Uniquely, the rural two-site project accesses two streams of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)*; St Mary’s Close features Kensa’s innovative shared ground loop system qualifying for the Non-Domestic RHI* (https://www.kensacontracting.com/grants-incentives/non-domestic-rhi/) and ECO (https://www.kensaheatpumps.com/grants-incentives/eco/), whilst College Close features individual ground arrays per property to receive the Domestic RHI* (https://www.kensacontracting.com/grants-incentives/domestic-rhi/); all properties have their own Kensa Shoebox (https://www.kensacontracting.com/product/3-6kw-shoebox-heat-pump-series/) ground source heat pump providing tenants with the freedom to switch electricity suppliers.
Kensa Heat Pumps’ contracting division, Kensa Contracting Ltd (https://www.kensaheatpumps.com/the-technology/installation-fullfilment/kensa-contracting-ltd/), was appointed principal contractor for the £500k heating upgrade. The scheme comprises the replacement of ageing electric storage heating in twenty two bungalows, one flat, a communal room with general needs, and eight houses.
Bernard Quinn, Investment Manager for South Shropshire Housing Association says:
Feedback has been very positive as there is general dissatisfaction with electric storage and solid fuel heating systems – residents welcome the opportunity to have new controllable and affordable central heating systems in their homes.
We were an early adopter of air and ground source heating. It’s been a key part of our affordable warmth strategy for the last eight years’. So far it’s estimated that the Group has saved its tenants nearly a quarter of a million pounds in their heating bills. This project contributes to a total of more than 280 renewable heating installations at 42 locations across Shropshire, where fuel poverty is always high on the agenda.
Christina Groves, a recipient of the new Kensa ground source heat pumps says:
The new system is fantastic, it’s easy to operate, you just set it and leave it and it provides a constant heat and hot water when you need it.
Neighbour Derek Fletcher says:
It’s a lovely constant temperature now and the bathroom is nice and warm. The workmen were very helpful and no trouble.
A full case study documenting the project’s motivations and process can be viewed here (https://www.kensacontracting.com/shropshire-housing/): https://www.kensacontracting.com/shropshire-housing/ (https://www.kensacontracting.com/shropshire-housing/)
*This scheme has closed. Please explore current funding: https://www.kensaheatpumps.com/funding/ (https://www.kensaheatpumps.com/funding/).
