Making the most of renewable energy systems DG 531
Making the most of renewable energy systems (DG 531) was written by John Holden and published on 30 June 2014. BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Renewable energy systems extract energy from sunlight, air, water or the ground and convert it into a useable form – usually electricity or heat. They can wholly or partially replace systems using gas, mains electricity or oil. However, when considering using renewable energy systems instead of such traditional systems, many additional factors that influence safety, reliability and performance need to be considered.
This 12-page BRE Digest describes the most popular renewable energy technologies included in the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. It provides an overview of the safety, performance and reliability considerations for each technology, together with eligibility criteria for financial incentives.
It is intended for anyone considering, or responsible for, small-scale renewable energy systems serving domestic or non-domestic buildings. This includes architects, specifiers, landlords, home and business owners. A number of references are provided for a more detailed review of specific technologies.
Its contents are:
- Introduction.
- Performance.
- Reliability.
- Feed-in Tariffs.
- Solar thermal collectors.
- Renewable Heat Incentive.
- Biomass.
- Small and micro wind turbines.
- The Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BREEAM Energy efficient equipment
- BREEAM Free cooling
- BREEAM Low carbon design
- BREEAM LZC technologies
- BREEAM Passive design
- BREEAM Reduction of energy use and carbon emissions
- BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Financing our future energy infrastructure
- Geothermal energy.
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
- Renewable energy.
- Solar photovoltaics
- Solar thermal systems.
- Tidal lagoon power.
- Types of fuel.
- Wind Energy in the United Kingdom.
- Wind farm.
- Wind turbine.
Featured articles and news
The act of preservation may sometimes be futile.
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.