Solopower: solar + storage solution for UK social housing

Solopower can be part of a retrofit project to existing homes or installed to new housing stock.

By operating the solar PV and battery assets remotely through our FlexiGridTM software, we can capture and store the free generation of solar energy for use by the resident, or import power from the grid at the cheapest times through a Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff. By doing so, we are actively optimising tenants’ energy costs and reducing their bills by up to £200 p/a, and therefore helping alleviate rates of fuel poverty.

Tenants save money in two ways. Firstly, the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between you and the tenant is offered at a discounted rate to standard electricity tariffs.

Solopower can decarbonise each home’s electricity supply by up to 70% through generating, storing and consuming the clean renewable energy from the solar panels installed on the property. This significantly reduces the need to use electricity supplied by the grid which has been generated primarily using fossil fuels. When appropriate, our pioneering FlexiGrid platform can optimise grid supply by purchasing and storing electricity within the battery during times of lower carbon intensity.

EPC improvements could be as high as two levels of classification, although this depends on the current SAP score of each property. A typical installation of PV & battery would see an increase of c.20 points on the SAP score using the new SAP10.1.

Solopower is intended as a housing solution. However, we do have other options that can work in flats/apartments and we would be happy to discuss this with you. It is important to know that whatever property you choose, it will need roof space to fit between 3-4kw of solar PV to be installed, without entering a neighbouring property.

As part of the Solopower solution, SMS will manage all operational responsibilities. For example, we monitor and optimise battery operation to maximise self-consumption of solar energy, reducing import of energy from the grid. We anticipate minimal disruption throughout the project lifespan, but in the unlikely event of unexpected component failure, we will promptly repair or replace where necessary.

Of course, we recognise this challenge, and we will help you with an appropriate billing solution. However, if a tenant’s energy bills are lower, they’re more likely to be able to pay their rent. Remember, with the improved standard of living you are offering your tenants by investing in Solopower, you are actively reducing their electricity costs which means there is true value in being your tenant.

Get in touch with our team via email at solopower@sms-plc.com