For some background information on the various renewables available to the individual please click here.

There are a number of considerations when thinking about renewables, including the following:

• Does your dwelling have the requirements for the device e.g. a south-facing roof for solar products?

• If you live in a flat do you have the legal right to place renewable products on the building and do you need permission from the other residents?

• Local authority planning requirements? Some renewable installation companies will do this as standard, but it is worth checking with your local authority what the requirements are.

• Do you know what the full cost of the product and installation is? And fully understand the actual pay back periods for both financially and environmentally? Ask the product manufacturer or installer to give you a more accurate picture.

• Is the product AND installer listed on the Low Carbon Buildings initiative website – please click here to list the website.

• What kind of grant might you be entitled to? Again this is something the installer might sort for you? Grants are listed on the Low Carbon Buildings initiative website – please click here to list the website.

• What kind of warranty comes with the product AND installation?

• Consider what future expansion of renewables you might have? e.g. placing a solar water heating panel to one side of the roof to leave space for an array of photovoltaic panels, or if you are having a photovoltaic array then consider having the grid connection equipment sized so you can easily expand the array or attach a domestic wind turbine.

• Will the renewable device add to the cost of your insurance premium?

• Will the renewable device need much in the way of maintenance and servicing? Does the installer offer a servicing plan for when the warranty runs out?

If you think of any more questions the individual should be asking the product manufacturer or installer then please send them to us at neil@sus-uk.com