better generation

This isn't renewable energy, more of a stepping-stone to efficient energy use. Gas-fired micro CHP units (such as the Whispergen model) replace the central heating boiler, and simultaneously generate electricity for the home - much more efficient way of doing things. Biomass (such as woodchips) fuelled CHP units are also available, and if the fuel is sourced locally and is sustainable can increase futher the environmental benefits of this technology.

Often more electricity will be generated than is required at one time, when this happens the net excess can be sold back to the grid. For more information see our factsheet on selling your electricity to the grid.

The diagram below shows how much heat and electricty you can expect to generate, sell back to the grid, and energy that will be lost from the system for a standard gas-powered micro-CHP unit.

 For a very detailed review of micro-CHP and what the options are for you visit www.microchap.info.