I missed this when it was announced, but from next April homeowners with microgeneration systems will be guaranteed a payment for electricity they generate and feed into the grid. Exact details haven't been released, and this article in the Guardian has some suggestions on that front.
Technorati tag: EcoHouse
Notes about designing and building low energy, low impact houses and other structures. Information about the environment and what we can do to make it better.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Dick Strawbridge on how it's easy to be green
Top eco-warrior Dick Sytrawbridge addresses some of the common misconceptions about making your home low energy and eco-friendly.
Technorati tag: EcoHouse
4) Most eco-renovation take decades to pay back the cost
Every time we decide to make an investment in an eco-project, the subject of payback comes up. It is possible to do the sums, and before we spend any hard earned cash I like to make sure that it's a good investment. For example, loft insulation can pay for itself in two winters, and with the 2010 feed-in tariff I would expect solar PV to pay for itself in about seven or eight years, and a DIY solar thermal system to heat your hot water should have paid for itself in four or five years. But surely this is missing the point: when it comes to environmentally friendly projects we seem unable to accept the fact that it can be an investment and will add to the value of the house. What is the payback time for a new bathroom or kitchen? If you install solar photovoltaic panels you can reasonably expect them to easily last 25 to 30 years. Everyone knows a new kitchen makes a house more saleable, but in the current economic climate, how much more saleable is a house that will cost the new owners very little to run or may even generate an income?
Technorati tag: EcoHouse
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Anaconda wave power generators
Anaconda wave power could be available commercially within five years. One proposal would see shoals of the rubber tube devices tethered alongside offshore wind farms so they can use the same connections to shore.
Technorati tag: Wave Power
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The electric Le Mans car
Joining the ranks of ever greener motor sports is Green GT, with their battery powered Le Mans prototype. Amongst their plans they would like to start a Green GT series, the races would be silent but for the squeal of rubber on the road.
Technorati tag: Electric Car
Technorati tag: Electric Car