Highfields at Cowper House Farm
Highfield at Cowper House Farm in Dalton-on-Tees, North Yorkshire, is an off-grid converted barn set on one acre of land. An extensive renovation saw owner Steven Bowes, a builder and property developer, transform the previously derelict building into an eco-friendly family home – with high levels of insulation, underfloor heating and a wood burner. With no existing whole-house heating system in place, Steven also needed to find an efficient, cost-effective solution to meet the heating and hot water needs of the four-bedroom, three-bathroom property. He approached Yorkshire renewable heating specialist and NIBE VIP Installer HT Energy for the answer.
The Solution
After completing a full site survey and heat loss calculation for the barn, Howard Tribick, director at HT Energy, specified, designed and fitted a NIBE solar thermal and ground source heat pump package system. The system is made up of two NIBE FP215P solar collectors (fitted to the roof of the property’s garage block), a 12kW F1145 ground source heat pump and a 300L VPB hot water cylinder – all of which are operated using the same integrated controls unit. Between March and September, the solar thermal system alone generates enough energy to fulfil all of the property’s hot water needs – with the heat pump providing additional support where needed (e.g. at night, and during winter months).
Results
Now fully up and running, the system is providing the barn with an efficient, reliable and consistent supply of heating and hot water all year round. By opting for the NIBE solar thermal and ground source heat pump system, Steven is also spending around two thirds less each year than he would be if he had chosen an oil-based system. On top of this, he has been accepted onto the domestic RHI scheme, and will receive regular annual payments for the renewable heat he generates over the next seven years. Calculations show the system will comfortably pay for itself within this time, as well as continuing to deliver ongoing savings thereafter.
Customer Testimonial
“As a builder and property developer by trade, I have more than 30 years’ experience in the industry – so when it came to renovating a barn for myself, I was keen to use my knowledge and skills to make it as energy efficient as possible. With Howard’s help, I chose the NIBE solar thermal and ground source heat pump system as I knew I could trust in the quality of the components, and was confident that it was the ideal solution for the project. Howard took the time to show me exactly how to use the system for best performance, and I’m very happy with the results. I also found the RHI application process very straightforward, particularly as it’s something I help my own customers with.”
Steve Bowes
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