The Renewable Energy Project
Two years ago we started seeking funding for a renewable energy project. On 13th October 2007 we held an open day as a celebration of the completion of that project, which cost approximately £85,000. We were given a grant of £35,600 by the EDF Energy Green Fund and another of £6,500 from the Government’s Low Carbon Building Fund. The balance was made up by a 25-year private loan. EDF Energy has awarded £3 million to nearly 170 renewable energy projects.
We have installed a wind turbine, solar panels and a log boiler. The wind turbine will provide approximately a third of the electricity for the main house. The solar panels are providing hot water and the log boiler will provide hot water and power central heating which has been installed in the main house. A building has been constructed for the boiler and hot water storage tank. The new installations replace an oil-fueled heating system and inefficient wood burners and will mean a major reduction in our carbon emissions.
The Wind Turbine
The 12m free-standing Iskra AT5-1 wind turbine was installed by Segen and Plug into the Sun at a cost of £23,500.
The Solar Panels
Four passive solar panels were supplied by Eco Exmoor at a cost of £11,800.
The Log Boiler
The 60kw Vigas log boiler from Dunster Wood Fuels was installed by Eco Exmoor at a cost of £16,500.
The Central Heating was installed by D.W. Plumbing and Heating Engineers (01392 681507)
Also at Beech Hill are
A Community Compost Scheme
This site can be used by householders in the village. Woody waste is chipped and this makes excellent mulch, which is offered free of charge. Soft waste is composted, and bags of compost will be for sale. The scheme, one of a number in the county, is funded by the local authority.
A Reed Bed Sewage System
Reeds in three beds "digest" the liquid which finally runs into our pond. The solid waste is separated off at the outset, removed from the site each year and turned into pellets for use on the land. Our system was completed by Chris Weedon of Watercourse Systems Ltd
Compost Toilets
We have four compost loo chambers. The waste is allowed to settle and can eventually be used on flower beds and under fruit trees as manure.
A Waste Recycling Project
We recycle as much waste as possible and have a purpose-built shed for this which was constructed during an IVS work camp which we hosted here at Beech Hill
We are in the process of updating our website to include more information about our renewable energy project and details of Renewable Energy Courses that we will be running in the New Year, so please visit again soon.
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