CHP is not of itself a renewable energy resource, but is included here, as it does have a role to play, in the reduction of CO2 emissions, and is an important concept that can also be applied to renewable energy resources, such as concentrated photovoltaics and biomass. Much of the world supply of electricity comes from fossil fuel power stations. Fuel energy is first converted into thermal energy on combustion...
Read MoreWater from washing and bathing, can be reused for flushing toilets or irrigating the garden. If you have had a water meter installed, then fitting a gray water recycling system makes perfect economic sense, as well as being ecologically friendly, helping to ease the environmental burdens associated with water storage, purification, distribution and treatment facilities...
Read MoreSmall scale domestic wind turbines are available, many of which are suitable for installing on the roof of a dwelling. Generally the propellers drive a small turbine, which is used to charge a battery, or is connected to the grid. A single installation will not provide enough power for you to go totally off-grid, but can still reduce your electricity bills, and reduce your CO2 footprint...
Read MoreThe sun is an immense source of energy, radiating more energy onto the surface of the earth every hour, than man uses in a whole year. Solar photovoltaic cells convert energy from the sun into electricity. Cells can be combined together to produce enough electricity to meet virtually any demand. Solar panels should ideally be installed on a south facing roof, or as close to south as possible...
Read MoreHeat pumps have been around for a long time. The principle is straight forward enough, heat is extracted from a low temperature source and dissipated via a heat exchanger, at a higher temperature. The same technology is used to operate your fridge. The heat sources we are most concerned about, with regard micro power generation for the home, are the earth, the air circulating outside, and where applicable, nearby water courses, such as rivers and streams. In each case the basic technology is the same...
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