Integrating Renewables Into A Renovation Project

£5k available towards heat pumps and solar thermal through the Green Home Grants Scheme!

An increasing number of UK homeowners are electing to carry-out renovation projects on their homes rather than moving houses, with people opting for the ‘improve, don’t move’ approach increasing 12% in the last 5 years (Hiscox renovations and extensions report, 2018).

This has been fueled by rising house prices, stamp duty costs, interest rates, uncertainties surrounding Brexit, and now possibly the biggest effect after the national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

If you are one of those opting to undergo a renovation project, have you considered integrating renewable technology? There are numerous benefits to installing renewables to your home, and there is no better time than when undertaking a renovation or extension.

Installation

Incorporating the installation of renewable energy technology into renovation work allows for proper and careful planning. In many cases, it can reduce installation costs as it saves on the amount of labour needed compared to retrofitting. Having the installation integrated into the overall project work can also help ensure timelines are met.

How the technologies needed will fit into the overall look of the house can be considered – e.g. installing an in-roof solar PV system can reduce the need for roofing materials, and enables a seamless finish which is aesthetically neater than on-roof retrofits. Working with the main contractor, roofer or builder The Greener Group co-ordinate works to ensure a smooth build.

Efficiency

Improving the energy efficiency of a property is one of the leading reasons for integrating renewables into a renovation project. It enables you to ensure maximum efficiency out of the system, taking extra considerations such as insulation, underfloor heating and double-glazed windows which are all easier to install as part of a renovation, improve the efficiency of a heat pump system, and can add value to your home.

Future-proofing

It’s a bit of a buzzword, but ‘future-proofing’ your property at the time of carrying out a renovation or extension makes sense. Future-proofing can mean a number of things when designing the build or re-build of a property. In terms of renewable technology, it could be that a hybrid, battery ready inverter is installed with a solar PV system even if a battery is not being installed at the time. This means that when the owner is ready, has the funds, or the build is complete, a battery storage system can be added without having to swap the inverter or install additional equipment. It may cost a little more at the outset but will save considerably in the long run. People often look at upgrading an ageing boiler or heating system when carrying out other works on their property.

The thought is that the extension, for example, is costing a considerable amount and will need the heating system amending to include the new part of the house. Why not re-new the boiler at the same time. This often leads to thoughts of what’s the latest boiler and what will be good in five to ten years.

If you are considering upgrading, extending or renovating your home, it is the right time to be looking at energy-efficient technology and products which are available and how they fit into the future of your property.

Which Renewables Fit With a Renovation Project?

Heat Pumps

A renovation project is an ideal time to upgrade your heating system. Heat Pumps are an ideal heating solution for a range of properties; from flats to large detached houses, and provide a low-cost heating system which provides a constant comfortable temperature year-round. Other benefits include a reduction in reliance on fossil fuels meaning a more renewable system for your home and savings for your pocket.

All MCS accredited installed heat pumps are supported by the renewable heat incentive (RHI) and eligible for the Green Homes Grant.

There are different types of heat pump available, each generating heat in a different way. A Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) takes heat radiated from the sun and stored in the ground and is capable of providing hot water all year round.

An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)uses the latent heat in the air (even in minus temperatures there is heat (energy) in the air). A typical MCS accredited ASHP will have an efficiency of around 3.5 to 1 offering large savings over other conventional heating technologies. The manufacturers offered by TGG come with a 7-year warranty and can be used for a hybrid heating system with fossil fuel boiler.

Solar Thermal

A solar thermal water heating system works by panels using the heat from the sun to heat household water throughout the day. They can provide up to 70% of your property’s hot water whilst saving you money on your energy bills.

As well as being eligible for the Green Homes Grant and supported by the RHI, they work brilliantly with ASHPs to create an eco-friendly home.

Solar PV

Ideal when re-roofing or adding to an extension if looking for roof integrated. Small cost in the grand scheme of renovation or extension. Please add briefly what they are and how they work

A Solar PV system is ideal when re-roofing or adding an extension to your home and is a small cost in the grand scheme of the renovation work. Solar PV panels are versatile and can be installed in a range of locations suited for a range of energy demand.

A solar PV system works by converting the sun’s energy into electricity, which can then be distributed throughout a chosen building to reduce the amount of electricity imported from the National Grid. Because of this, energy bills can be significantly reduced, especially when paired with a battery storage system.

Underfloor Heating

If new floors are being fitted UFH can integrate perfectly. There are a range of systems for both new build and renovation builds. UFH can be added to just a section of the building, doesn’t need to be fitted throughout, depending on the build.

Other Technology to Compliment

Battery Storage, Immersion Switches, EV Charging…

With the potential for easier installation, better efficiency out of the system, and future financial and environmental benefits, integrating renewable energies into your renovation project just makes sense.

Talk to us today to see how we can help with your renovation project.

Have a look at some of our case studies to see how we have integrated renewables into renovation projects.

Heat Pumps, News, Solar PV