Helm Housing project powered by Airtricity Energy Services

Heating specialists Fusion Heating have worked with the enrgy supplier to develop the unique ‘green energy’ proposition for the social housing sector and it is hoped the Helm scheme in Newtownabbey will be the first of many to benefit.

The 12kw roof mounted solar panel will generate sufficient energy for use on the Drumcor Court site, saving an estimated £1,400 over a year.

Those savings will be used over a six year period to offset the cost of installing the panel and from then on the ownership and the financial benefit flowing from the Renewable Obligation Certificate will transfer to Helm. There is no upfront cost to Helm and the system will be maintained by SSE Airtricity and Fusion over the initial six years.

“Organisations such as Helm play a huge role in providing sustainable housing across Northern Ireland and the sources and costs of energy are important issues for them,” said Brian Connolly of SSE Airtricity.

Sharon Massey, Senior Technical Officer for Helm said; “We operate 5,800 units across Northern Ireland so energy use is a live issue for us. Harnessing natural energy and making that work for us and our tenants makes economic sense and helps us to maintain our commitment to the provision and management of sustainable housing.”

Fusion director Bill Cherry said the scheme would maximise efficiencies Helm could derive from solar power.

“We are entering a long term partnership with both SSE Airtricity and Helm and we will hopefully install and manage similar PV panels across other social housing projects.”