8 Ancaster road is a small semi-detached house built in 1907,in a short cul de sac at Herston on the outskirts of Swanage.
Home initiatives so far:
- 2006 water solar panel - now permanently disconnected after various issues, some caused by very hard Swanage water.
- Water meter fitted
- 2015 Electric solar panels in FIT scheme (6 panels - west facing)
- Redirected all rainwater to one single point.
- 2021 Electric solar panels with battery fitted (7 panels - east facing)
- Switched from Scottish & Southern (Ovo) to Octopus
- Installed 900L capacity water storage, now used to flush downstairs toilet, and tap at butler’s sink in garage
- Multiple insulation in initiatives, including making new ceiling hatch to insulate new attic areas in an old house
- 2024 some window panels replaced with tinted glass to reduce indoor temperatures in summer, and all seals replaced
- 2025 second battery fitted for solar panels - almost off-grid since Easter, except when the shower is used
- The system allows for the batteries to be charged in winter at night, taking advantage of low off-peak rates to run the house the rest of the day.