Renewable Technologies
With many areas of Clydesdale off the gas network and some sites ideally placed to harness wind and solar energy, FOVC can advise on suitable technologies and grants.
Working with the Energy Saving Trust, we can arrange for a free impartial home visit and produce a report identifying most suitable technology to your property and anticipated costs and payback.
Similarly, we can signpost community groups interested in renewables to Community Energy Scotland and Energy Saving Trust for support and access to funding.
The current renewable technologies are split into electricity generating and heat generating
Electricity Generating
Wind Turbine
Harnesses the wind flow to power a turbine. The wind speed really needs to be 5 metres per second and free from obstructions for this to be an effective technology.
Solar PV
Converts direct sunlight to electricity. Works best with South facing roofs.
Micro Hydro
The least common of the technologies, works in a similar fashion to the wind turbine but powered with water. A successful site will have a good flow rate and a drop .
All electricity generating renewable technologies attract a feed in tariff from the Government. This is a guaranteed income stream from every unit you produce.
Heat Generating
Solar Thermal
Solar collectors that produce hot water. Again, these are more effective on a south facing roof.
Heat Pumps
Available as ground, air or water source. They transfer the heat from their environment and circulate throughout the home. An electric pump is used to compress the heat to a useable temperature.
Biomass
Wood burning stoves are considered to be carbon neutral. Chippings and pellets can be automatically loaded.
A renewable heat incentive is being considered by the Government whereby the user will be paid for heat generated. This is under consultation and proposed to come into effect in April 2011.