Micro CHP

Micro CHP systems are covered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme as an MCS approved technology. This means as an MCS Accredited installer you are able to install MCS Accredited CHP Equipment and offer consumers any available government Feed in Tariffs.

‘Micro-CHP’ stands for micro combined heat and power. This refers to a heating technology which generates heat and electricity simultaneously, from the same energy source, in individual homes or buildings.

The main output of a micro-CHP system is heat with some electricity generation, at a typical ratio of about 6:1 for domestic appliances.

Any electricity generated and not used in the home can be exported back to the grid.

A typical domestic system is expected to have the potential to generate up to 1kW of electricity per hour once warmed up. This would be enough to power the lighting and appliances in a typical home. The amount of electricity generated ultimately depends on how long the system is running.

Most domestic micro-CHP systems today use mains gas or LPG as a heating fuel, although they can also be powered by oil or bio fuels. While gas and oil are not renewable energy sources (they are fossil fuels), the technology is still considered to be a ‘low carbon technology’ because it is more efficient than just burning the fossil fuel for heat and getting electricity from the national grid.

Micro-CHP systems are comparable in size and shape to an ordinary, modern, domestic boiler and can be wall hung like most boilers, or floor standing. Servicing costs and maintenance are estimated to be similar to a standard boiler – although a specialist will be required.

The only difference to a standard boiler is that they are able to generate electricity while they are heating water.

Micro-CHP has a number of benefits, including:

 * Electricity generation as a by-product of heat 

 * When the micro-CHP is generating heat, the internal engine or fuel celll will also generate electricity to be used in your home (or exported).

 * Carbon savings

 * By generating electricity on-site you are saving significant amounts of carbon as there are minimal losses occurring as compared with the grid.

 * Financial income 

 * Micro-CHP is eligible for Feed-in Tariffs and you will earn 10p for each kWh generated by your system. You will also receive 3p for each kWh you export.

 * Installation is easy 

There is very little complexity to installing a micro-CHP unit. If you already have a conventional boiler then a micro-CHP unit should be able to replace it as it’s roughly the same size. Given the electricity generated, an electrician will also be involved with the installation but this is something the installer will organise.

The estimated costs are often quickly covered by Feed in Tariffs which can be offered by Microgeneration Certification Scheme Installers who offer MCS Accredited CHP Equipment.

For further information on MCS Accredited CHP Technology visit www.microgenerationcertification.org and for available Feed in Tariffs visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk