Renewable Energy provides free electricity at Rushmon Homes’ Aspirations

Free electricity might sound too good to be true, but it’s one of the benefits of buying at Rushmon Homes’ Aspirations development in Sutton, thanks to a photo voltaic system installed onto the flat roof of the building.

Rushmon Homes’ Sales and Marketing Director Alan Taylor says: “The solar panels will provide an estimated 100% of the energy for communal lighting and power, something that residents will certainly notice in the form of lower service charges.” There is a significant benefit for the environment too: an impressive 2000 kg a year reduction in CO2 output*.

Rushmon Homes is acting as something of a pioneer by specifying this new form of energy supply.  It is a 4.4 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system, manufactured by Sharp and designed and installed by Photon Energy, a renewable energy specialist based in Reading. Photon Energy Director Rolf Oldach comments: “Rushmon is taking a lead in introducing this technology to a new private housing development, and we hope that many other developers will follow their example.”

Photovoltaic systems are ideally suited to built-up environments such as residential areas, being silent in operation, fully automatic, and requiring very little maintenance. They are discreetly positioned too, as they consist of panels laying at a shallow angle on the roof rather like a skylight window. The electronic components and controls are all installed inside the building. The PV system at Aspirations will generate about 3500 kWh of electricity a year; considered enough for all the communal power requirements with perhaps even some to spare, which can be sold back to the National Grid, creating further cost savings.

It is just one of several ‘green’ features at this development of two bedroom apartments in Overton Road, South Sutton, launched in the spring and now more than 85% sold.  Other eco-aware aspects include water butts in the communal gardens; dual-flush toilets; energy efficient light bulbs and  energy rated kitchen appliances. In addition, like all Rushmon Homes’ developments, there are very high standards of insulation throughout.

In addition to all these environmental advantages, Aspirations is also simply a very desirable place in which to live.  Internally, the apartments all have well thought-out living spaces, with custom designed fitted kitchens; integrated and stainless steel appliances; bathrooms and en-suites in white and chrome; cherry-effect doors and underfloor heating. And anyone who wants to take eco-living further still could even manage without a car at Aspirations, as it is within about 10 minutes’ walk of Sutton’s station, shopping centre and restaurants.

The few remaining apartments at Aspirations, all with two bedrooms, are priced from £276,500; excellent value in an area that is regarded by some market experts as up-and-coming. There is even a mortgage subsidy scheme currently on offer that will contribute £400 a month for the first two years. For further information about Aspirations or any Rushmon Homes developments, visit www.rushmonhomes.co.uk or call 01932 586777.

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*Figure supplied by the Renewable Energy Association based on a calculated saving of 568 kg / kWh