Wood pellet boilers, solar panels and wind turbines.

[Millarkie]

We're moving to a new home soon. At the moment it has an oil-fired central heating system, a wood burning 'stove' and a coal fire. It is on mains electricity but no gas.

We have been looking at the alternatives to using oil, and I've read loads about wood pellet boilers which seem to be a better solution environmentally and in the long term, probably financially. We were also interested in using PV solar panels as we will have a large south facing roof (although I know that water heating solar panels are normally a better choice I don't know how that would mix with a wood pellet system). Dh has ideas about turbines but from what I've read they aren't really suitable for a domestic situation.

Has anyone used any of these alternatives - in particular the wood pellet boiler? Any advice.
I have googled a lot but would be great to get some first-hand experiences. Thanks.

The first thing you need to check if you are looking at either solar panels or wind turbines is whether you will need planning permission, particularly if you are moving into a conservation area. You will need pp for a turbine, and in my area you need pp for solar panels, too. You can get small turbines for domestic use, but I have no idea how efficient they are. The utility companies may be able to provide you with some information; I believe some of them offer grants and/or assistance in installing turbines. If you are moving to a place with some land, you could consider a bore hole with a heat exchange system. The Centre for Alternative Technology here is a good source for information, and if you contact them they can probably give you info about how good the various options are.