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Micro DE - Findings From Field Trial Occupant Interviews


Citation Gemmell, A. Micro DE - Findings From Field Trial Occupant Interviews, ETI, 2011. https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000288.
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Author(s) Gemmell, A.
Project partner(s) Electricité de France SA (EDF SA)} Building Research Establishment Limited} University College London} Passivsystems Ltd
Publisher ETI
DOI https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000288
Download DE_DE2003_11.pdf document type
Abstract The Micro DE project was a scoping and feasibility study to identify opportunities for micro-generation storage and control technology development at an individual dwelling level in the UK. The study investigated the potential for reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions through Distributed Energy (DE) technologies. This was achieved through the development of a segmented model of the UK housing stock supplemented with detailed, real-time supply and demand energy-usage gathered from field trials of micro distributed generation and storage technology in conjunction with building control systems. The outputs of this project now feed into the Smart Systems and Heat programme.

This deliverable is number 2 of 7 in Work Package 3. It summarises the findings of two rounds of interviews carried out on participants of the 18 home field trial carried out as part of WorkPackage 2. First round interviews were carried out prior to the 2010/11 heating season, second round interviews after the heating season. The findings from these interview have been included in report D3.7 : Final project report together with outputs from other deliverables within Work Package 3

This report is one of seven reports presenting the findings and recommendations from the ETI Micro Distributed Energy project, a scoping and feasibility study to determine the opportunity for Distributed Energy (DE) technology development. The report deals specifically with the potential contribution of building Energy Services Management (ESM) systems in the residential setting.

The report outlines the findings from a series of interviews conducted with the occupants of eighteen field trial homes. Each field trial home had at least one of the following technologies installed:
  • Photovoltaic (PV) panels,
  • Solar Thermal Hot Water (STHW) systems,
  • Biomass boilers,
  • Air Source Heat Pumps or Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP).
The findings indicate that the key investment drivers for early adopters of Micro DE technologies were:
  • saving money on energy bills,
  • reducing their carbon footprint and impact on climate change,
  • reducing their reliance on oil and gas (concerns over rising prices and future supplies).
The findings suggest that financial incentives such as feed in tariffs and the Green Deal are likely to be important future drivers. Financial incentives are likely to make PV panels in particular more attractive to consumers.
Associated Project(s) ETI-DE2003: Micro Distributed Energy
Associated Dataset(s) No associated datasets
Associated Publication(s)

Micro DE - Analysis of the Benefits of Buildings Energy Services Control System

Micro DE - Distributed Energy Monitoring System Requirements

Micro DE - Executive Summary - DE2003/D3.5: Modelling the Cost Effectiveness and Hence Potential Uptake of Technologies

Micro DE - Executive Summary - DE2003/D3.7: Project Summary Report

Micro DE - Heat Meter Investigation

Micro DE - Micro DE Technology Comparisons

Micro DE - Micro Distributed Energy and Energy Services Management Application to existing UK residential buildings

Micro DE - Modelling the Cost Effectiveness and Potential Uptake of Technologies in Existing UK Residential Buildings

Micro DE - Plan for Larger Field Trials

Micro DE - Project Summary Report

Micro DE - Review of in Market Buildings Control Systems, Technology Platforms and Standards

Micro DE - Review of Previous Work on Energy User Behaviour