Micro generation advantage - What are the benefits of generating my own power?

Cost Benefits

Micro generation advantage - as a general rule of thumb, micro generation is only cost effective where power doesn’t already exist. Installing solar panels, wind turbines and the alike can be expensive and the costs are rarely recouped purely on cost.

This is likely to change in the next few years as the price for these systems reduce and the cost of purchasing energy increase: it is widely expected, for instance, that solar electric PV panels will continue to drop in price to the point where they will be more cost effective than purchasing electricity from the national grid within the next ten years.

Where a power source does not already exist, however, micro generation can be the most cost effective solution for providing this power. This need not be on a large scale: installing a solar lighting system in a garden shed, for instance, can cost as little as £25 - far cheaper than getting a power supply installed from a house and getting a mains powered light fitted.

However, cost is not the only micro generation advantage. There are others which ought to be taken into account when considering micro generation:

Power in remote locations

If you need power in a remote location which currently does not have access to mains power, micro generation can provide this power – often more conveniently and cost effectively than getting mains power installed.

This power could be as simple as providing a couple of mains sockets and electric lighting for a caravan, boat or garage, or as complex as providing electricity and water purification for a small village in Africa – or anything in between!

There are a growing number of people in the UK who are choosing to live ‘off-grid’, generating their own power instead of relying on the National Grid.

Environmental Benefits

Most micro generation systems tend to be environmentally friendly in operation, getting power from sunlight, wind or water.

Even taking into account the manufacturing impact for building these systems in the first place, these generation systems are inevitably better for the environment than bought-in power, typically offsetting their manufacturing carbon-cost in the first 3-6 months of use.

Comfort and Ease of Use

Most micro generation systems can provide additional luxury for users: solar hot water systems, for instance, provides warm water throughout the year, meaning hot water is more immediately available when you want it. Solar PIR lighting systems mean you can have flood or spot lighting in areas where it would not be easily possible to get mains powered lighting installed.

Micro generation advantage - Power Backup

If you live in an area where power cuts are a regular occurrence, a micro generation system can provide you with a power supply for essential power when required. These systems often work by supplementing your normal electricity supply and providing you with some of your normal day-to-day electricity, but then become a sole supply of electricity during a power outage.

These systems can often be more cost effective than installing an emergency power generator, plus give you the benefit of reduced energy consumption all the time.

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