“I initially contacted eco-environments after failing to get any interest from enquiries to other companies regarding green energy generation.

Their response was helpful and professional and it was quickly apparent that not only could eco-environments set me up with the solar PV array that was my initial enquiry, but they also brought to the table expertise in Air-source Heat Pumps and wind generation that I had anticipated having to go to separate contractors to complete my scheme. The fantastic and practical input from eco-environments has enabled me to structure a system of solar PV, wind, solar water and ASHP retro fitted into an existing Edwardian radiator system with virtually all my heating and hot water for free!” – Mr Steve Bramwell.

The project at Mr Bramwell’s property has been a truly rewarding one. So often you hear that you can’t ‘green’ an older property. Well, his Edwardian house is now almost entirely self-sufficient with renewable energy. Heating and hot water provided by a combination of an air-source heat pump and solar thermal panels, electricity generation through a solar photovoltaic (PV) array, and a wind turbine.

The first project was to install the solar PV array consisting of 10 Sanyo 210wp panels, providing a 2.1Kwp system, which will generate approximately 1800 Kwh of electricity, connected directly to his main electricity supply, with any surpluses being exported and sold back to the national grid.

The next stage was to specify and design a system to integrate an air-source heat pump into the existing heating and hot water system, including the solar thermal panels. We chose a 14kw Daikin Altherma heat pump. The internal unit being placed in the cellar, the condenser being placed outside (see left).

The final part was to install a 6kw Proven Energy wind turbine. These can produce up to 20,000kwh of electricity annually, being able to cope with conditions as harsh and diverse as Antarctica, Saudi deserts and oil rigs. Perfect for farms or open spaces in Britain. Noise is minimal, this being less than 50 yards from the house. The installation is done in two stages, the foundations are laid and allowed to set for a month, and then the turbine is assembled and lifted into place.

Once lifted and commissioned you have instant green, renewable electricity, providing for your property, and any surplus sold back to your energy supplier.

Mr Bramwell is now delighted with his renewably powered Edwardian home. The final piece of our service is to install a wireless solar powered display which shows exactly what his solar PV and wind turbine are generating at any time, which is easily uploaded to a PC for ongoing recording and analysis.