Alan South, Solarcentury CIO to examine how PV works for the UK’s leading housing developers
Time: Thursday 5th March, 15 mins between 10.30-12
Location: Solar City Seminar Area
Seminar name: Residential PV: The business case for large-scale roll-out
The cost of solar PV has halved over the last three years as technology efficiencies improve, and costs look set to fall even further. At the same time, fossil energy bills remain high, helping to make solar an attractive investment proposition for housing developers and their customers.
As Alan will explain, some things are working well for housing developers which makes choosing solar a sensible decision. Costs will continue to fall. Networks of trusted, experienced installers mean that cowboy builders are a thing of the past. And with more developers re-thinking the fabric first approach, greater consideration is being given to incorporating renewable technologies like solar.
However there are also some very specific challenges that are beyond the control of housing developers. These barriers are holding back the rollout of solar for the UK’s housing stock and stopping homeowners and tenants benefiting from cheaper energy bills.
For example, there is a disconnect between lenders and the consideration given to the overall energy performance of homes with solar. Yet, from day one, solar panels have the potential to decrease energy bills, which is good news for prospective buyers and it needs to be factored into valuations.
A further issue is that house builders have forgotten about the benefits of building-integrated PV (BIPV) so are instead installing on-roof solar on top of a brand new roof. Yet BIPV can reduce energy bills and be an aesthetically pleasing solar option. Who wouldn’t want a good looking roof?!
