Mike Teague was one of the first residents in Leicester to install solar panels on his home - and he did it himself!
Mike and his wife Mel Read, Labour MEP for the East Midlands, were amongst the first to join Environ's Solar Club six years ago. They were able to get free training, expert advice and discounts on equipment through this club. After a short course, Mike was able to install solar panels on his south-facing roof and do all the pipe work himself in less than a day. A visual display in their kitchen shows just how much the sun's rays have helped to heat their water.
"The money we have saved on heating bills should have covered the cost of installing the system by now," said Mike. "In the summer, the water temperature can reach up to 84 degrees, and even on winter days the incoming water is warmer."
Mike and Mel have also taken steps to make their 1920s detached house in Ashfield Road more energy efficient. They have laid extensive insulation in the loft and installed double-glazed windows throughout. The patio doors are made of Pilkington K glass, which has a special coating that reflects heat back into the room. Their electricity bills are also reduced by low-energy lighting.
The couple added an extension to their home four years ago. They opted for timber-framed windows and a wooden porch, rather than PVC which is manufactured using many toxic chemicals. Their porch also provides a draught lobby entrance, which helps to prevent heat escaping from the house. "The wooden porch and windows were more expensive, but I think it is worth investing a bit more to make your home environmentally friendly," added Mike.
Mike and Mel also make sure they do not waste a drop of rainwater by having eight different water butts. All of the rain that falls on the roof of their house, their greenhouses and even their shed at the bottom of the garden is collected for watering their beautiful gardens. The rear garden also contains lots of greenery, two ponds, bird boxes and two beehives to make it a wonderful wildlife habitat.
To find out more about this house's environmental features call Lisa Smith on 0116 222 0254 or email lsmith@environ.org.uk.
Outstanding environmental features:
Solar thermal system and a rainwater harvesting system.
Other green features:
Designated recycling area, on-site composting, extensive insulation, low-energy lighting, double glazing throughout, draught lobby entrance, PVC alternatives, natural floor coverings, recycled materials in building fabric, grounds managed to provide habitat and wildlife breeding aids.
* Environ's Solar Club is not running at the moment, because a new government grant called Clear Skies is making it cheaper to use an approved installer than do it yourself. Residents can obtain grants of £500 towards the cost of having solar panels installed. To find out more visit www.clear-skies.org.