Park homes are a popular form of housing in the UK, particularly for retirees and those looking for a more affordable alternative to traditional housing. While these homes offer many advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges, including high energy bills and limited access to the grid.
Fortunately, ECO grant-funded solar power and fabric insulation can help address these issues, and can be installed either cheaply or even free of charge.
When installed in tandem, insulation and solar provide a range of benefits for park home residents.
The Benefits of Solar & Insulation
Lower Energy Bills
One of the most obvious benefits of installing solar panels on a park home is that it can significantly reduce energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you’ll be less reliant on the grid and won’t have to pay as much for energy. This can especially benefit those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources.
No More Need For LPG
LPG is the most common heating source for Park Homes. Alongside solar and insulation, ECO grant funding can be used to remove the LOG system and install high-heat retention storage heaters. These heaters generate and store heat during the hours when electricity is cheaper and release it during the day when you need to be kept warm.
They are exclusively electric and hence are fuelled largely by the energy generated from solar. What’s more, the insulation installed on your floor, lift and walls will stop heat from escaping, keep the heat in and keep your home warmer for longer, for less.
More Energy Independence
In addition to saving money, solar power can also provide park home residents with greater energy independence. Because solar panels generate electricity from the sun, you won’t have to worry about power outages or disruptions caused by storms. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll always have power (and potentially heating) no matter what.
Increased Property Value
Installing external wall insulation and solar panels on your park home can also increase its value. The external wall insulation will not only keep your home warm but will give your home a contemporary facelift, making your home look brand new and adding kerb appeal and value.
In addition, if you are looking to sell, potential buyers are increasingly looking for homes that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, and solar power can help make your property more attractive to these buyers.
Long-Term Savings
The long-term cost savings can be significant. Solar panels typically last for 25 years or and the energy they produce can offset any cost of installation. In fact, many park home residents who install solar panels are able to recoup their investment within a few years and enjoy significant savings over the lifetime of the panels.
We have explored the potential savings a Park Home resident owner will make from a switch to solar electric plus insulation energy makeover below:
Average use to heat, hot water and cooking in an insulated Park Home – Approx 10,000 kWh per annum:
Day use at 0.34p kWh – 2500 kWh
Approx annual cost of day use electricity – £850.00
Economy 7-night use at 0.11p KWh – 7500 kWh
Approx annual cost of day use – £825
Average usage rate over a year – 16.25p/kWh
KWh generated by 4kWh solar system – 5475 kWh
Electricity purchased from electricity supplier- 4525 kWh
Annual cost for a homeowner for all power – £735 Per year
Monthly cost for a homeowner for all power needs – £61.25 Per month
Typical costs for an uninsulated Park Home on Electric and LPG:
Day use at 0.34p kWh – 2500 kWh
Approx annual cost of day use electricity – £850.00
Economy 7-night use at 0.11p KWh – 1500 kWh
Approx annual cost of day use – £165.00
Total electric bill per year – £1,015.00
LPG usage – £80.00
Bottles used per year (average) – 24
Cost per year – £1,920.00
Total fuel bills per year – £2,935.00
Total fuel bills per month – £244.00
Potential Saving Per Month – £182.75 based on replacing LPG with Energy Upgrades
In conclusion, insulation, solar power and electric heating provide a wealth of benefits and savings for park home residents in the UK, from lower energy bills and increased energy independence to a reduced carbon footprint and increased property value.
If you’re considering installing park home insulation and solar panels on your park home, it’s important to do your research and work with a reputable installer to ensure that you get the most out of your investment and the maximum grant support available.
With the right approach, an energy makeover can be an excellent way to improve your quality of life, improve the quality of your home and reduce your impact on the environment.