What is the best and most economical green energy solution?
There are a range of solutions, none of which serves all your needs individually. The best course is to combine a variety of solutions, but we appreciate that may be beyond some budgets and not always suitable for properties. We would suggest starting with making sure your property is energy efficient, usually with insulation. You can then look at green electricity tariffs which can save energy and money, and also micropower and energy saving devices. You can then calculate your carbon footprint and offset what is left.

Why use green energy?
We rely on energy for most aspects of our modern lives, from heating our homes to fuelling our cars, and with the changing environment, we need to ensure that our energy consumption is as sustainable as possible. Whether that is from the way we source it or the way we use it, there needs to be a constant source now and in the future and that source should not damage the environment we live in. There are many ways to do this, from using renewable energy from your electricity supplier to making your property more efficient in its use of energy.

Is 'green' just a load of rubbish?
Whichever way you look at it and whether you think climate change is happening or not, we have to become more sustainable. The global population is growing at an enormous rate and predictions are that by 2050 we will require 3 times the world's resources to survive. So we need to be a bit more sustainable and use energy that won't run out, from the sun that shines on us and the wind that blows past us every day. And not wasting what energy we do have will also make a big difference.

What will be the cost and payback of, say, a solar panel?
With OneWorldEnergy, the cost of any solution is based on a total package of product and service. Every installation will be different, based on your needs and property., but you can always be assured of 'best value for best performance' with OneWorldEnergy.

In terms of payback, at this early stage of the 'green revolution', solutions are still not widely affordable and so the payback against your energy use is low. However, also consider that people are becoming more aware of the need for greener homes so any measures you make to improvise the efficiency of your property will make your property more valuable (we make no guarantees, it's just one view of many)

What is the best micropower product?
There is no straightforward answer. Like any technology, products are improving all the time. At present, the general consensus in the industry is that solar (electricity and water heating systems) is the most productive technology and is therefore the most commonly installed, as even in less sunnier places, it can still be productive. Our surveyors can advise you on the best solutions for your property.

What about grants?
The grant system is currently a but hazy and not in the best shape for micropower to be widely subsidised. Householders can apply for grants of up to £2,500 per property towards the cost of installing a certified product by a certified installer. Insulation is also eligible for a grant, but does not usually require a separate grant application as the grant is often already built into a products pricing, as with OneWorldEnergy. You can also get assistance with applying grants when you purchase any micropower products from us.For the latest information about grants for micropower, see the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (Green Links).