PRESS RELEASE: 11 August 2015

Furrows in Cattal, North Yorkshire, is a new breed of energy efficient house. Featuring roof mounted solar panels and solar thermal panels (PV-T) linked to an underground energy storage system, the house will generate 13,000+ kWh of electricity and heat a year: 5,000 kWh will be used by Furrow's homeowners with the remaining 8,000 kWh exported to the grid - that's enough electricity to run two further houses.

The four bedroom house was designed by Richard Hawkes Architecture and approved under National Planning Policy Framework 55.

The energy system has been designed in conjunction with leading UK solar energy innovator, Minimise Generation. Anthony Morgan, Head of Minimise Generation, has been developing a commercially viable PV-T panel for the last decade. The initial panels were trialled at Crossway in Kent, also designed by Richard Hawkes Architecture, and featured on Grand Designs. The panels at Furrows are the fourth generation of PV-T and are now considered ready and fully scalable for commercial applications.

Unlike standard solar PV panels which simply convert the sun's rays into electricity, PV-T panels also capture heat, increasing their efficiency by around 12% (dependent on conditions).

Furrows features a combination of 64 solar PV and PV-T panels. These will generate 13,177 kWh of electricity which will be metered and generate an income through Feed-in-Tariffs. Electricity is used for domestic daytime consumption, with spare energy diverted to on-site storage for evening use outside of sunlight hours. Excess energy is used to heat domestic hot water.

In addition, the heat generated by the panels in summer is stored in the earth beneath the house, using the soil as a battery. This is drawn off during the winter to provide heating and hot water.

This system will allow the house to be ‘off-grid' 85% of the time.

ENDS

For more information, visit www.minimisegroup.com.

Images: Use this link to download the picutre of Furrows below - Furrows low carbon house

Contact
Adrienne Robins at Green Tiger Communications
Adrienne@greentigercommunications.co.uk
07855 643094

Notes to editors
Minimise Generation

Minimise Generation works with organisations to identify opportunities to generate and store energy on site, driving operational savings by reducing outsourced energy costs. At the same time this will reduce client carbon emissions and help meet carbon reduction targets.

The company is technology neutral, offering a wide portfolio of renewable energy technologies including ground and roof mounted solar panels, heat pumps, biomass and CHP. As with all Minimise Group companies, the focus is on delivering the best solution for the specific environment to drive both financial and environmental improvement for the customer.

Minimise Generation’s service spans consultancy, design, supply and installation. Where it differs from other renewable energy companies is in its ability to offer the smart integration of multiple energy generation technologies.

Minimise Group

Minimise Group is made up of five complementary divisions:

•                Minimise Energy: innovative energy reduction technologies, products and services, designed to help businesses achieve on-going energy reduction goals and enhance bottom line performance.

•                Minimise Solutions: strategic consultancy and advisory team, helping to deliver sustainability, meet reduction targets and comply with legislation.

•                Minimise Finance: offers tailor-made financing options, funding energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes from savings made in energy maintenance and related costs.

•                Minimise Water (incorporating Green Compliance): offers a complete range of water management and air hygiene technologies and services to help reduce the cost of compliance and save money on operating costs

•                Minimise Generation: maximising businesses’ potential to generate renewable energy on site, drive operational savings and reduce carbon emissions.

As part of APC Technology Group plc, we deliver an integrated range of innovative technologies, products and services backed by the financial strength and stability of a 33 year-old London Stock Exchange listed company.

www.minimisegroup.com