Microgeneration is often considered to be the creme-de-la-creme of a low-carbon lifestyle - only in the realms of the rich and famous. However, with the challenges of today's energy prices, it's becoming increasingly more necessary and more viable. At the Good Energy Shop we'd like to see microgeneration become mainstream, but we realise it's a big step - or steps - for you to take.


To make it easier we've tried to provide firstly the information you need to decide if microgeneration is right for you, and secondly the information you need to choose the right product and installer.   Eventually we hope to bring you the complete package including finance and insurance for your ongoing schemes.

Our products and installers

The development of microgeneration is incredibly important to us. As such we want to make sure our customers have the very best for their individual situation. We have carried out in-depth research on the potential products for the Good Energy Shop and met the potential installers face-to-face.

For the products we have aimed for the medium to high range - from the top end Rolex of microgeneration technology to the more affordable Swatch - with a variety of different installed capacities to allow for a variety of different power outputs.

In terms of installers we have chosen them for their specialist skills in the different areas of renewable energy, their value for money and also their communication with us as potential clients - which in turn we think will reflect on how they talk to you.

At the Good Energy Shop we want to support smaller companies and if you have any experiences of working with local installers who you think are exceptional, it would be great to hear your feedback at feedback@goodenergyshop.co.uk.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

The MCS is run by the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR, formerly DTI) which also provides microgeneration grants  through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. The aim of the MCS is to ensure that products and installers meet a certain set of criteria for microgeneration technologies.

In order to receive a Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant for microgeneration you must use both products and installers that are certified under the MCS. To see a list of those who are accredited please visit greenbooklive.

Planning permission

One of the concerns of people considering microgeneration is planning permission. However from April 6 2008 a number of home energy generation technologies came under 'permitted development rights'. This means planning permission is not required as long as certain conditions are met. These technologies are solar thermal, solar PV, biomass heating, ground source and water source heat pumps. There are some small conditions about where the technology is on the site and how much it protrudes but, generally, as long as they are not in a conservation area, World Heritage site or listed building, they should not require planning permission. However we always advise that you check with your local authority about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining retrospective planning permission can be difficult and costly.

Wind turbines and air source heat pumps are not yet permitted development but, once standards have been established to address the potential impacts of noise and vibration, these technologies will also enjoy permitted development rights, within some constraints. For these technologies you must consult your local planning authority.

For more information see Planning Portal and the Energy Saving Trust