The installation of solar panels on selected Peabody blocks and houses is set to begin this summer. The programme will cost around £23m, funded by energy suppliers through the government’s clean energy cash back system, which offers incentives for energy producers to make use of renewable resources.
The programme is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint left by Peabody’s housing stock. A typical single-home system can save around one tonne of CO2 per year, with savings across all of the adapted buildings expected to total around 3,000 tonnes per year.
Financial benefits will vary between different types of dwelling, with panels on some homes contributing directly to the household’s electricity supply, reducing energy bills by up to £150 per year. On some blocks, all of the electricity generated by the panels will be sold to energy companies and the revenue invested in estate improvements.
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Solar panels fitted to
buildings on Peabody's
Whitecross Street estate
in Islington. |
A number of factors will affect the selection of suitable properties. Solar panels are most effective on buildings that have south, south-east or south-west facing roofs that aren’t overshadowed by trees or buildings. Structural suitability and planning permission will also have a bearing on the choice of locations.
Installing solar panels involves a minimum of disruption. Fitting the panels to houses is likely to take around three days, with the majority of the work taking place outside. In blocks, the work will take place only in communal areas. The installation programme will be rolled out across Peabody’s rented or mixed tenure properties over a period of up to two years.
Peabody is planning a series of consultation activities over the coming months to keep residents informed about the programme and gather their views. In the meantime, if you’d like further information about solar electricity, you can contact Peabody’s Sustainability team at sustainability.info@peabody.org.uk.
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