UK’s first ‘AA’ rated domestic property features PV-T modules

Five apartments located in the North Kent coastal town of Whitstable have become the UK’s first domestic properties to achieve a Standard Assessment Procedure rating of ‘AA’.

The milestone was achieved through the use of solar PV-T modules that are capable of providing the building’s entire energy requirements in Summer and a reasonable amount of heat in the Winter.

Specialist thin joint block constructor, Masonry Frame Systems completed the development using Newform Energy’s PV-T modules – the first MCS accredited PV-T modules available in the UK.

The array of PV-T modules has allowed the development to achieve an EPC rating of ‘A’ for both energy efficiency and carbon emissions. In addition, the property was built to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes – embracing the principles of PassivHaus to achieve a 0.93 level of air-tightness, the lowest Masonry Frame Systems has ever achieved.

The builder estimates that the property’s 97% energy efficiency level will mean that the average energy bill will run at just £175 a year.

Commenting on his collaboration with Newform Energy, joint managing director of Masonry Frame Systems, Norman Hinckes, said: “In both the quality of its product and the level of its knowledge and support, Newform Energy has proved to be a perfect partner with whom we are now looking forward to working together on many of our future developments.”