Personal story:

I am director of Cyrus solar a solar energy equipment supplier and as you can imagine have a passion for sustainability issues. We are always looking to find new ways to live more sustainable lives, especially in our own home. Recently I have developed a keen interest for aquaponics, a new sustainable farming method using fish and plants in harmony. I am currently growing a variety of fruit and vegetables in the greenhouse this way.

Motivations:

As well as a desire to lead more sustainable lives we have been motivated to make changes by due to some of the financial incentives they offer. The feed in tariff allowed us to make money of our solar PV, and the renewable heat incentive makes a log boiler more than affordable. We originally were paying £1500+ per year and were cold. Now we are all cosy and we pay £40 per month electric and receive £1800 in feed-in tariff, plus £2500 renewable heat incentive for the boiler and £200 RHI for the solar thermal. All in all we are £5000 tax free per year better off. You can read more about it here!

Property background:

We built our home in 1992, in the village of Abertriwr, in south wales. The property is a detached dormer bungalow, with garden and parking space. Our garden contains a large greenhouse, with enough space to house my ongoing aquaponics projects.

Key changes made:

Installation of renewable energy and heat generation systems.

Measures installed in detail:

• 30 kW Biomass log boiler fed with waste pallets
• Cavity wall insulation
• New double glazing throughout
• Air source heat pump used in backup for the house or the greenhouse
• Loft insulation up to 30cm
• Low energy appliances: a+ american style fridge& freezer; a+ dishwasher; changed TV for LED
• Low energy lighting: 100 % LEDs replace halogen down lighters in kitchen and bathrooms
• 4kWp photovoltaic panels
• 6m² solar thermal panels for domestic water heating
• Water saving devices: shower savers water and buts for the garden.

Benefits of work carried out:

The changes have allowed us to save a huge amount on our bills, all in all we are £5000 tax free per year better off. Our home is also now warmer than ever, and far more comfortable to live in thanks to the biomass boiler. I also get the added benefit of some exercise cutting the wood to feed the boiler.

Favourite feature:

My aquaponics system – Growing some of our own fruit, vegetables and herbs is great fun, it is always satisfying eating home grown produce. I would love to develop this hobby into a business, and have been experimenting with sustainable technologies in conjunction with the aquaponics system. Article coming soon!

Contact this homeowner