How to set up grid connect Solar or Wind electricity home generation systems?

Question

I am concerned about the environment and would like to make more use of renewable electricity. The best way to do this seems to be by installing a grid connect Solar or Wind home generation system but I am not sure how to get one installed, especially the part about getting connected to the grid. I live in a three bedroom semi in south east London.

Answer 1

Good for you. I can't tell you about London specifically (I'm in California), but where I live there are several programs available through my electric utility that give loans and grants to homeowners who are interested in generating their own solar electricity. Maybe you should start at your electric company's website to see if they have any similar programs.

Addendum: A lot of people do illegal hookups because they don't want to deal with the regulations of their electric company. All you need for that is a solar panel (it doesn't have to be big) and in inverter that will synch up to your household current. Then you just plug it in. I'm not necessarily suggesting you do this; it may not always be safe. I'm just letting you know what's out there. You can find more information if you do a web search

Answer 2

There are peaking generators that the power company fires up when demand for electricity is high. Those are intermittent in a sense, too, but yet their energy does not need to be stored. Solar and wind have their place in offsetting other forms of generation. No one is thinking of powering the grid 100% from solar or wind any time in the conceivable future. I think we have room to put in a lot more solar before the stability of the grid is threatened.

Answer 3

You need to talk to your electricity supplier, different suppliers have different schemes & you may need to change to one that support your ideas.

The best source of information & courses on selecting the appropriate technology for your situation is the Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales www.cat.org.uk (well worth a visit anyway, they are very practical, and live with these technologies)

Assuming you are not in a conservation area where there are strict planning controls on what you can do, the biggest wind generator you will probably be allowed in London is 2m. In built up areas wind speeds are lower & turbulent, so not very efficient.
Generally it will be cheaper for you and better for the environment to buy grid electic from a renewable provider with full scale wind turbines, etc.
And saving energy use is the most efficient option, eg there are displays available which continiously show how much you are using available from the permaculture assn www.permaculture.co.uk

Answer 4

It doesn't work too good here for the wind. At night when we need lights the wind stops.