House builder Caplin Homes and renewable energy technology supplier Newform Energy have joined forces to launch a new limited company, offering a solar solution to zero carbon house building.
The Zero Carbon Solution will provide an affordable out-of-the-box energy system for domestic new-builds and low-rise commercial developments. Made up of three core technologies, hybrid PV-T solar collectors, a patented inter-seasonal energy store and a heat pump, the system can meet a building’s full heating and hot water requirements all year round, using only solar power.
Following the successful installation of the system into pilot project, the Solar House, the team has received a high level of enquiries into possible applications for the technology. The Solar House gained international recognition for being the UK’s first fully solar-powered new-build home.
Keith Willet, managing director of Newform Energy, commented: “The interest we’ve received from across the industry has been astounding. The system offers a viable solution to zero carbon house building and it’s great to see such enthusiasm for the concept from many different angles.”
With high demand for the technology, the Joint Venture Company has been set up to manage enquiries and streamline delivery of the system. In addition to designing the energy system for a suitable project and managing its installation, the Zero Carbon Solution will also provide a single source of technology and support for all of its elements.
Michael Goddard, director of Caplin Homes, said: “The new company will allow us to offer a complete solution to house builders, who will have to rise to the government’s challenge of achieving the Zero Carbon standard for all new houses from 2016.
“We’re very excited about the early performance of the technology at the Solar House which is far exceeding our expectations.”
With 12 projects already in the pipeline for 2014 and interest from many organisations, the Zero Carbon Solution looks set to have a successful first year in business.
Both companies will continue to operate outside of the Zero Carbon Solution. Newform Energy offers a range of renewable energy technologies, which will still be aimed mainly at the existing housing stock, while Caplin Homes will continue to build low energy timber frames for the self build market and to help commercial builders convert from conventional materials to timber frame.