SP obtains approval for the first WElink off-site low energy homes
SP has been working for two years on system accreditation for WElink’s off-site low energy homes, a Chinese PVs manufacturer. The first WElink scheme in Witchford, East Cambridgeshire has been approved, with a second one in Pershore, Wychavon with approval resolution earlier this month.
The proposed homes are highly energy efficient, built using off -site methods of construction that allow assured detail quality and high level of building performance, including the fixed elements that make the external walls, roofs and floors and the services. This approach provides homes that can be considered as an integrated whole, with the location of equipment, pipework and storage systems planned and executed in a controlled environment.
In order to optimise the performance of the fabric services and renewables, the homes are designed with a pitched roof that accommodate integrated Solar PV panels. The use of renwable resources will benefit the occupants, as the PVs will convert the solar energy into electricity. This will enable the home to heat hot water and have electric heating. The homes are ready for an electric futurethat houses can connect to the grid, accommodate a battery to store energy for later use and are independent from fossil fuel consumption.
The high energy efficiency of the WElink homes fabric is relying on the following principles:
High levels of insulation and carefully considered detailing of the homes will reduce energy demand of homes.
Solar PV renewable technology in homes will generate energy and reduce reliance on grid.
Smart energy technology expected to allow consumers to better manage their energy use.
Homes targeted to significantly reduce energy demand and costs.
