LPG supports solar energy in Rotherham homes
Calor has joined forces with Alpha Heating Innovation to provide an LPG-compatible renewable-energy system to supply heating and domestic hot water for tenanted properties owned by Rotherham Borough Council.
The project involved replacing four old and inefficient solid-fuel systems in four homes. They comprise three semi-detached houses and a bungalow in the village of Ulley, which does not have mains gas.
Alpha SolarSmart solar systems include combination boilers with outputs of 28 kW to bring the properties into line with the Decent Homes scheme. Other equipment includes a solar collector, a 90 litre storage cylinder, drain-back unit, solar valve and all required ancillary connectors and equipment.
Calor engineers worked closely with Dan Colley, mechanical-services project manager with 2010 Rotherham Ltd, which carried out the installation, to ensure the right equipment was selected.
Rick Pearson of Calor, says, ‘Solar is fast becoming the renewable method of choice for many people, as it is a tried-and-tested technology and is highly cost effective when compared to some of the other solutions available. Local authorities have to specify renewable heating and water-heating solutions in their properties wherever possible, and utilising solar with LPG equipment enables them to do so in rural areas like this situation where there is no mains gas.
We believe LPG is now the best fuel option for applications in non-mains-gas areas. With the significant rises in the cost of oil, it has also become very prone to theft.’
