The four month installation saw panels ranging from one and a half to three kilowatts fitted to a number of property types across West Oxfordshire to help tenants cut their electricity bills by up to 40 per cent a year.
Under the initiative tenants will simply use the electricity generated by the panels for free and export any additional back to the national grid. In addition, the housing association will also see a reduction of up to 650 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year as part of its wider commitment to tackle climate change.
More and more businesses and public sector companies are switching to renewable energy technology. Installing PV panels is just one way businesses can reduce their energy bills, which when multiplied by the number of properties they have on their books, this adds up to significant savings
Commenting on the project, Nigel Sheppard, Kier director, said: “We’re delighted that the installation has gone so well. We’ve worked closely with Cottsway Housing Association and its tenants throughout the project which meant we understood their specific needs.
“With such a wide range of property types across a diverse geographically area we had to coordinate activity carefully and as such were able to work on up to 15 properties a day.”
Simon Thompson, senior surveyor for Cottsway Housing Association added: “Following a successful OJEU tender submission, Kier has completed the installation of 500 solar PV arrays on time and on budget.
“From the start of this project, Kier has shown its professionalism and organisation. A local team worked from a leased factory unit in Witney, creating a central base within our geographical area. This hub enabled them to reach any site within 30 minutes and consequently any issues were able to be dealt within good time.
“A successful partnership approach was adopted and the work Kier’s in-house team undertook such as providing detailing survey information, administrative paperwork and accounting procedures paved the way for a successful project.”
As part of the contract Kier worked with Cottsway to provide tenants with useful information to help them live a more sustainable lifestyle which will help them to cut carbon emissions further in the future.
The contract with Cottsway Housing Association is just one of a number of recent contracts valued at almost £4million to design and install solar panels for local authorities and housing associations across the UK.
Kier’s energy solutions specialists, who are carrying out the work, will also be offering advice and guidance to help local authorities and social housing tenants become more energy efficient.
The company works with a wide range of clients, dealing with all aspects of sustainability to devise and deliver creative ways to address the carbon and energy agenda. Its team of specialists handle everything from conducting energy assessments to the design, installation and ongoing maintenance of the technological interventions to produce more ethical and effective energy in the UK.