Renewable Energy Retrofit Falkirk

12 Month Case Study

The Finlay Family - Solar Panels & Air Source Heat Pump

Our client case study presents the retrofit of one our clients homes with a view to reduce the building's energy needs and increase the indoor thermal comfort. The case study shows some preliminary results over a 12 month period related to the reduction in energy bills and energy consumption achieved, after installation of Solar Panels and Air Source Heat Pump.. 

Project Requirements

To retrofit a full new central heating and hot water system to a 20-year-old property currently using a mixture of combi-boiler, radiators and immersion.

The house and occupants: 
  • 4 bedroom 20-year-old bungalow with 3 adults / teens
  • mainly empty during daylight hours – heavy usage on showers and electrical items in the evening
  • upgraded loft insulation was required for RHI payments

The Challenge

To prove that changing a gas central heating system to electric air source is value for money bearing in mind that kWh prices for gas can be as much as ¼ of electricity prices – the addition of solar PV was important to this install as it supports the Air Source Heat Pump system in its overall reduction of consumption. 

Our Solution

Products

11.2 kw ultra-quiet Mitsubishi Ecodan outdoor unit with a 300lt pre-plumbed cylinder and a mixed selection of radiators to include triple panels.
 
Installation

All existing pipes were upgraded from 15mm to 22mm insulated copper, access to the floor was limited but workable. All cables were hidden, and a mobile thermostat added to the system to allow full control including mobile app

The design & Concerns

Radiators
All existing radiators had to be up-sized to accommodate flow temperature reduction from 70 to 50 degrees

A cupboard space of approx. 1mx1mx2.4m was needed to install a hot water cylinder – not previously in use as it was combi boiler only



Project Outcome

The Energy Savings Trust interest free loan for Air Source and Solar Panels made all the difference in the decision to proceed with the install. 

The loan repayments are covered using the resultant savings in energy bills, RHI quarterly payments and FIT (no longer available at present) – so the end user has a completely new heating and hot water system that is greener and more energy efficient than the old system AND it reduced their carbon footprint AND it saves them money . 
At the start of the project in October 2017 the monthly dual fuel cost for the household was an average of £222.00 per month. After install of solar panels and an air source heat pump we had a full years reading by February 2019. This demonstrated that the dual fuel costs had reduced to £116.00 per month (saving £106.00 per month, £1272.00 per year)  As off Feb 2020 monthly costs are still £116.00 per month.  

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