Glenuig Ground Source Heat Pump Case Study
Technology Installed:
Ground source heat pump with integrated thermal solar panels.
IDM Energie Heat Pump, Terra type 26s and Tisun FM-S solar panels
Generating Capacity (kW):
26.6 kW, 400v, 3 phase heat pump
10 kW solar panels
Property Type and Size
Large detached house (circa 300 sq m) built from SIPs (structural insulated panels) with harled block outer skin.
Installation Date:
2008/2009
What is it replacing?
New build
Who installed it?
Designed by Invisible Heating Systems, Ullapool (firm in liquidation)
Installed by Corries (firm in liquidation)
Ground works by MacGillivray Ritchie Ltd., Acharacle
Installation Cost
Materials (heat pump, heat store, solar panels, circulating pumps, under-floor heating pipes, ground-loop pipes, control systems, thermostats and so on – BUT not installation as this was part of the new build. £18,000
Grant/Funding Received/Will Receive (FiTs /RHI etc.):
£4,000 grant from Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative.
Any issues encountered?
The control system is complex and not easy to operate.
Room thermostats are naff
Thermal solar panels are excellent
This model heat pump is not an efficient way of heating domestic hot water
Time from planning to installation?
Several years
General Advice for those interested:
Get expert advice
And
Talk to owners who have a system installed
Would you recommend the technology?
Thermal solar panels a definite yes
Ground source heat pump – possibly yes