When Brendan McVeigh set out to build his family home in Co Tyrone, energy efficiency was top of the list. His vision took an exciting turn at the Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Ulster
show last September, when he unexpectedly won the Future Renewables and Calor competition.
The prize, worth over £10,000, included a Duracell Energy solar PV system with battery storage from Future Renewables, alongside a Bosch boiler and Calor gas tank.
Installed during the build, it will deliver comfort, flexibility, and long-term savings. “I was genuinely shocked to win,” Brendan recalls. “At the time, we’d only just put in the foundations, so it was a very pleasant surprise.”
Left to right: Neil Elliott of Future Renewables, competition winner Brendan McVeigh and Philip Hewitt of Calor Ireland
Design decisions
The new house sits on the footprint of the family’s original farmhouse, close to the historic Parkanaur Estate. Keen to retain some of the character, Brendan reused much of the stone and slate from the old property.
“We wanted to replicate what was there, only this time create the most energy-efficient home we could,” he explains.
A unique aspect of the project was the involvement of Brendan’s daughter, an architecture student who has been hands-on from the outset.
Working alongside the lead architect, she influenced key design decisions and gained invaluable experience. “She was keen to reuse as many original materials as possible and even managed tradesmen and the stonemason. It’s been a success for her,” says Brendan proudly.
For Brendan, one of the most rewarding aspects has been watching steady progress week by week, thanks to a builder who managed the day-to-day running of the site.
The biggest challenge? “Definitely the finances and getting to grips with the technology. There has been so much change, you do as much research as you can.”
Solar and gas
The solar installation, however, proved straightforward. Panels were mounted on an existing shed, with compact storage for the batteries and inverters. “It was a very simple, neat install, I can see how it could work for so many homes,” Brendan notes.
The combination of solar and gas has also been a success and complement each other perfectly. The solar panels will generate around 4,500kWh per year, which, combined with smart battery storage, will cover about three quarters of the family’s electricity usage.
“The Calor Gas gives us reliable heating and quick response times, while solar significantly cuts cost and provides renewable energy. To have that in a rural home is something to look forward to.”
Reflecting on the process, Brendan offers advice: “I’d say to anyone considering renewables or mixed energy, don’t be afraid. The technology is proven, and it should be the standard for future homes.”
“We would have traditionally used oil and a log stove, but now we have a highly insulated and efficient home. We’ve picked the right technologies, and I’m feeling positive going forward.”
System components
Duracell Energy Dura-I inverter 3.6K
Duracell Energy Dura5: 5.12kWh battery
12 x Trina 435W solar panels
Duracell Energy monitoring app
Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 35kW combi boiler
