The tide is turning towards renewable energy, but is the government willing to put its money where its mouth is – and are we?
Thanks to rising utility bills, security of supply concerns, and general climate change awareness, the idea of generating your own electricity is becoming more popular. A recent Mori poll found that 92% of those surveyed said they wanted to see sustainability features offered on new homes, with 64% saying they should be compulsory. Just over half said they would be willing to pay more to live in a sustainable home.
In early 2006, there were just 82,000 micro-generation units installed in the UK, but demand is increasing. Between last October and December, when B&Q started selling micro wind turbines, the stores sold 1,500 units. Solar PV demand has also increased, especially from homebuilders.
Flemmich Webb on Guardian Online