With over 15 years of installing renewable energy technologies and more than 1100 solar photovoltaic systems in operation, Poole Housing Partnership is not messing about when it comes to leading the way in local low-carbon, low-cost innovation. We spoke to Mike Harrison, Technical Director of Poole Housing Partnership and others about the story so far.
“According to government statistics, 10% of all English households were in fuel poverty in 2014, we thought, ‘this is crazy’. We wanted to lead the way in massively reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions in Poole and encourage others to do the same. That’s when we met Minus7. We started to explore their ideas of how to utilise the best of all the renewable technologies available on the market and integrate them together to provide a best in class solution to meet our needs.” says PhP’s Technical Director, Mike Harrison.
“Energy efficiency of PhP homes is a key priority and we’re constantly looking at new ways to reduce energy bills so we started with a pilot – two new-build 3 bedroom semi-detached houses built to standard part L building regulations. We started small to test Minus7’s claims of industry-beating system performance, energy efficiency and low running costs. Minus7’s team constantly monitored the system for us as part of our service agreement, and after an annual cycle we found each house had heating and hot water for the year at a cost of just £200 – We couldn’t believe it!” Mike continues, “The theory behind Minus7 when you get into it, is mind-blowing – it just makes so much sense.”
“We’ve successfully proven we can eradicate fuel poverty with our technology” says Hamish Wilson from Minus7 “Having a happy tenant say ‘thank you, because of you I don’t have to choose between having dinner and keeping my kids warm’ was genuinely very heart-warming. It just brought home the reality of fuel poverty, this frightening situation that so many people in the UK are in. I was so touched that she felt Minus7 was such a big part of changing that situation for her.”
So how does it work?
“It’s a unique renewable heat, hot water and energy storage solution” says Hamish Wilson, “The roof is made up of solar thermal planks that harvest energy 24/7 365 days a year, and then a clever energy processor allows the system to operate with minimal grid electricity to ensure low-cost, low carbon energy to residents. The thermal stores enable tenants to have heating and hot water whenever they want it.” he concludes.
It’s not only the tenants who have recognised the importance of Minus7’s innovation in integrating renewable energy technologies, Poole Housing Partnership’s pilot was highlighted as one of the Top 60 developments in the UK by Inside Housing in 2015, and they have won several other national awards alongside big brands such as Sainsbury’s and EDF energy in partnership with Minus7. “Our objective was for residents to be able to save energy and money, so we’re delighted that the Minus7 system has helped them achieve both.” Says Mike Harrison.
Four one-bedroom homes with Minus7’s integrated technology were next on the list for Poole Housing Partnership’s new-build scheme in 2015-16. Not only did this enable tenants to downsize and manage their finances better with low cost energy bills, it released larger council homes that were desperately needed by local families.
Completed ahead of schedule, the team worked hard to minimise the impact of building works on tenants. Local residents were first invited to a consultation event to review the plans and talk about the proposals. Residents were also invited to an exclusive ‘open house’ event to see inside the new homes, meet the project team and offer feedback on their experiences during the build.
“The continued development of affordable housing across Poole is extremely important. These properties provide a fantastic opportunity for families to move to homes more suited to their needs while at the same time freeing up additional properties in Poole for families requiring affordable housing. I must also commend officers and contractors for their hard work in completing these properties ahead of schedule.” Said Cllr Karen Rampton, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, Borough of Poole.
Cllr Xena Dion, Mayor of Poole, added: “Some of the modern features of these homes are really fantastic, and the insulation and energy efficiency will make a big difference to people’s energy bills, as well as our town’s carbon footprint. I very much hope the people moving in will enjoy living here and wish them happiness in their new homes.”
Jane Holloway, PHP Tenancy Support Officer, confirmed that “the residents we’ve helped to move are absolutely thrilled with their new homes” Whilst the newest users of Minus7 are enjoying their warm homes and low energy bills, Poole Housing Partnership is already planning their next project with Minus7, including Minus7’s latest product innovation – solar thermal roof planks with discreet embedded photovoltaic cells. “Effectively we’re creating solar-powered heat and power stations that people live in, and by including storage we offer the secure, clean and consistent energy that UK housing needs” says Hamish, “some people have talked about something like this as a vision for what the future of renewable technology can achieve, but Minus7 clients know it’s achievable now.”
Visit Minus7 at stand A162, entrance N4 at EcoBuild 2017, Excel London from the 7th – 9th March 2017 or call 01983 282844 to get a free feasibility study for your latest project.