Microgeneration Technologies

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the air outside your building - even at temperatures as low as minus 15°C. It then uses it to warm water for radiators or under-floor heating systems, or to warm the air indoors.

There are two main types of air source heat pump systems:

Air-to-water system

This uses the heat to warm up water - though not as hot as a standard boiler system would, so it's better suited to under-floor heating than conventional radiators.

Air-to-air system

This produces warm air, which is circulated around your building by fans. For best efficiency, air source heat pumps are most suitable for buildings that are well insulated. You also need sufficient outside space for the pump itself in order to get a good air flow.

The pump used to extract the heat needs to be powered by electricity. So to make it a completely renewable technology you should generate your own electricity using a renewable energy source such as a
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panel

Hydro Power System (Hydro electricity)


    A hydro power system uses the energy in running water to generate electricity, using the following process:

  • A small dam or weir is built part way across a river or stream.
  • The dam diverts some of the flowing water down a narrow channel and through a tank with a filter, which removes debris.
  • The water continues flowing into a powerhouse where it turns a turbine, which drives an electricity generator.
  • Cables carry the electricity to the building, whilst the water runs back into the river.

The amount of electricity produced depends on the volume of water, how fast it's flowing and how efficiently the system turns its energy into electrical power. To be able to have the technology, you'll need to have access to water that flows at a fast enough rate and the permission to build around it

This technology is also eligible under the Government's Clean Energy Cashback (also known as the Feed-in Tariff), meaning you could be paid for the electricity you generate