Microgeneration explained
Microgeneration is the generation of zero or low-carbon heat and power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs.
Microgeneration technologies can include small scale wind turbines, hydroelectric plants, photovoltaic solar systems, ground source heat pumps, and Micro Combined Heat and Power (MicroCHP) installations.
With a number of technologies to consider and costs varying depending on the set-up you require, Microgeneration can be a confusing process. Focusing on the installation of wind turbines, we have put together a few guiding steps to help you get started.
1. Contact the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
Your first step is to find out as much information as possible about how you can reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions through Microgeneration. Whether you are a home or business owner you can find information on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) website on the range of available technologies, grant schemes, planning considerations and search for certified products and installers.
Visit www.microgenerationcertification.org or call 0207 0901082 to find an approved microgeneration technology installer
2. Contact providers and installers of wind turbines.
Armed with your research the next step is to find and contact a distributor, supplier and installer of wind turbines. For example Coemi UK have over 10 years experience installing and maintaining wind turbines for homes, farms and medium-sized businesses.
Visit www.coemiwindturbines.co.uk or call 0870 383 1689.
3. Choose your supplier agent
In April 2007 the Government changed the Renewable Order (RO) rules so that a customer can appoint an agent to act on their behalf in all aspects of Microgeneration participation.
During the appointment of a supplier agent such as Opus Energy, Ofgem will deal directly with the agent in all processes relating to the accreditation and Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) claims, which means you don’t have to do anything.
Your supplier agent would amalgamate the output of several microgenerators which makes it more worthwhile to be involved even where the generation is very small amounts of electricity.
Already been accredited by Ofgem?
You can still appoint an agent to act on your behalf for the purposes of claiming and being issued with ROCs. All you need to do is complete the agent appointment form once you have chosen a supplier agent.
