Unlocking solar PV for flats
SolShare, developed by Allume, is an innovative technology that enables multiple flats to a single solar PV system This system is particularly beneficial for social housing, as it allows o a single solar PV system.residents to access clean, affordable energy without the need for individual solar setups for each unit.
A notable implementation of SolShare occurred at Odet Court in Cardiff, Wales, where 24 flats were connected to a single rooftop solar PV system. This setup is expected to meet 55% to 75% of each flat’s electricity demand, potentially saving residents between £390 and £530 annually on their energy bills.
SolShare’s dynamic sharing capability ensures that solar energy is distributed based on each unit’s consumption patterns, optimiszing efficiency and maximizing benefits for residents. The system is suitable for both retrofitting existing buildings and integrating into new constructions, as it doesn’t require alterations to existing supply and metering infrastructures.
Additionally, SolShare has been recognized under the UK’s ECO4 funding initiative as an ‘Innovation Measure of substantial uplift’, enabling 100% funding for projects that incorporate this technology.
In summary, SolShare offers a practical and efficient solution for integrating solar energy into social housing, providing residents with access to renewable energy and contributing to efforts to reduce fuel poverty.
Social Housing
ECO4 social housing provisions:
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation phase 4) is a government scheme in the UK that runs from 2022 to 2026. For social housing, it provides funding for energy efficiency improvements under specific conditions:
The property must have:
An EPC rating of D, E, F or G
A need for significant energy efficiency improvements
The types of improvements that can be funded include:
Insulation (wall, loft, floor)
Heating system upgrades
Renewable energy technologies
Social housing providers can work with Alternate Energy UK to access this funding, typically through Major Utility Companies. The aim is to upgrade properties to at least an EPC C rating

Social Housing Project for Glasgow

Alternate Energy UK Ltd has successfully implemented its first SolShare project in a block of 30 flats on Crow Road, Glasgow, in collaboration with a large social housing provider. This initiative allows multiple flats to connect to share solar energy from a single rooftop installation, providing residents with access to renewable energy and reducing their electricity costs.
Building on this success, Alternate Energy UK Ltd has identified additional blocks that are eligible for full funding to install High Heat Retention Storage Heaters and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems. These upgrades are designed to enhance energy efficiency and offer significant savings on heating costs and fuel bills for tenants.
High Heat Retention Storage Heaters are advanced electric heaters that store heat during off-peak hours and release it throughout the day, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced heating expenses. When combined with Solar PV systems, which generate electricity from sunlight, tenants can benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Many Social Housing providers are committed to sustainability and have invested in initiatives aimed at becoming carbon neutral and eliminating fuel poverty.
For more information on these energy efficiency measures and potential funding opportunities, you can visit Alternate Energy UK Ltd’s website.
alternateenergy.org.uk
By implementing these technologies, social housing providers can significantly improve the energy efficiency of their properties, leading to cost savings for tenants and contributing to broader environmental goals.