The attraction of a self-build project is that the owner can put more consideration into the products they specify, and explore how these solutions can benefit them in the future. It comes as no surprise that renewable technology is a high priority for self-build projects, and heating installers are seeing the attention turn from traditional heating systems, to solutions such as air source heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.  

Renewable technology has been a buzz word with end users for a number of years now. Thanks to the vast amount of information available online, and the various Government schemes available, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable on what renewable technology is.  This is an interesting development for installers, as it means that they are receiving more descriptive client briefs.
 

For one forward-thinking family in Waterbeach, near Cambridge, building a modern family home from scratch enabled the design and specification of an all-encompassing heating and hot water system. Having investigated what the Renewable Heat Incentive entailed, the family opted to have an air source heat pump installed, and enlisted the help of MCS Accredited Installer, Eco Installer, who suggested a Panasonic Aquarea system. 
 

Eco Installer worked closely with local Architect, Freeman Brear, building contractor, Salmon Brothers, and the homeowner, to build and establish the ultimate eco-house.  
The main necessities outlined by the client for a renewable heating solution were reliability, automation and ease of use.
 

Renowned for its compact build, easy integration with other renewable technologies and consistent energy saving capabilities, Eco Installer chose Panasonic as the main heating and hot water provider for this new build property. Panasonic’s Aquarea T-Cap system is known for its constant capacity output, ensuring working noise levels are at a minimum. This was crucial to the homeowner, whose development was taking place in a built-up area where loud noises and disturbances would not have been greatly received.
 

A 9kW Panasonic T-Cap Air Source Heat Pump was placed against the side of the house in the garden, along with a High Gain Cylinder and Buffer Tank hidden at the back of the garage. Once the Air Source Heat Pump was firmly in place, Eco Installer was able to integrate the system to enhance the capabilities of the properties newly installed under-floor heating, radiators, towel rails and hot water. This eco-conscious family also opted for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels on the roof of the property, providing electricity with Solar iBoost and feeding excess heat energy from the PV array into the water tank for free.  

The project completed in January 2015, a mere five months after it began. The family has now moved into the property and is now benefitting from constant heating and hot water. As the Aquarea heat pump is MCS accredited, the homeowner is also reaping the benefits from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), and every kWh of renewable energy produced.  
 

“For us, Panasonic’s Air Source Heat Pumps have always proved extremely reliable with little to no maintenance required once they have been installed,” explains Roland Gurner, Managing Director at Eco Installer. “The install itself is made quick and easy with its compact frame. This is a benefit to both us and the homeowner as it saves us both time and money. For a project which includes a number of renewable technologies, it is important to have a heat pump that works efficiently with other solutions. The Aquarea unit does just that. The end result is a fully functioning and intelligent heating and hot water solution.”