Micro-renewable Energy - Household Guides

Micro-renewable Energy Technologies. What are they? Do they need planning permission?

Climate change is the greatest long-term challenge facing the world today. One of the major causes is the use of fossil fuels to power our homes. Renewable energy, combined with energy efficiency, offers an opportunity to counter the effects of global warming.

There are a number of microgeneration renewable technologies now available that can be incorporated into both new development and existing homes. These can reduce greenhouse gas emissions (which contribute to climate change) and save money by providing endless cheap energy and reducing the impact of gas and electricity price rises.

The Council is producing a series of free guidance leaflets on the main technologies that may be appropriate in West Oxfordshire:

Photovoltaic (PV) panels
Solar thermal hot water collectors
Ground source heat pumps
Wind turbines
Biomass and biofuel
Micro combined heat and power

Each leaflet will:

Give a brief description of the specific technology
Give guidance on the main issues that need to be considered in siting the technology
Set out the main planning considerations and whether planning approval is required
Provide information on useful publications and websites