Community buildings come in all shapes, sizes and guises and when looking into micro-generation, the type of building will need to be considered alongside how the building is used, and its position with respect to the wind and the sun.  

Most importantly, you need to make sure that you have done everything possible to reduce your energy consumption (see our energy efficiency pages). You want to make sure that any new system you invest in is the best one for your building and there is no point paying out for a system that is too large or indeed generating energy that will be wasted.

Some technologies are better suited to new buildings than fitting them into old buildings. For example a ground source heat pump works very well with a building designed for its use, with under-floor heating for example. Having said this, this type of system can be fitted into older buildings, it is just more complex.

If you are rebuilding part or all of your building, it would make sense to do it with the highest levels of energy efficiency and to build in micro-generation technology as well. It is much harder to add micro-generation to an existing building than it is to fit it in with your building works.

If you are involved in considering a new building, but cannot currently consider micro-generation, at the very least design the building so that it can better accept renewable technology. Make sure it has a south facing roof, consider under-floor heating and investigate the possibility of two-way metering (so that you can sell electricity generated back into the grid). And do not forget that your new building should be as energy efficient as possible.

It is not necessary however to have a completely new building. Most micro-generation technology can be fitted to older buildings – it is just often the case that this can be a lot more complex. However specialist surveyors, suppliers and installers will be able to work with you to make sure you are getting the best possible energy solution for you.