Several types of home-renewable sources can be considered for heating.

Biomass

Biomass is wood-fuelled heating systems which burn wood pellets, logs or chips. They can be in the form of a stove heating a single room, fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating, or a boiler connected to a central heating and hot water system.

Ground source heat pumps

Ground source heat pumps use pipes that are buried underground to extract heat from the ground, which is then used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home.

A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop, which is buried in your garden. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump. As the ground stays at a constant temperature under the surface, the heat pump can be used throughout the year.

Solar water heating

Solar water heating uses solar collectors to collect free heat from the sun and convert it into warm water. They work throughout the year.

Thermal stores

Thermal stores are a great accompaniment to all renewable heating systems. They store and manage renewable heat, allowing you to use heat when needed.

District heating

District heating is where heat is supplied from low-carbon sources via energy centres and a system of insulated pipes to homes, businesses and organisations over a local area. The potential benefits of district heat networks are varied and includes:

• reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• supports the local economy
• reduces costs for businesses
• tackles fuel poverty.

Battery storage

Home battery storage allows you to store electricity, to use later. Many homes have solar PV panels installed which generate electricity during daylight. By adding a battery to the system, this energy can be used later when the sun is no longer shining, rather than buying energy from the grid.

If you’re on a time-of-use tariff such as Economy 7, you could save even more on your bills by charging on cheap overnight electricity.