Solarplicity, an industry pioneer within
the renewable energy space, has launched a major initiative for social landlords
and their tenants to benefit from ‘simply lower energy bills’ using 100%
renewable energy.The initiative sees Solarplicity partnering with social housing providers
to create a Community Energy Scheme, providing significant and long-term
guaranteed discounts to their tenant’s energy bills. Participants in the
community energy scheme receive free LED light bulbs, a smart meter and have
solar PV installed (where the property is suitable). Tenants of properties where
the installation of solar pv systems is not technically viable will still
benefit from the scheme.T
Having secured European funding post Brexit decision from Maas Capital, a subsidiary of ABN AMRO Bank, Solarplicity is now the only energy provider in England and Wales that can offer these benefits to both solar and non-solar
tenants within social housing. The scheme is expected to reach 50,000 households
in the next twelve months and 800,000 homes within five years, at which stage
these tenants are forecast to save up to £200 million a year through the
scheme.
Individual tenants are forecast to save £240.00 a year on average* on their
energy bills. Pricing is clear and simple, with no standing charges and only one
rate for 100% renewable energy, irrespective of the payment method used -
whether direct debit, or pay-as-you-go.
The initiative is the result of a detailed procurement process between
Solarplicity and Alliance Homes, a social housing provider active in procurement
activities for the social sector. The framework agreement enables more than 40
social landlords and 500,000 households to participate. Landlords share in the
profits of the scheme, which facilitates the efficient implementation of solar,
reducing the time and cost of rollout.
“This ground-breaking scheme is set to transform the lives of hundreds of
thousands of UK households that currently suffer from fuel poverty. At the same
time, it is a major opportunity for landlords to achieve their efficiency
targets and provide a point of difference for tenants. It is truly game changing
for solar,” said David Elbourne, CEO, Solarplicity.
Pieter Smit from Maas Capital added: “Partnering with Solarplicity to
deliver initial funding for this exciting project enables us to continue to fund
into the UK Renewable market. We are looking forward to being involved in such a
ground-breaking move to accelerate the transition of the energy landscape in the
UK.”
“We are continually looking to futureproof our housing stock and provide
exceptional service for our landlords. This initiative will provide both those
things. We are enormously excited by the proposal for clear, lower energy bills
with long-term discounts funded through the deployment of renewable energy” said
Steve Drew, Managing Director, Alliance Homes.
|
Benefits for tenants |
Benefits for landlords |
|
•£240 average* annual
savings •One single rate, no
standing charge •The same price
irrespective of payment method •100% renewable
energy •Benefits for solar and
non-solar participants •Free LED light
bulbs •Free smart
meters |
•Improved SAP energy
efficiency ratings •Achieving fuel poverty
targets •Guaranteed saving for
tenants •Lower CO2
emissions •Participating in the
profits of the scheme •Outward investment in
housing stock
|
This announcement builds on the success of Solarplicity’s existing solar
rooftop rollout in the social housing sector, where it has already installed
solar pv systems on more than 30,000 social housing properties.
As a licensed energy provider, Solarplicity can supply cheap, renewable
energy directly to any home across the UK with or without installing solar
panels. For more details see www.solarplicity.com.
