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The Rivers family’s five-bedroomed timber frame home was built in 2018 inside a 19th century stone barn within a conservation area of the breathtaking Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Ground source heat pump install
The family wanted to make the switch to a renewable heating system, as wife Carolyn says, “it seemed wrong to be installing a fossil fuel reliant system.”
After carrying out some online research, speaking to friends with similar systems and discussing the technology with the builder, the Rivers used the Microgeneration Certification Scheme website to find an accredited heat pump installer.
The Thermia Diplomat Duo ground source heat pump comprises 800m of pipe laid in a one-acre field and distributes heat through an underfloor system.
It was the family’s intention to install solar panels and storage batteries alongside the heat pump, but this wasn’t affordable at the time.
2023 solar panel and battery install with chargepoint
In 2023, the Rivers took advantage of Scottish Government funding to make the long-awaited upgrades. This way they could capitalise on the ample roof space and have the option to charge a hybrid vehicle.
They again used the MCS website, and found Glasgow based installer Ability Energy UK to carry out the work. This was completed over three months and their home now proudly boasts a sizeable solar panel system which feeds two 4.6kW storage batteries and a Solis inverter. To charge the plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHV) they ordered a Hypervolt EV charger, finding the installer through Energy Saving Trust’s website. This only took a couple of hours to install.
There was some tedious work to try and hide the cabling on the outside of the building but everything came in on budget and the family could spread the cost of the solar panel system using the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme. The application process, along with the grant application for the chargepoint were very straight forward.
The benefits of moving to renewables
The family receives Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments for the heat pump for seven years (RHI closed to new applicants in March 2022) but the heat pump installation will take a while to pay off. It is reducing their heating bills as well as their environmental impact, which was the primary motivator. The family is environmentally conscious and tries to use appliances when the sun is out, to make use of the electricity generated and help keep the bills down.
Advice for others
Carolyn emphasises the importance of hearing customer testimonials before committing to an installer saying, “ask your installers to let you speak to some of their customers, so you can understand from others how the service has been.”
Feeling inspired?
If you too want to research different types of renewable technologies, our Home Renewables Selector will help you discover your options and calculate your savings.
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