Find your Local
We're a national brand with a local team in your area.
Select the location below that's closest to you:
Renewable energy is energy obtained from natural sources that naturally replenish over time, such as wind and sunlight.
Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources that take millions of years to form, such as gas, coal and oil. When they are burned to create energy, they cause harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide.
Unlike finite fossil fuels, renewable energy offers an endless and environmentally friendly energy supply.
Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy.
Solar energy is harnessed from sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. Solar energy is abundant and widely available, making it one of the most accessible renewable energy sources today. It can be utilised through rooftop solar panels on homes, solar farms, and large-scale solar power plants.
Wind energy is generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of wind through wind turbines. Wind turbines consist of blades mounted on a rotor which is connected to a generator, converting the rotational energy of the blades into electricity. Wind energy is abundant in many regions worldwide – you’ll likely have seen wind turbines in coastal or elevated areas, where wind speeds are higher. Wind farms, which are made up of multiple wind turbines, are commonly used to harness wind energy on a large scale.
Hydroelectric energy is produced by utilising the gravitational force of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. Hydroelectric power plants often use dams to create reservoirs of water, which is then released through turbines to generate electricity. The kinetic energy of flowing water is converted into mechanical energy, which is then turned into electricity by generators. Hydroelectric energy is often used for large-scale power generation.
Geothermal energy comes from heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface in the form of hot water or steam. This heat is processed through geothermal power plants, which use wells drilled into geothermal reservoirs to extract hot water or steam. The steam is then used to drive turbines connected to generators, which product electricity. Geothermal energy is particularly prevalent in regions with active tectonic activity, such as volcanic areas.
Biomass energy is made from organic materials such as wood. These materials are burned or converted into biofuels through processes such as fermentation, gasification or pyrolysis to generate heat, electricity, or biofuels. Biomass energy does create some carbon emissions from the cultivation, manufacture, and transportation of the fuel. There is increasing concern that burning wood in your home can negatively impact local air quality, potentially contributing to serious health problems. This is because burning wood releases gases and tiny soot particles into the air, which can build up to dangerous levels. All wood burning systems will produce some pollution, so you should consider whether it is appropriate to install one in your home.
There is only a finite amount of fossil fuels, yet there is an unlimited amount of renewable resources.
A common misconception about renewable energy is that it cannot be relied upon to fulfil our electricity demand, particularly on days with less wind and more cloud cover. Energy storage technologies, such as home batteries and Sunamp thermal storage, can help here, ensuring excess renewable energy is stored for times when it is less available.
Advancements in technology have significantly improved the reliability of renewable energy sources too. For example, Qcells solar PV systems utilise cutting-edge photovoltaic technology to efficiently convert sunlight into electricity, ensuring consistent power generation even during periods of low sunlight and cloudy days.
Renewable energy sources are virtually limitless, unlike fossil fuels. Sunlight, wind, and other renewable sources are continuously available and can be harnessed indefinitely without depletion, ensuring a sustainable energy future for generations to come.
Yes, renewable energy has the potential to replace fossil fuels as the primary source of energy worldwide. A full transition will not happen overnight, but the need is growing more urgent. Our dependence on natural gas, coal and oil, and the damage to the environment this dependence inflicts, is well documented.
Burning fossil fuels is not an energy efficient process. In fossil fuelled power plants, around 44% to 68% of the energy is vented off as waste heat. By contract, renewables don’t need to vent off waste heat. Almost all of the energy captured from sunshine, wind and water ends up as usable electricity.
Renewable energy offers numerous benefits over fossil fuels, including lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced environmental impact. Transitioning to renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change and building a more sustainable future.
Yes, renewable energy can be stored for later use, overcoming one of the primary challenges of intermittent energy sources. Technologies including Sunamp water heaters and Qcells home batteries allow surplus energy generated during peak production times to be stored and used when demand is high or sunlight is scarce, ensuring a reliable, renewable energy supply.
Renewable energy does have the capacity to meet global energy demand. By harnessing a combination of renewable sources and implementing efficient storage solutions, such as home battery storage systems, we can ensure a reliable energy supply that meets the needs of the planet without compromising on sustainability.
Yes, renewable energy sources are sustainable as they rely on naturally replenished resources and have minimal environmental impact. If we prioritise renewable energy over finite fossil fuels, we can ensure a more sustainable and resilient energy system for future generations, preserving and protecting the planet’s natural resources.
There are many contributors to climate change. Studies show that our use of fossil fuels is a major factor, and choosing renewable sources will have a hugely positive effect on the planet.
Renewable energy produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, and is therefore one of the best choices for combating climate change.
Renewable energy sources have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels, as they produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions. By harnessing clean energy sources such as solar and wind power, we can reduce air and water pollution, preserve ecosystems, and combat biodiversity loss, contributing to a healthier planet.
Investing in renewable energy solutions can bring long-term cost savings. By installing solar panels on your home, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and enjoy lower energy bills over time. Adding a home battery can bring further energy bill savings, as you can store surplus energy in the day and use it overnight. Solar PV installations and home batteries are currently available at 0% VAT, helping reduce your payback time on installations. If you choose to install a Sunamp thermal store for your hot water at the same time, this will also be 0% VAT rated, further increasing your long-term savings and making the most of your solar PV system.
Switching to renewable energy brings numerous benefits. You could reduce your carbon footprint, become more energy independent, and enjoy long-term cost savings. We’re proud to offer a complete renewable energy package: Qcells solar PV systems and home battery storage, ELKATHERM® electric radiators and Sunamp water heaters. Our offering makes transitioning to clean energy a practical and rewarding choice for homeowners across the UK.
The best renewable energy source for you depends on many factors including your location and energy requirements. Solar energy is abundant and well-suited for residential and commercial applications. Wind power is ideal in windy areas, while hydroelectricity is advantageous near bodies of water.
When choosing the best renewable energy for your home, it’s important to consider why you want to make the switch. If you want to replace your central heating system, move away from fossil fuels, and reduce your carbon footprint, a solar PV system is a great choice. If you live in an isolated, rural property with no mains electricity, you may get the most reliable supply from hydro, or a mixture of wind and solar PV.
When choosing a renewable energy for your home, you should also consider your home’s insulation. Making your home as energy efficient as it can be will ensure you keep the heat you generate in your home, rather than losing it through the roof, windows, doors or walls. The less heat energy you lose, the less renewable energy you need to generate.
Renewable energy can be used to power energy-efficient heating to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon emissions. ELKATHERM® electric radiators are German manufactured with an A++ energy efficiency rating, providing clean, reliable heating when powered by renewable electricity. Installing a solar PV system, Sunamp heat battery, and ELKATHERM® electric radiators can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while helping to save you money. Get in touch today to find out more and to take the first step towards a renewable future.
