Small Scale
Renewable Energy
Generation and
Energy Efficiency
2
Passive Solar Space Heating
the sun's radiation while smaller
windows on the non-sunny side
and well-insulated walls and roofs
keep the heat in.
Introduction
his is a series of
information sheets
amplifying local planning
objectives in a clear and concise
format in order to promote the
benefits of using small-scale
renewable energy generation,
energy efficiency and improving
building design standards.
T
Passive solar systems (i.e.better
building design and orientation)
capture the natural movements of
the sun's energy for space heating.
Double glazing can assist heat
retention. Walls made of concrete
or stone absorb heat that can be
released in the evening. Thermal
mass objects (e.g. concrete or
brick walls or floors) receive and
store light and heat directly from
the sun and then release it once
the building or room temperature
drops.
Components
Space heating can be provided
through either:
The guidance forms a material
consideration in the
determination of all relevant
planning applications.
O
The following are currently
available:
direct systems - building
surfaces (e.g. windows) allow
the heat to transfer directly into
a building and be retained
within a building thereby
providing a heat gain; or
1
Introduction
2
Passive Solar Space Heating
3
Solar Electricity
4
Solar Water Heating
System Requirements
5
Wind Energy
6
Hydro Energy
7
Biomass Energy
8
Ground Source Energy
9
Technologies Involving
Greater Energy Efficiency
Buildings should be oriented
towards the axis of the sun to
maximise the useable amount of
available sunshine hours. Large
windows on the sunny side of
buildings or conservatories capture
O
Adequate building insulation limits
heat escape while adequate
ventilation maximises heat
convection within buildings.
indirect systems - a collector
absorbs energy and then
transfers it in to heat a building.
Ducting around a building can take
heat from thermal mass storage to
typically cooler areas inhabited at
evening/night time (e.g. house
lounge or bedroom) or avoid other
areas that are not used thereby
conserving heat. The re-cycling
and re-heating of air ensures that
heat storage is fully utilised and
keeps the cycle effective.
10 Simple Measures of
Household Energy Saving
11 Further Information
This leaflet is available
in accessible formats
Thermographic image showing the heat loss through a typical building fabric.
I
N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
S
H
E
E
T
2
This guidance is based on information published by the Energy Saving Trust
Design and Heating
Heat exchange to
retain heat during
the winter
Use the most
efficient lamps
and luminaires
Make
maximum
use of
natural
daylight
Solar
shading
to reduce
solar gains
from high
summer
sun but
allow winter
sun to enter
the building
High
levels of
insulation
to keep
heat in
Provide exposed thermal
mass to absorb solargains in
the winter and absorb the
cool air during
summer nights
For further information contact:
Planning Policy
Planning Department
Wrexham County Borough Council
Lambpit Street
Wrexham
LL11 1AR
Tel: 01978 292013
www.wrexham.gov.uk/planning
I
Natural
ventilation
to provide
comfort
cooling in
summer
N
F
O
R
Adopted January 2006
M
A
T
I
O
N
S
H
E
E
T
2