GCHP leverage other renewables

Some people don't consider a GCHP system as "renewable energy". A GCHP system doesn't produce electrons that can be pushed through a wire. What it does do is reduce the need to push electrons down the wire in the first place...and it does it very well. It doesn't matter how the electricity you use is produced, if you use a GCHP system for heating or cooling, it will use less energy than virtually any other HVAC system. 

A well designed GCHP system now operates at a COP of 3.5 to 4.5, and an EER of 25 to 40 (COPc of 7.3 to 11.7). If you are purchasing power from a dirty coal generating station, it will have to burn less coal and emit fewer green house gases. In fact, many utilities use their coal plants only to provide peak power...if enough GCHP systems are installed, there is a good chance it may not have to be activated in the first place. If you use wind or solar power, fewer solar panels or windmills will be needed. If you use nuclear power, you will use less of it. 

Reducing the need for power in the first place has large implications for utilities and customers. It means:

• Reduced capital expenditure for new generating stations
  
• Reduced capital expenditure for transmission lines, transformers, etc. 
• Reduced use of the dirtiest generating stations at peak times
• Reduced impact on the environment with hydro-electric dams, nuclear plants, transmission lines, etc. 
• Less land area needed for large wind and solar farms 
• Reduced power rates for consumers