With high gas and electricity prices and a generous government incentive for renewable heat, there has never been a better time to consider renewable heat technologies like heat pumps, solar water heating and woodburning stoves.


Saving on energy bills


Before considering renewable heat technologies, there are simple and cost-effective ways to save energy. First, there are easy tips to follow to use less


energy. If you use less energy, you’ll also reduce the carbon emissions produced by your home. Secondly, you should look at energy-effi ciency


measures. Insulating your home means you will stop heat escaping from your roof, walls and windows. Insulating your roof and walls will produce year on year savings. You can get help with the costs from grant schemes run by the government, local authorities and energy suppliers.


Renewable energy


There are a number of ways you can generate your own energy at home from low or zero carbon ‘microgeneration’ technology, such as solar heating systems, heat pumps and woodburning stoves. Producing your own energy instead of using mains


gas and electricity will not only reduce your carbon footprint. It will also mean you’re less dependent on regular sources of energy that are subject to ever increasing costs.


Cost of renewable energy systems


It’s important to take a long-term view. Renewable choices may look more expensive, but as the cost of gas and electricity continues to rise, the time taken to get your money back on an investment in microgeneration will come down.


You can also benefit from the governments


Renewable Heat Incentive, which offers you incentives to generate renewable heat, meaning these technologies are becoming more cost-effective. It’s important however to ensure your property is suitable for the technology you choose, as not all properties have a south-facing roof or a garden. For solar photovoltaics (PV) you can now get


cashback thanks to the Feed-in Tariff. The Energy Saving Trust says a typical domestic solar electricity system, with an installation size of 2.2 kWp could earn around £800 a year. Cashback applies to other


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