L&Q finds solar solutions for tackling fuel poverty in rural areas

L&Q has teamed up with renewable energy company Cel-f Solar to devise an environmentally-friendly way of tackling fuel poverty in rural areas.

L&Q owns a number of properties in remote areas where gas cannot be supplied and oil-fired systems increase household bills. One particular scheme in rural Dunsfold, Surrey, has 11 three-bedroom homes that were built in 1998 with oil storage provided as a way to heat fuel.

L&Q is always keen to promote solar energy power in remote areas so in 2006 Cel-f Solar were commissioned to install a Sunwarm Solar Heating and Hot Water system in each of the Dunsfold properties. These new systems are so efficient that each resident can expect to save up to 28 per cent on their fuel bills while still getting enough energy to run their homes.

L&Q is also investing in other ways to reduce running costs for residents, such as improving insulation, installing energy-efficient boilers with controllable systems and, where cost-effective, fitting double glazing.

Steps are also being taken by L&Q to reduce CO2 emissions across its housing stock through the use of renewable energy systems which can be fitted to existing properties.

This work all forms part of the Affordable Warmth and Fuel Poverty Strategy that L&Q developed in 2005 to meet Housing Corporation targets of a sustained reduction in carbon emissions.

Jerome Geoghegan, Group Director for L&Q’s South West Thames Region, said: “The scheme at Nugent Close in Dunsfold has presented us with a fantastic opportunity to deliver on our Affordable Warmth Strategy.

“There will be sustained benefits over the long term to both our residents and to the environment through the use of solar powered energy. This will ensure we are playing our part in responding to the Government’s targets for reducing fuel poverty and tackling global warming.”

Kevin Knapp, Managing Director of Cel-f Solar Systems Ltd, said: “We are very excited to be working with L&Q on delivering this innovative scheme at Nugent Close.

“As the properties are located rurally and use oil as their main source of heating and hot water, the scheme will displace a significant amount of carbon dioxide as well as reducing the residents’ fuel bills.

“In addition to the reduction in energy, both L&Q and Cel-f Solar recognise the extra benefits offered by the Sunwarm system and feel we have delivered a unique solution on this occasion.”

How does the Sunwarm system work?

The Sunwarm system installed by Cel-f Solar has a dual purpose in providing hot water with the added benefits of whole house ventilation and solar air heating into the home. Solar air collectors heat the domestic hot water using photo thermal solar energy (light to heat) provided free from the sun. This is achieved by passing the heated air through an air to water heat transfer coil as an integral part of the system.

The home is heated through air passing into the solar air collectors and heating it prior to filtering and distribution through the property. This supplements the main heating system providing a significant reduction in fuel consumption.

During hot summer nights, the unique absorber materials in the solar collectors cool to temperatures below the outside air. By passing ventilation air, drawn from outside, through the solar collectors, it can be cooled prior to filtering and subsequently introduced as cooler, cleaner air into the home.

Because the Sunwarm system utilises the unique method of whole house ventilation throughout the year, this also significantly reduces the dust and

pollen levels within the property – great news for hayfever sufferers! This form of ventilation is also a proven factor in controlling condensation.

With the additional installation of shower systems to each property, connected to the Sunwarm system, L&Q are helping to further improve domestic running costs for residents.

Maintenance

The system benefits from low maintenance/high specification components, which is an added advantage to installation and future running costs. In terms of general requirements, the solar collectors only require cleaning where heavy deposits reduce their efficiency. However, this only occurs in extreme cases. Cleaning can be limited to water and a cloth.

Maintenance of the hot water cylinder or thermal store varies depending on the type of heat supplied but would normally be limited to an inspection at the same time as the main heating system. The air handling system requires servicing only once every five years during which electrical connections and components are checked and filters replaced. A point worth noting is that the use control panel automatically indicates when a service is required to the air handling system.

Some facts and figures

• Domestic fuel bills have increased by an average of 90 per cent for gas and 80 per cent for electricity since 2003 according to recent figures from Energywatch
  
• Fuel poverty has reduced but around 7.5 million UK households are unable to properly afford heating, hot water and lighting in their property (Source, Which? magazine, 2007)
  
• Although Nugent Close is a small scheme the environmental impact is significant. Cel-f Solar has calculated that C02 will be reduced by 23,000kg a year

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