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The world needs to find ways of cleaning, desalinating and distributing water to its citizens. And it is an area for which the use of renewable energy seems particularly apt. However, to talk of renewable generation as a single entity is misleading. Wind and solar power — the most likely candidates for water treatment in non-coastal areas — are very different beasts. Even within the category of solar power there are myriad technologies. And each one has distinct properties that affect where and how it can best be deployed.

These restrictions are beginning to subside with the advent of virtual net metering (VNM). VNM is an electric tariff that allows for the net-metering credits from a single solar generating system to be distributed among multiple electric service accounts.

The proposals launched today outline how those emissions can be reduced both on and off site, including through community scale low carbon heat production for district networks.

Non-domestic buildings often have greater potential for onsite renewables (e.g. more roof space) and to play a critical role in the viability of community heat or energy networks.