South Shropshire Housing Association and Kensa Heat Pumps have completed an off-gas heating retrofit programme featuring ground source heat pumps in rural properties in Cleobury, Shropshire.
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* and ECO, whilst College Close features individual ground arrays per property to receive the Domestic RHI*; all properties have their own Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pump providing tenants with the freedom to switch electricity suppliers.
Kensa Heat Pumps’ contracting division, 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/
*This scheme has closed. Please explore current funding: https://www.kensaheatpumps.com/funding/.
