Lots of us want to generate our own energy but finding out how to become a fully fledged microgenerator has not always been easy. That is why we have devised 10 simple steps that will guide you through your project and help to ensure you successfully complete your plans of becoming a microgenerator.

Step one - Do your research

Familiarise yourself with all the types of microgeneration. You might have your heart set on solar power but you may find a different technology will work better for you and for your home. Make sure you read up on what technologies are out there and what will work for you. Start by reading our separate sections under the different technologies.

Step two - Planning permission

In 2008 the Department of Communities and Local Government implemented a change in the planning laws making it much easier for homeowners to install microgeneration. To be on the safe side contact the planning officer at your local authority (e.g. North Wiltshire District Council) and ask for information on the planning policy in your region.

Step three - Take our Survey

To help Good Energy Shop customers find out if generating energy at home is the right move for you, we have designed our Desk Top Survey. Simply email us at microgen@goodenergyshop.co.uk and we will send you the survey.  Fill out the survey as thoroughly as you can - It will take you about 30 minutes and you will need information from your recent energy bills and images of your property/land will be very useful. If you are interested in heat pump technologies we will ask you to supply scale drawings of your home. When you have included all the information you can email it to us.

Step four - The results

We will evaluate your Desk Top Survey and return the results to you in 5 working days, letting you know if your chosen technology is suitable for your home or whether a different technology may work better. The Desk Top Survey won't substitute a site visit but it will help to identify any 'show-stoppers'.

Step five - The Site Survey

We always recommend you complete a site survey before you opt to install a microgeneration system. We will confirm that you want to go ahead with the site survey and our installer will contact you to arrange a date. In most cases, there is a cost of around £175 for the site survey. If the survey delivers a positive outcome and you opt to install the recommended technology, this fee will be deducted from the final installed cost.

Step six - receiving and agreeing your quote

Our installer will supply you with your quote for the installation. Now is the time to confirm you have planning permission to install your generator - if your project is not covered by 'permitted development', ensure you have written approval from you planning department.  When you accept the quote our installer may ask you to make a down payment of up to 50% of the cost - this is to secure the order of your generator with the manufacturer. Once you have accepted the quote our installer will agree a date with you for the installation.

Step seven - Apply for a grant

Now that you have proof of planning permission, details of your accredited installer and cost of the project, you can make your grant application. You can make your application online and provided you have all the details to hand, it will take you fifteen minutes and confirmation of your grant will be emailed back to you.

Step eight - The Installation

Our installer undertakes the installation and commissions your generator delivering you a system that produces your very own energy. Once you have paid the balance for the work, the installer will issue you with your Certificate of Completion.

Step nine - Claim your grant

Once you have received you Certificate of Completion, submit it to the appropriate administrator at the Energy Savings Trust details of which you will have having made your grant application. On receiving this, they will issue your grant within 25 working days.

Step ten - Get paid for your generation

If you are producing electricity (as opposed to heat) with your generator, sign up to Good Energy's Home Gen scheme. Good Energy (will pay you 9p for every unit of electricity you produce, including the units you use on site. Email homegen@good-energy.co.uk and request a Home Gen contract.

That's it! Ten steps that we hope will help you become one of the growing community of microgenerators across the UK.