National retirement housing provider launches renewable heating pilot scheme

Published by Rob Ghosh for Hanover Housing Group in Housing

Hanover Housing Association has launched an innovative renewable heating pilot scheme thanks to a green heating systems grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Last Year the national retirement housing provider became one of 24 housing associations across Britain to have been awarded a share of a £4 million fund to install green heating systems. Hanover received £78,000 towards the installation of renewable technology.

Hanover Close in Yateley, an estate with 18 bungalows, was selected for this trial project. Despite improvements to insulation levels the residents were concerned about the effectiveness of the existing storage heater system and their escalating fuel bills.

The new technology includes the installation of an air source heat pump, solar panel and low surface temperature radiators to each of the properties.

This is expected to provide a more acceptable all-round system at lower running costs for the residents.

It will also attract an income via the Renewable Heat Incentive for the energy generated which will be used to offset the remaining costs of the project.

The solar panel provides heat to the hot water storage tank and the air source heat pump provides the central heating.

It can also heat the hot water when required. The low surface temperature radiators suit the air source heat pump technology and also reduce the risk of injury.

Gavin Rendall from Hanover said: If the trial is successful this will pave the way for us to expand our efficient energy saving programme across other estates to benefit other residents”

The trial in Yateley is part of Hanover’s overall energy strategy to identify which renewable technologies are best suited to improving energy efficiency and combatting rising fuel costs for residents.