Introduction

A modernisation scheme incorporating energy efficiency and renewable energy measures

Objectives and target audience

The objective of the scheme was to improve the overall appearance of the properties both internally and externally, helping to improve the energy efficiency performance of the properties which would provide a higher SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and benefit the residents by reducing the individual fuel bills and providing a warmer home.  The improvement work would also remove the properties from a ‘non decent’ category in line with the governments Decent Homes Standard.   The photovoltaic solar panels were installed to provide power to the communal lighting system, with any excess electricity generated being sold back to the National Grid.  It was hoped that any money saved through the use of the PV panels would reduce the cost of the landlords electricity supply.   The project was targeted at the residents living in the block and the surrounding properties.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

Funding for this scheme was mainly from the Northwards capital budget.  The main energy efficiency related work was the installation of new condensing central heating boilers and controls, insulation/render system, the new windows and the photovoltaic solar panels.  The cost for this work was £221,000.

The cost for the photovoltaic solar panels was £30,000.  Northwards applied for the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 grant, which was approved, and funded 50% of the cost of the photovoltaic panel installation.
Partners involved main works:        This section needs more accurate information
Manchester Working

Partners involved in the PV installation:
British Gas
Solar technologies – PV Installers

Process

The properties were previously provided with heat and hot water by gas back boilers and a radiator system.  Old boilers were removed and new wall mounted condensing boilers were fitted together with an upgrade of the heating controls which included thermostatic radiator valves.  The single glazed wooden windows were replaced with new PVCu double glazed windows.   Insulation boards were fitted to the external areas of the property then covered with a render system and painted to a finish chosen by the residents.  Thirty photovoltaic solar panels were fitted to the south facing side of the roof and linked up to the communal lighting system.  The PV panels have a total output of 4.86 kWp.

Results

The insulation render system has had a major visual impact on the block, providing a much needed facelift with the additional benefit of insulating the entire block, and hopefully a reduction in resident’s fuel bills.  The individual heating and hot water systems are now much more efficient and coupled with the new double glazed windows and insulation the properties are more desirable to live in.   This was one of the first schemes that Northwards has installed Photovoltaic panels and it is an area of work we were unfamiliar with.  The PV panels are producing electricity but when the installation was completed there were no export meters installed to enable the surplus electricity to be sold back to the national grid.  This is something that we need to make sure is included in future schemes.  For this scheme, we are having an export meter fitted to the system retrospectively.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

What do you think was the key issues for success?
How could it be transferred to another municipality/organisation?