Alternative renewable energy sources

Heat pumps can extract the thermal energy from a local environmental source and convert it into heating and hot water. They can work in low temperatures too and have been widely used in Sweden for well over a decade. The most common domestic installation is an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) which can be fitted to the outside of your house and used to provide either warm air or hot water. A Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) uses a metal coil that is embedded into the ground either as a borehole system or a ground array. Heat pumps require electricity to power them and this energy can be provided by photovoltaic panels or your mains supply. ASHP’s are increasing in popularity as they are compact and reasonably affordable. They are compatible with existing radiators and under floor heating.

ASHP ground array installation at Bell House

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is another alternative that can be installed in any building but works best with a good level of insulation and airtightness. It works by extracting the air from kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms, passing it through a heat exchanger and supplying clean air to bedrooms and living rooms etc. This type of installation requires experienced professional advice from a qualified engineer or certified installer who can carry out a survey of your property including an air-tightness test. They can advise you on other measures to undertake such as insulation and draught proofing.

For further information on making a licence application for installing Photovoltaic solar panels please contact the Scheme of Management