Redruth’s Miners Court, an Extra Care scheme, is set to receive a significant boost thanks to a government grant of £468,863 from the Shared Prosperity Fund. Coastline Housing, the organization overseeing the project, plans to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the building, which will cover an area of 1960 square meters.
The installation of these panels is expected to bring a reduction in energy bills for residents of Miners Court. “Residents at Miners Court have a range of support needs so often use a higher than normal amount of electricity, heating and hot water to meet their medical and equipment needs. Introducing this PV system to reduce their energy costs will help hugely in reducing the financial pressure on them during the ongoing cost of living and energy crisis,” explains project overseer Ben Nevitte.
Miners Court, which comprises 64 self-contained flats, also offers communal and community facilities. It is estimated that the installation of PV panels will result in an annual electricity bill savings of £162 for each flat, along with an export income of £148. Additionally, residents will benefit from a further saving of £35 per year due to reduced energy costs in running the communal facilities. This means a total benefit of £22,126 per year across the scheme.
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this funding and be moving forwards with this project as it is going to make such a difference to all the residents. This project also coincides with a planned roof replacement for the Miners Court building so that means we’ve been able to fully integrate the panels within the roof structure rather than installing them on top of an existing roof. This has saved additional cost and been more efficient and effective all round,” says Nevitte.
The installation of PV panels is expected to offset 41 tonnes of C02 each year across the site and increase the energy ratings of the flats inside. The project, undertaken by SunGift Solar and Coastline Housing’s own roofers, is set to be completed in March 2025. This project has also had a positive impact on the local economy and job market, with additional roofers being trained and upskilled to become competent PV installers for future projects across the landlord’s stock of over 5,500 homes in Cornwall.
Hayleigh Harris, Extra Care Manager at Miners Court, is excited about the project. “Miners Court is a real hub of the community in Redruth and we love welcoming people in to attend our Day Centre and use facilities such as our on-site restaurant, assisted bathroom and hairdressers. This project is something really special for the building. Residents and visitors have all been following progress with interest and are really pleased to hear about the cost savings and energy efficiency it will bring,” she says.
Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Economy, Louis Gardner, also expressed his support for the project. “This is a fantastic example of how our Good Growth funding is making a real difference to vulnerable residents, as well as benefitting the environment and local tradespeople who have been able to gain new skills,” he says.
The project is being distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/, and is expected to have a positive impact on the community, the environment, and the economy.
