Homeowners and businesses are being encouraged to adopt clean-energy technologies.

HI-Energy - established by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to promote the renewable energy sector throughout the region – has launched a series of factsheets which provide detailed information on microgeneration technologies.

The brochures - developed by renewables consultant SgurrEnergy as part of a comprehensive technology review – give information on wind turbines, ground-source heat pumps, solar-water heating, solar photovoltaics, solar-air heating, hydro power and biomass.

Each of the factsheets, which are available to download from the HI-Energy website at www.hi-energy.org.uk, outline the merits and limitations of the principal microgeneration technologies and provide the reader with the knowledge required to make an informed decision on which technology best suits their needs. Further advice is also given on how to source devices, claim grants and even sell excess electricity back to the national grid.

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Microgeneration is the production of heat or electricity of less than 50kW capacity from zero or low-carbon source technologies.

In addition to carbon savings, the increased use of micro-renewables plays an important part in diversifying Scotland’s energy mix, ensuring security of energy supply.

Head of Renewables at HIE, Elaine Hanton, said: “As more of us are becoming concerned about our future energy supply and protecting the environment, we are often asked about micro-renewables for people's offices and homes.

“We therefore felt it would be useful to produce concise, easy-to-use fact sheets that provide all the information people need on the different devices available, how to source them and selling excess electricity back on to the national grid.

“We are delighted with the work SgurrEnergy carried out for us, and believe these factsheets will be an excellent resource for businesses and householders in the Highlands and Islands.”

Adam Spearey of SgurrEnergy believes energy produced and consumed locally can help alleviate fuel poverty and play a part in meeting national and regional renewable energy targets.

(CD/JM)