We were recently asked to provide a case study to refute the myth that it isn't possible to install microgeneration, or energy efficiency into Victorian, Georgian or Edwardian houses. Older houses generally really. It's an easy cop out to say, I've got an old house, nothing I can do. Certainly it can be more difficult, and sometimes your options can be limited to energy savings measures. However, we are working on projects on several older properties, including the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, air-source heat pumps, and energy efficient lighting.
The request came from the magazine Energy Efficiency Now (EEN), and below is a copy of the article. The actual case study is available on our website.
AS GOOD AS NEW
As with the acceptance of many advances in technology the charge of the renewable energy brigade is often primarily associated with forthcoming projects, thereby being seen as suitable only for new build and not for older properties. Eco Environments Ltd are a Northwest based award-winning supplier and installer of cost-saving energy conservation and generation systems. They maintain that this approach to microregeneration is preventing domestic and commercial customers from seeing the potential gains to be made from retro-fitting renewable energy products in their property.
According to Director David Hunt there needs to be a complete change of mindset before the concept of retro fitting older properties is more widely accepted: “The opinion seems to be that it’s easy to build microgeneration products into new properties, which is true, but that retro fitting into older homes is complex and fraught with difficulties, or not in keeping with the aesthetics of an older property. These assumptions aren’t necessarily true. The fact that older properties contribute far more by way of CO₂ emissions than recent or new build properties means there is a greater need for the installation of energy efficiency measures, and of renewable energy systems in our existing built environment. What is more, although it can be more difficult, there is no reason not to address older properties, these technologies work equally well in older properties if designed and installed correctly. As for the aesthetics, these things are of course a matter of taste and of priorities; we do though always work closely with the client to provide a resource which is sympathetic in its look to the rest of the property. So far the clients who have older properties have been very pleased with the extent to which we have managed to integrate modern technology into their home or building. Generally the owners of older properties are just as pleased with the results of the installation as owners of newer properties.”
One such case is the installation of multiple technologies completed at the Edwardian Manor House owned by Mr Steve Bramwell. For Eco Environments Ltd the project at Mr Bramwell’s property was a truly rewarding one. His Edwardian house is now almost entirely self-sufficient with renewable energy. Heating and hot water is provided by a combination of an air-source heat pump and solar thermal panels, electricity generation through a solar photovoltaic (PV) array, and a wind turbine.
The first project was to install the solar PV array consisting of 10 Sanyo 210wp panels, providing a 2.1Kwp system, which generates approximately 1800 Kwh of electricity, connected directly to his main electricity supply, with any surpluses being exported and sold back to the national grid. With a rather awkward shaped roof best use was made of the largest south facing space, using high power and high efficiency panels.
The next stage was to specify and design a system to integrate an air-source heat pump into the existing heating and hot water system, including the solar thermal panels. A 14kw Daikin Altherma heat pump was chosen to do this with the internal unit being placed in the cellar, the condenser being placed discreetly outside. This was achieved without having to re-plumb the property, and using the existing Edwardian radiators.
The final part of the project was to install a 6kw Proven Energy wind turbine. These can produce up to 20,000kwh of electricity annually, being able to cope with conditions as harsh and diverse as Antarctica, Saudi deserts and oil rigs. In recent EST (Energy Savings Trust) field trials they showed a well placed 6kw turbine produces on average 16,000 kwh per annum. This kind of installation is perfect for farms or open spaces in Britain, or in many industrial areas. Noise is minimal, in Mr Bramwell’s case this being essential as the turbine is located less than 50 yards from the house! The installation takes place in two stages, the foundations are laid and allowed to set for a month, and then the turbine is assembled and winched into place.
Once lifted and commissioned, Mr Bramwell had instant green, renewable electricity supplied into his property, with any surplus being sold back to his energy supplier. He already exports for a higher value than he imports his electricity for, and that is before the introduction of feed-in-tariffs next year. What is more Mr. Bramwell was able to obtain grants for his various technologies, Eco Environments holding MCS accreditations for the various technologies.
The final piece of the service was to install a wireless solar powered display which shows exactly what his solar PV and wind turbine are generating at any time, which is easily uploaded to a PC for ongoing recording and analysis. In all, Mr Bramwell was left in no doubt that it is very possible, and indeed highly economical, to ‘green’ and older property. More importantly, contrary to the belief of many, the whole process was carried out without any difficulty, particularly relating to the age of the property. Mr Bramwell is now delighted with his renewably powered Edwardian home.
"I initially contacted eco-environments after failing to get any interest from enquiries to other companies regarding green energy generation. Their response was helpful and professional and it was quickly apparent that not only could eco-environments set me up with the solar PV array that was my initial enquiry, but they also brought to the table expertise in Air-source Heat Pumps and wind generation that I had anticipated having to go to separate contractors to complete my scheme. The fantastic and practical input from eco-environments has enabled me to structure a system of solar PV, wind, solar water and ASHP retro fitted into an existing Edwardian radiator system with virtually all my heating and hot water for free!” – Mr Steve Bramwell.
Eco Environments Ltd are pleased to see legislation, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes, driving the installation of renewable energies into new build properties, but to really address climate change and help the UK achieve its binding CO₂ emissions reduction targets, it is essential that the existing housing stock, and commercial buildings be accurately and fully assessed for suitability to install energy saving and microgeneration technologies. The work carried out at Mr Bramwell’s property shows the results that can be achieved in a challenging property. Consider these results then in light of the fact that the retrofitting of most homes and buildings will be far more simple.
So the message is simple, the technology exists, and where there is a will there is a way. Solar Panels, wind turbines, air-source heat pumps, and other technologies can be installed into older properties. If you have any questions or need any advice, feel free to drop me a line or give me a call.
Regards
David Hunt