Project details

Axis’ M&E Division installed Solar PV panels at Mill View bungalows in Greenstead Green, Essex for residents of Eastlight Community Homes.

The works will improve the energy efficiency of the six homes: exporting power back to the grid will result in cheaper bills for residents.

Our follow-up monitoring of Solar PV performance through generation meters will optimise functionality for the future.

In addition, we installed a hybrid inverter in the loft and also heat detectors and smoke alarms inside the properties.

The hybrid inverter can store and export excess energy in batteries where installed , whilst having the ability to draw from the grid during outages for back up; and the Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrents (RCBOs) which we additionally installed protect against both earth leakage (residual current) and overloads as well as short circuits.

The addition of new smoke alarms and heat detectors, and supply of relevant certification, will ensure the safety of the residents.

Benefits

• Enhanced energy efficiency
• Reduced electricity bills
• Helps client achieve Net Zero targets
• Fire safety
• Protection from outages
• Upgrade Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Futureproofing stock
• Peace of mind

“Axis and Eastlight have been working together for over just over a year on various renewable technology works including Solar PV works at these homes. All works have been delivered smoothly and on time and to meet the expectations of tenants and Eastlight. Eastlight are focused on all our properties reaching EPC C by 2030. And Solar PV installations aid this on all our projects.

“Working with Axis has been a pleasure. This has enabled me to deliver the project successfully, on time with little intervention from myself. I thank Axis for that” – Phil Porter, Assistant Asset Manager (Sustainability), Eastlight Community Homes

Resident care

All the bungalows were fully occupied during our works, throughout which our regular consultations with our residents – some are elderly and vulnerable – kept them informed about the value and benefits of the programme, as well as our progress and any possible disruptions that may have arisen as we worked in and around their homes.

We achieved 100% excellent from the residents’ survey!

“I’m absolutely delighted by the installation. I think it’s an opportunity – particularly for people on lower incomes, retired people, people with disabilities – to make considerable savings on their electricity bills. And obviously it’s good for the planet in general.

“I think the communication has been absolutely excellent from start to finish. The on-site team have excelled themselves. They have had challenges where they have to deal with older residents which they’ve magnificently managed.

“It’s a first class job. I have no complaints at all. And I would like to thank Eastlight and Axis for installing the panels. They’ve done an excellent job, and keep up the good work” – Eastlight Community Homes resident

Client relationship

Via Procurement for Housing’s Asset Decarbonisation & Retrofit Solution DPS/ Lot 8 Retrofit Works, Axis’ M&E Division won a Renewables contract with Eastlight Community Homes with whom we are also contracted to conduct Domestic Gas and Oil Servicing and Maintenance.

Under the 2-year Renewables contract we will be decommissioning existing oil, gas and electric systems and installing new Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) systems. Since September 2023, we have completed a total of 6,114 services for Eastlight.

Recent projects include an Air Source Heat Pump installation at a residential property in Braintree, Essex. Read the full Case Study and see the video here