Microgeneration
[1] These technologies are often combined to form a hybrid power solution that can offer superior performance and lower cost than a system based on one generator.
Although a hookup to the regular electricity grid is not essential, it helps to decrease costs by allowing financial recompensation schemes.
The conversion from mechanical to electrical energy is done using a piezoelectric transducer, a device made of a ceramic or polymer that emits electrons when stressed.
For safety, grid-connected set-ups must automatically switch off or enter an "anti-islanding mode" when there is a failure of the mains power supply.
Depending on the set-up chosen (financial recompensation scheme, power plant, extra equipment), prices may vary.
According to Practical Action, microgeneration at home which uses the latest in cost saving-technology (wiring harnesses, ready boards, cheap DIY-power plants, e.g. DIY wind turbines) the household expenditure can be extremely low-cost.
[25] In the UK, the government offers both grants and feedback payments to help businesses, communities and private homes to install these technologies.
Businesses can write the full cost of installation off against taxable profits whilst homeowners receive a flat-rate grant or payments per kW h of electricity generated and paid back into the national grid.
Reaching grid parity is considered to be the point at which an energy source becomes a contender for widespread development without subsidies or government support.
This "hybridized grid" allows both microgeneration systems and large power plants to operate with greater energy efficiency and cost effectiveness than either could alone.
Domestic microgeneration technologies include: photovoltaic solar systems, small-scale wind turbines, micro combined heat and power installations, biodiesel and biogas.
The lid, either horizontal or angled to catch the most sun, should be well sealed and of a transparent glazing material (glass, fiberglass, or high temp resistant molded plastic).
Typically ground source heat pumps have a high initial cost and are difficult to install by the average homeowner.
Policymakers were accustomed to an energy system based on big, centralised projects like nuclear or gas-fired power stations.
Most of developed countries, including Canada (Alberta), the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Israel[34] and USA have laws allowing microgenerated electricity to be sold into the national grid.
[38] To replace earlier schemes, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the Low Carbon Buildings Programme in April 2006, which provided grants to individuals, communities and businesses wishing to invest in microgenerating technologies.
[42] Prominent British politicians who have announced they are fitting microgenerating facilities to their homes include the Conservative party leader, David Cameron, and the Labour Science Minister, Malcolm Wicks.
Cameron, before becoming Prime Minister in the 2010 general elections, had been asked during an interview on BBC One's The Politics Show on October 29, 2006, if he would do the same should he get to 10 Downing Street.
[43] In the December 2006 Pre-Budget Report[44] the government announced that the sale of surplus electricity from installations designed for personal use, would not be subject to Income Tax.
[45] Several movies and TV shows such as The Mosquito Coast, Jericho, The Time Machine and Beverly Hills Family Robinson have done a great deal in raising interest in microgeneration among the general public.
Websites such as Instructables and Practical Action propose DIY solutions that can lower the cost of microgeneration, thus increasing its popularity.
