The project will see the development of a purpose built show home in North Somerset demonstrating how renewable technologies work. The ecohouse will also feature tours and a space for seminars and workshops on renewable technologies and energy efficiency.
The Zero Carbon Hub ecohouse is being designed to generate more energy than it consumes each year. Electricity will be generated by roof mounted solar PV while heating will be supplied by a heat pump. The building will also showcase underfloor heating, energy storage, low energy lighting and other energy efficient technologies.
Stephen Barrett, director, said: “With the government encouraging the move towards zero-carbon homes there was a need for a regional centre with working examples of renewable energy systems. As well as providing a unique location to see and learn about green technologies, the project will also create local jobs and hopefully become a focal point for all things sustainable. ”
The grant, awarded by the West of England Growth Fund, which is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, will be matched by private funding to make the build possible.
Designs are currently being developed by local architects and construction specialists with the project due for completion by the end of the year. The Zero Carbon Hub will be the central feature in Solarsense’s zero-carbon Technology Park which currently includes displays of commercial and domestic solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, ground-mounted solar, pellet boilers, a ground-source heat pump and a solar carport for charging their fleet of electric vehicles.