Tintern Angiddy Project Ltd
Renewable Energy Systems - Costs and Benefits
This page has been produced by TAP to aid the selection of energy-saving and generating measures.
Costs are illustrative and vary greatly depending on your installation. You may be able to get it grant-aided. Annual benefits are generally conservative but should be realistic.
| Renewable energy type | Indicative cost | Annual Benefit | Payback Period | Notes |
| Photovoltaic PV | £4,000 - £20,000 | £100 or 1/3 electricity | 200 years | Currently high cost; electricity generated can be exported to grid for revenue |
| Wind turbine | £1,500 - £18,000 | £100 - £300 | 15 years | Needs careful siting, it should be above roof height |
| Ground source heat pump | £6,500 - £11,500 | £100 - £600 | 20 years | Needs a big garden; good where no mains gas |
| Solar water heater | £2,000 - £6,000 | £50 - £100 | 20 years | About 70% of hot water only; NOT for room heating |
| Biomass (wood) | £2,000 | £400 | 5 years | Old fashioned but could make a comeback |
| Small scale hydro | £5,000 - £200,000 | £100 - £25,000 | 15 - 50 years | Most dependable renewable energy source |
| Cavity wall insulation | £250 | £150 | 3 years | Makes a noticeable difference to the house |
| Loft insulation | £150 | £150 | 2 years | 270 mm is now the recommended thickness |
| Lag water pipes | £50 | £50 | 1 years | Both hot and cold pipes should be lagged |
| Draught-proofing | £100 | £50 | 2 years | Depends on your home |
| New boiler | £700 | £400 | 2 years | Savings are greater if your boiler is over 15 years old |
| Stop leaking hot water tap | £5 | £20 | 3 months | Easy to do |
| Low energy light bulbs | £30 | £50 | 6 months | Not quite the same light - you may need to retain some tungsten |
| Double-glazing | £6,000 | £400 | 15 years | May help your house resale value |
| Cling-film on windows | £10 | £100 | 1 month | Good DIY measure; install with a hair dryer |