Gleeson Homes
Norfolk Park, SheffieldThe Beeches, Norfolk Park is another example of how solar photovoltaics (PV) help homes sell for more money than those without.
Gleeson Homes C21e solar electric roof tile installation
The Gleeson Homes development, consisting of 75 three and four-bed homes, is situated in the regeneration area between Sheffield and the Peak District National Park. Gleeson chose to offer homebuyers the choice of 'reduced electricity bills for life' by incorporating Solarcentury's award winning C21e solar electric roof tiles on two homes within the development.
These two 'low carbon' homes 'future proof' homebuyers against rises in energy prices by generating 800 kilowatt hours (kWh) or units of electricity every year.
The C21e solar tiles integrate into the buildings' fabric by replacing standard concrete tiles, sitting flush with the rest of the roof. The solar tiles use a dark SunPower PV laminate, blending in superbly with the grey concrete tiles without compromising the buildings' design.
Gleeson Homes were surprised at the level of enquiries the inclusion of the solar tiles generated. Tom Whatling, Divisional Environmental Manager of Gleeson Homes, said:
"C21e solar tiles generated significant interest and helped the homes sell faster and at a significant premium" proving that consumers are prepared to pay for homes with lower energy bills.
Close up of the C21e tiles installed on Gleeson Homes 'The Beeches', Norfolk Park
He went on to clarify how important it is for house builders to deliver more environmentally friendly homes and how this had been achieved in Norfolk Park in a cost-neutral way:
"We recognise that house builders have an obligation to provide sustainable homes and are very pleased with Solarcentury's C21e tile. The installation was very straightforward and did not affect the build programme in any way. Furthermore, the provision of a renewable energy option on some of the dwellings allowed the homes with photovoltaics installed, to be sold at a premium, thereby offsetting the additional cost involved."
Gleeson Homes analysed homebuyers' interest in the C21e homes against an otherwise identical, conventional townhouse as part of this pilot project. The three-bed townhouses with C21e solar tiles sold at a premium of 8.6%.
The results demonstrate that there is significant demand from homebuyers for homes with lower energy bills. C21e tiles are a simple, cost effective way for house builders to meet this demand. As it becomes mandatory for home owners to publicise their homes' energy consumption as part of the Government's new 'Home Information Pack', the demand for houses with lower energy bills is sure to rise.
Gleeson Homes are among an increasing number of developers now installing this innovative technology into domestic residences in the UK. St James, Barratt and other prestige developers are also installing C21e tiles to meet this demand.
| Date commissioned | 29/06/2006 |
| Technology |
Solar PV |
| Installation Type |
Pitched roof |
| System size (kWp) | 1.00 |
| Forecast electricity generation / year (kWh) | 830.00 |
| Panel area (m2) | 7.80 |
| Building integrated |
Yes |
| Forecast CO2 saving / year (kg) | 471.44 |
| Type of project |
Commercial |
