesses and communities. Click on the links for more information.
This technology uses the energy locked up in plant and animal matter. Wood fuel is the main option, in the form of logs, pellets or chips. Renewable heat can be generated from standalone stoves or integrated boiler systems. It is a good option for properties that have no access to natural gas, particularly in rural locations.
Heat pumps move heat from one place to another; this can be from the ground, air or water to your central heating system. This technology works best in very well insulated homes with a low temperature heating system such as under floor heating. Some electricity is used for a pump and compresser. Click here to download a factsheet.
Running water, from a stream for example can be used to generate electricity for your home. Click here to download a factsheet.
In a good site, such as on the brow of a hill with a good prevailing wind, renewable energy from wind can be a good way to generate electricity which can operate as standalone devices and can also be integrated into the national grid. Click here to download a factsheet.
By using the heat from the sun's rays, up to 70% of a home's hot water could be generated by a solar water heating system, and can usually be integrated into an existing system. Click here to download a factsheet.
Solar Electricity - Solar Photovoltaic's (PV)
This technology uses the sun's energy to produce electricity by capturing it from solar panels on roofs. Typically around half of a home's annual electricity could be generated in this way. Click here to download a factsheet.
Before you consider renewable energy you need to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible to reduce your energy demand. This means insulating, using low energy light bulbs and being able to programme your central heating system among other things. Have a look at our and Grants pages for more information.