A growing number of house builders are including the latest renewable energy technologies in their developments.
Stiebel Eltron UK, a leading manufacturer of renewable technologies, is working with a number of developers on projects of up to 20 new build homes.
Among them is Harvey Homes of Distinction in North Wales, which has just released four properties in Colwyn Bay, each one including air source heat pump technology.
John Harvey, MD of Harvey Homes, selected Stiebel Eltron’s products for the four exclusive homes. Gwyn Roberts, of installer Ecosystems Wales, installed three of the company’s WPL15AS and one WPL25AS air source heat pumps.
Mark McManus, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron UK, said the introduction earlier this year of the Government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) had led to a surge in interest from small to medium-sized developers.
McManus said: “We are working with developers across the UK who are keen to provide their clients with the best possible homes, not just in terms of the quality of the build but also in terms of harnessing the latest renewable energy technologies.
“It is still early days for the Domestic RHI, but homeowners are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to the specification of their new home. Many like the idea of being more energy efficient and also saving thousands of pounds a year.”
Other developers Stiebel Eltron UK are working with include Phoenix Homes in Nottingham, which has specified the company’s WPL25AS air source heat pump in an exclusive development of 15 properties. The company has also recently worked with Dukeries Properties to harness heat pump technology in four three-storey town houses at Pleasley Vale near Mansfield.
Technologies eligible for the domestic RHI include ground source heat pumps drawing heat from the warmth underground, air source heat pumps taking heat from the air outside and solar thermal systems that provide hot water. Biomass boilers burning wood pellets are also eligible.
McManus added: “The scheme allows households which have already installed eligible renewable technologies to receive the subsidy payments and encourages house builders to consider making eligible technologies a key selling point in new builds.”
John Harvey, MD of Harvey Homes of Distinction, said: “I have been an advocate of ground and air source heat pumps for more than five years in order to meet the requirements of the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes.
“Hopefully, the introduction of the Domestic RHI will further encourage developers to harness the latest renewable technologies in their developments.”