Renewable energy generation

Renewable energy comes from a source that doesn’t run out or is self-replenishing.

These sources tend to have no or low carbon dioxide emissions. This is why they also tend to be called ‘green’ or ‘clean’ energy.

They include:

• solar energy from the sun
• wind power
• hydroelectric and tidal energy from the sea
• geothermal energy from heat inside the earth

The features of non-renewable energy, as you might expect, are the opposite. These energy sources:

• will eventually run out
• aren’t self-replenishing
• have high carbon dioxide emissions

These sources include:

• coal and peat
• natural gas
• petroleum

The world’s reliance on these energy sources is contributing to the climate emergency because they produce greenhouse gases as they burn. So, the sooner we start using more renewable sources of energy, the better.

If you generate renewable electricity at home, you can use it to power electrical appliances, or even your electric vehicle. This lowers the amount of electricity you import and pay for from the grid.

This could help you save money on your electricity bills. It also helps reduce the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, since you’re not importing energy that’s been generated from non-renewable sources. Also, combining renewable energy with an energy storage means you can make more use of the energy you generate.

With over 1.3 million homes in the UK generating electricity from solar panels, renewable technology is quickly becoming a common sight across the UK.

There are different technologies available, each with their own benefits.

If you’re in Scotland, use our Home Renewables Selector tool to find out what renewable technologies are suitable for your home. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, use our online assessment tool, Go Renewable.

For more information, read our guide on how to install renewable technologies.

Solar panels are the most common domestic renewable energy source in the UK.

Also known as photovoltaics (PV), solar panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. They don’t need direct sunlight to work and can generate electricity even on cloudy days.

Sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation, your electricity costs will be lower.

Wind farms are now a common sight around the UK. They work when wind forces rotor blades around, driving a turbine that generates electricity. The stronger the wind, the more energy produced.

Domestic wind turbines generally aren’t suitable if you live in a built-up area. But if your house is in an exposed or isolated location, it could be a suitable renewable energy option.

And just like sunshine, wind is free, so once you’ve paid for the installation, you’ll save money on your electricity bills.

If you live near a river or a stream, a hydroelectric energy system might be worth considering.

Hydropower systems work in a similar way to wind turbines, where flowing water turns a turbine, which is used to generate electricity. The greater the flow of water, the more energy is generated.

As streams and rivers can dry out in the summer, not every watercourse is suitable for hydroelectricity.

These technologies don’t directly harness a renewable energy source. But they’re considered to be low carbon because they’re much more efficient than traditional fossil fuel systems.

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