Search: Fitting solar panels and wind turbines
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Helping to save the planet can often mean saving money too. Reusing, recycling and repairing, rather than buying something new, will always leave you quids in.
But when it comes to installing environmentally-friendly appliances the case is less clear-cut. If you're considering buying a wind turbine or solar panel, or even a smaller item such as an energy-efficient boiler, how long will it take before your green investment starts to save you money?
Check your carbon imprint
The average household could save £250 a year by being more energy-efficient, according to Energy Saving Trust (EST). Hand-held monitors will tell you how much electricity you are using and can help you to decide which appliances to use and when. Monitors are available for just under £50 from shops including B&Q, or online at thegreenshop.co.uk.
Leaving appliances such as televisions, video recorders, mobile phone chargers and games consoles on standby costs the average household about £28 a year.
The Intelliplug ensures that when you turn your computer off connected devices such as the printer, monitor, scanner or speakers, aren't kept on standby. Its makers say that, at under £20, it will pay for itself in less than a year.
Replacing your boiler with a new condenser will set you back about £1,000, but could cut your gas bill by nearly 40 per cent.
EST reckons that switching to one of the most efficient new condensers will save the average household in a semi-detached house £150 a year.
Is it worth getting windy?
A wind turbine is the ultimate symbol with which to display your green credentials, but do the sums add up?
The EST is monitoring up to 100 wind turbines but at the moment there is not enough data to say how much energy and carbon they save. The roof-mounted kind cost from around £1,500; a larger one is £10,000 - £25,000.
Before you take the plunge consider:
• The amount of energy your turbine can generate will depend on size, if you live on a hill, wind direction and how close you are to other buildings, hills or trees.
• Your local authority's attitude to wind turbines and planning permission.
• Whether there are any issues such as how it affects the landscape, whether the noise disturbs neighbours or if it's in a conservation area.
The sunny option
Solar PV (photovoltaic) uses energy from the sun to create electricity. It only needs daylight - not direct sunlight- and will generate some power on a cloudy day.
You will need:
• A roof or wall facing within 90 degrees of south ¢ without buildings or trees overshadowing it;
• A strong roof;
• Possibly, planning permission, especially in a conservation area or if your home is listed.
The average domestic system will cost around £5,000- £8,000 per kWp ('kilowatt peak' - the amount of energy generated in full sunlight) installed with most domestic systems usually between 1.5 and 3 kWp.
Solar tiles cost more than conventional panels and panels that are integrated into a roof are more expensive than those that sit on top.
If you're planning major roof repairs consider PV tiles as they can offset the cost of roof tiles. The EST calculates you could save up to £150 - £200 off your annual electricity bill, depending on factors such as how much power you use.
Other renewable energy
Biomass fuels, which in the home usually means wood pellets, wood chips or wood logs, can be used in stand-alone stoves or boilers connected to central heating and hot water systems.
Room heaters cost around £3,000 and the EST says savings will depend on how much you use them and which fuel they are replacing. A boiler for an average three-bedroom semi would cost around £5,500 - £12,000 installed, including the cost of the flue and commissioning. It could cut your energy bill by around £200 a year. Unlike wind and sun, you will have to pay for the fuel.
The Energy Saving Trust - http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
For advice on eligibility for grants - www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
Ethical Consumer Research Association ¢ www.ethiscore.org
For details of how much electricity products use ¢ www.sust-it.net
