Annual savings of £220+ for 7 homes in Preston Park [POP x BHESCo]
7 homes (with 14 more in the pipeline) of 3 and 4-bedroom terraced houses joined the Preston Park Community Energy Programme (as seen on Sussex Express) in a first-of-its-kind initiative where the solar system is no or low cost upfront - households just pay for the electricity they use.
The Challenge
Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-Operative (BHESCo) have been pursuing a more accessible route toward domestic solar, pioneering this approach where POP installed the infrastructure, BHESCo own and maintain it, and the households pay no or low upfront cost to simply pay for the solar electricity generated.
The Approach
By working on multiple homes concurrently, POP were able to apply specific local knowledge and context at pace; creating replicable systems that could then be tailored to a household's exact technical and usage requirements.
On average, each household went from initial survey to operational system in just two weeks. Homes had systems with as few as 6 and as many as 16 panels, with an average of 8 to 9 panel systems, with an average 4.41kW capacity. Systems cost £8,900 to £16,200; with an average coming in at £11 - 12,000. Each was a bespoke design for the home’s location, including optimisers to maximise the energy generated when needed.
The Results
Each home is estimated to generate an average of 3,770kWh annually, which will generate an estimated 0.8 tons of carbon annually and savings of £220 each year (an average of £5,500 over the 25 year project period).
In Summary
11 homes. 5 weeks. Savings for 25+ years. With savings already flowing and more homes joining the pipeline, this is what people-owned power looks like when a community is willing to move together. Preston Park is just the beginning - this could happen on your street too.
Take the first step toward taking power into your own hands with an estimate for a renewables system on your home. Or, lead the way for your neighbours - join our Street Power Champions programme.