Ourpower Guides - What is microgeneration?

Microgeneration is defined as generating energy from any plant with a capacity of less than 50 kW which uses a technology that reduces emissions of greenhouse gases.

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Although often limited to the generation of electricity, a broader definition includes systems that generate hot water, for direct use or for the space heating of buildings.

What types of microgeneration are there?

The following types of system produce only electricity:

• Solar Photovoltaics (PV), requiring solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity.
• Wind turbines, where wind turns a turbine or windmill to generate electricity.
• Hydro turbines, systems that rely on water energy to turn turbines
• Fuel Cells, a process that can use a variety of fuels (e.g. hydrogen, methanol) to power an electrochemical reaction (not burning) to produce electricity.

The following types generate only Heat, either directly or in the form of hot water:

• Solar Thermal, solar collectors or panels use direct sunlight to heat an internal liquid or water.
• Heat Pumps, using the natural temperature differentials under ground, in water or in the air itself, to provide low temperature hot water most suitable for heating your house or office.
• Biomass systems, where the burning of organic material (such as wood pellets or energy crops) can provide direct heat and hot water.

Some systems provide both:

• Combined Heat and Power (CHP), where various fuels (currently at the micro level most usually natural gas, but in future biomass) are used in harness with different engine systems to produce both heat and electricity.
• Ourpower is committed to supporting all renewable microgeneration technologies as they become viable and available to consumers.

To download in pdf format, click here.
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