WeatherWorks

The Cost of Renewable Energy Systems

The actual price will, obviously, vary with the technology and the size of the system. The smallest practical wind turbine will be around £9000, a typical solar thermal system about £5000, a ground source heat pump maybe £8000. It is fair to say that none are cheap - but then the best products seldom are.

What is sensible, what will suit both the budget and the project will vary with the project.

Part of the service we provide is to design systems that meet the needs of the project and the budget. The process will include providing both capital and running cost information based on the probable energy usage of the property and the client. 

It may be wiser to consider the cost of not doing it.

Grants 

There are a plethora of grants available to support the installation of renewable energy systems. For the home owner these are principally from the Government’s Low Carbon Build Program at www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home/

In addition there are local authority grants, grants specifically for farmers, grants for people living or working in National Parks, even grants from energy companies.

Farm owners can get grants of 40% or even 50% of the cost of installing wind or hydro turbines, and obviously that level of funding will sway a decision. There are separate grants available for businesses, not-for-profit organisations, schools and community projects. The Low Carbon Build website has all the details. 

The general rule for the home owner is that if the decision is dependent on a grant, then it is the wrong decision. The system needs to make financial sense on its own, and the grant be considered as a bonus.