Ground source heat pump
A ground source heat pump transfers heat from the ground into buildings. An example of this in action is the Gamlingay Eco Hub case study.
Air source heat pump
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) absorb heat from outside to warm your home and heat water. An example of this in action is the Coton Village Hall case study.
Solar thermal heating
A solar thermal system uses the sun’s energy and converts it into heat. The heat is then transferred into the heating system as hot water or general heating for the spaces in your building.
An example of this in action is the Gamlingay Eco Hub case study.
Infrared heating
Infrared heating heats the thermal mass (for example, stone, concrete, bricks) of the building, rather than the air. This form of heating is useful for community buildings that have varied heating needs. An example of this in action is the Elsea Park Community Centre case study [PDF, 1.5MB].
Solar photo voltaic (PV)
Solar panels are made from photovoltaic cells that catch the sun's energy and turn it into power. An example of this in action is the Coton residents who set up a bulk buying plan to help people to buy solar PV panels.
You can learn the financial benefits of installing a solar PV system by using a solar energy calculator.
Solar Together Cambridgeshire provides a group-buying scheme to help buy solar panels and battery storage systems for a lower price.
Battery storage for solar PV
Battery storage is often used alongside solar PV. It stores extra electricity for later use.
Reach Community Solar Farm
The solar farm is owned and run by a co-operative of local people, and generates enough clean, green electricity to power 50 houses - about half the village. A community solar farm which installed 1000 solar panels on approximately 5 acres of farmland. Read more about the Reach Community Solar Farm journey.
Hydroelectric schemes
Hydroelectric power (also called hydropower or hydro systems) uses moving water to generate electricity.
An example of this in action is the Congleton Hydro case study. Or the Osney Lock Hyrdo case study which was the first community-owned hydro scheme built on the Thames.