A Net Zero Self-Build in Corfe Mullen
How Alan designed his dream home to achieve a net zero EPC rating — with a Mitsubishi Ecodan, solar PV and £7,500 towards the cost
Corfe Mullen, Dorset
Self-Build Detached House
EPC Rating: A (Net Zero)
Project Overview
Alan is a qualified plumber who was building his own home in Corfe Mullen. With a professional understanding of heating systems, he knew exactly what he wanted — a low-carbon, highly efficient setup that would keep running costs as low as possible, integrate solar PV from day one, and future-proof the home for years to come.
He also wanted to access the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant and needed a specialist team who could provide the right system design, manage the application, and oversee the installation alongside him.
We designed and supplied a complete low-carbon heating system built around a Mitsubishi Ecodan 11kW air source heat pump with a 250-litre hot water cylinder, integrated with solar PV and paired with both underfloor heating and radiators throughout the 263m² property.
The result speaks for itself. Alan’s home was assessed at EPC rating A, score 93, producing net zero CO₂, with no improvement recommendations made by the assessor.
Alan's Testimonial
“As a plumber myself, I had high standards for what I wanted from the heating system in my self-build. EcoFueled helped me get the specification right from the start, supported the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application, and the result is everything I wanted — a net zero home that runs exactly as designed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.” — Alan, Corfe Mullen
The Solution
Assessment
We worked with Alan from the outset of his self-build, carrying out a full heat loss assessment and reviewing his plans to ensure the system was specified correctly for the size and fabric of the building. With high-performance glazing, excellent wall, roof and floor insulation, and an air permeability test result of 3.5 m³/h.m², the building fabric was already exceptional — our job was to match it with an equally well-designed heating and renewables package.
System Design
Mitsubishi Ecodan 11kW air source heat pump with a 250-litre hot water cylinder, delivering heat through both underfloor heating and radiators, integrated with solar PV to create a fully self-sufficient, net zero home.
Underfloor heating and radiator system integrated
Underfloor heating and radiator system integrated
Smart meter installed and verified at assessment
Installation overseen and completed in line with self-build programme
Key Benefits Achieved
- Net zero carbon home achieved from day one
- EPC rating A — the highest possible, with no improvement recommendations
- Primary energy use of just 10 kWh/m² per year against a national average of 60+
- Solar PV and heat pump working together to minimise running costs
- £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant secured, reducing the upfront investment
Environmental Impact
Net Zero Carbon
Alan's home produces net zero CO₂ per year. The solar PV generates enough clean energy to offset the home's entire energy demand, verified by the SAP assessment
Zero Improvement Recommendations
The assessor found nothing to improve. Every element of the building fabric and heating system is rated good or very good
Planning a major renovation?
Alan's home shows what's possible when renewable technology is designed in from the start.
