Solar Max+: Comparison of Dimplex Quantum storage heaters only and options with PV and solar sharers or battery (CP782)

This project installed three different combinations of technologies to 65 all-electric sheltered accommodation flats in Grimsby, Lincolnshire:

1. Dimplex Quantum high heat-retention (HHR) storage heaters only (ground and mid-floor flats of 3-storey blocks where solar panel installation was not possible) – 28 flats
2. Dimplex storage heaters plus PV and solar sharer – 26 ground and 1st-floor maisonettes,
3. Dimplex plus PV and battery (top-floor flats of 2-storey maisonettes) – 12 flats.

The properties were owned by The Guinness Partnership (TGP), one of the largest providers of affordable housing and care in England; it owns and manages around 65,500 homes and provides services for over 135,000 people. The monitored properties were 1 or 2-bedroom low-rise flats which were all part of a single development, though occupant types varied somewhat.

The flats were relatively recently built so were constructed with cavity-insulated cavity walls, most top floor flats had loft insulation topped up, and all had wood-framed double-glazed windows.