Case Study | Commercial PV Installation

Aston Court Sheltered Accommodation

Introduction

Our latest sheltered accommodation project

Aston Court was our latest sheltered accommodation project in partnership with Fortem Solutions and Chesterfield Council, where we completed a full refurbishment to all 28 flats, including communal areas, along with the first large scale solar PV installation for Chesterfield Council.

Objectives & Challenges

Designing a compliant system to reduce residents bills and climate impact

Along with the works package contained in these projects, we were asked to produce a design/report to de-carbonise and create a more sustainable consumption profile. With the rising cost of energy, Chesterfield Council made the progressive decision to remove the existing gas heating system, replacing them with high efficiency electric radiators, and a substantial solar PV system across the entire roof space, split equally between the 28 flats, giving the residents significant support with their energy bills.

The main challenge for Scarbrook was to design a compliant system for the DNO’s new transformer, ensuring it maximised roof space to create the best return on investment, while managing to ensure the price is within Fortems and Chesterfields budget.

Benefits & Solution

Designing and providing renewable energy installs for Chesterfield Council

The benefits to the installation of new solar PV are:

Tenants have gained a percentage of grid independence insulating themselves from any future energy bill cost rises.
Aston court is now a flagship example of empowering the community by significantly lowering the tenants cost of living.

Our in-house designers worked tirelessly and modelled each possible variation to give Chesterfield council an accurate data set, to make an informed decision on making a maximised savings for the tenants.

Conclusion

Setting a precedent for local authorities to retrofit further properties

The scheme has been regarded as a resounding success by all stakeholders and has now set a precedent for Chesterfield councils, where they are reviewing their previous sheltered accommodation schemes with a view to retrofitting solar PV to them.

Comments from our client following completion of the project…

Do you feel the project was successful, and if so, why?

Project is a huge success, completion date as programmed, no issues with health and safety with regular scores achieving 96% and above from our SHE dept audits and properties handed over with minimal defects.

Were you satisfied with the quality of our service and products, and if so, what did you particularly like?

No issues with service as always, products fine and trialled solar and electric heating system which seem to be fine with no issues.

Was there any particular team member/team members who impacted on the project?

The operatives that I had on site (Mark Bennett, Richard Meredith, Chris and Dean Meakin) are always excellent and carried out there works to a high standard and are always approachable which helps matters on site. No complaints.

Why separates Scarbrook from their Competitors?

Consistency, punctual, professional, adhere to Fortem health and safety policies and always willing to go that extra mile if requested.