Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is a way of generating heat and electricity simultaneously. This is achieved through the on-site generation of electricity and the use of the heat that is produced as a by-product.
Micro-CHP (domestic-sized systems) is different from many of its industrial forebears, producing heat (replacing a domestic boiler) and generating electricity as a by-product instead.
While not actually a form of renewable energy, CHP is included here because it is a way of generating some of your own electricity and can result in a significant fall in your carbon footprint.
- micro-CHP works in a similar way to a standard gas boiler and they are about the same size (although the unit can be quite a bit heavier). They use gas, oil or bio liquid to run on and must be switched on to work
- relatively small amounts of electricity is generated as the system heats water.
A micro-CHP system will reduce the amount of electricity you draw from the grid, rather than replace your electricity supply.
Advantages
- generate electricity as a by-product of heat
- reduce your carbon footprint
- replace a conventional boiler
Micro-CHP is most suited to larger homes with three or more bedrooms, or older houses where it is not currently cost effective or permissible to improve insulation (such as those with solid brick walls or listed buildings). This type of home could see carbon emissions reductions of between 5 and 10 per cent. Micro-CHP systems also work best in buildings where they can operate for many hours at a time, rather than intermittently. These tend to be buildings that need long and consistent heating periods.
Both floor standing and wall-mounted varieties are available.
Micro-CHP systems are normally permitted development as the work is internal, but work will need to meet building regulations. It is also worth checking with your local planning department that all conditions will be met.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) means you can get paid for any energy your micro-CHP system generates and you export back to the grid. You should shop around for the best SEG tariff.
