Isle of Wight Council

Renewable Energy

What is micro-generation?

Micro-generation

Micro-generation is small-scale, on-site, low carbon and renewable energy technologies with a capacity up to 45 kW for heat producing technologies and 50kW for electricity production,

Micro-generation systems include:

Heat Technologies

• Biomass boilers - click here for more information from the Energy Saving Trust.
• Heat Pumps – ground, water or air source - click here for more information  from the Energy Saving Trust.
• Solar thermal - click here for more information from the Energy Saving Trust. 
• Micro-CHP (combined heat and power) - click here for more information from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. 

Electricity Technologies

• Wind turbines - click here for more information from the Energy Saving Trust. 
• Solar PV (photovoltaic) - click here for more information from the Energy Saving Trust. 
• Hydro - click here for more information from the Energy Saving Trust. 
• Micro-CHP (combined heat and power) - click here for more information from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a third party certification scheme for installers and products aimed at offering consumers confidence in the systems they are buying. MCS accreditation is compulsory if feed-in-tariffs are to be claimed. Click here for further information on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

Feed-inTariffs were introduced in April 2010 and offer a guaranteed income for each unit of electricity produced by a certified microgeneration system, whether or not the power is used on site. Feed-in Tariffs can be claimed by anyone who installs a suitable system and dramatically reduce the payback period of the system. Click here for further information on Feed-in Tariffs.

A similar system, known as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), has been proposed for heat-producing technologies and was due to be introduced in April 2011. However, the RHI is being reviewed by the Government following a recent consultation.

The Energy Saving Trust offers advice on which onsite energy technologies to consider. Click here to access to the Trust's diagnostic tool.