Nowadays, people want their houses and businesses to be more energy efficient, and what can be more energy efficient than generating your energy from renewable energy sources? When new properties are built, they are connected to the energy grid. You can lower your dependency on the grid by ensuring construction managers install microgeneration technologies at your new property.
Microgeneration
This is when businesses, households, or communities use renewable energy sources to generate the energy they need. These sources are on a much smaller scale than at power plants, as it is only for that specific location. They can generate the energy they require without relying on the National Grid and be environmentally sustainable. The energy created is clean and green because renewable energy sources will always be available and emit little to no greenhouse gases.
Benefits of Microgeneration
There are numerous benefits to using microgeneration technologies. You can save by cutting costs on your energy bills which will increase your savings, seeing as you’re generating your own energy. Since the energy is in your backyard, no distribution costs must be paid. You are essentially independent of the grid. Create more electricity than you need. You can sell it back to the National Grid and make extra money. Microgeneration technology will increase your property’s value. Most of the microgeneration technology can easily be obtained and last long periods of time. The maintenance of these systems is also reasonably straightforward.
Your carbon footprint gets smaller because you use renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels. When fossil fuels generate energy, the process emits greenhouse gases. The processes involved in microgeneration are green and environmentally friendly. Businesses using microgeneration become more sustainable and better their green credentials. This appeals to existing and possible customers and investors, which increases your brand image and competitiveness.
Microgeneration Technologies
There are different kinds of microgeneration technologies that you can choose from. Your choice depends on the type of property you have and where it is located. It also depends on the renewable energy source that is available in your area. Some people also invest in hybrid systems that use solar, wind, and geothermal power.
Wind Turbines
Miniature wind turbines look and work exactly like industrial-size turbines. They are just smaller and generate less energy. They can be anywhere between two and eight metres tall. The wind turns the turbine which powers a generator that produces energy. The energy it generates depends on the size of the turbine and how hard the wind is blowing. These turbines can be installed to resemble part of garden decorations on poles or roofs where the wind could be stronger. Batteries can store energy for later use when there is no wind.
Solar Panels
These panels work by turning the sun’s rays into electricity and work when the sun isn’t shining. These panels also come in different sizes depending on the energy it needs to generate. It is relatively expensive to install solar panels compared to other microgeneration technologies, but they are effortless to maintain. You can install solar panels on frames on the ground. The energy created by solar panels can be used directly or from batteries that it is stored in.
Bio-Energy
This is when energy is generated by burning biomass like wood logs, pellets, and chips. Depending on the size of your system, this method can heat a single space or an entire building. It can also be altered to provide heat and heat the water. Unfortunately, this method produces a certain degree of greenhouse gases because of the smoke created when biomass is burned.
Hydroelectricity
You have to be close to running water, such as a river or stream nearby. The water turns a small turbine which powers a generator with power that can be used as electricity. Electricity will be generated as long as the water runs and turns the turbine. The generated electricity can be stored in batteries to use at any time. Your system’s installation cost depends on your location and the installation equipment needed. Maintenance costs of the system are generally low.
Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps
These pumps do not generate electricity, but heating instead. Heat is absorbed from the air outside houses or offices and then used to heat water and the building. It even works when the temperatures outside are freezing. Like with air source heat pumps, heat is gathered from the heat under the ground instead of generating electricity. Installers drill around your house or office and install pipes and pumps that use underground heat to heat your home and water. The cost of the system depends on how big your property is and how much energy needs to be generated.
Conclusion
This article explained what microgeneration is as well as the various benefits thereof. Construction managers must ensure that requested renewable energy systems are installed at new properties. Different types of microgeneration technologies are described, including wind turbines, solar panels, bio-energy, hydroelectricity, and air and ground source heat pumps.
