Hackney Leads the Way with Solar Energy Revolution To Reduce Bills
In a groundbreaking initiative, Hackney Council is launching the UK’s first rooftop solar panel scheme for council estate residents, promising both environmental benefits and financial savings.
This pioneering project will enable residents in council flats to purchase discounted energy directly from solar panels installed on their buildings, reducing electricity bills by approximately 15% compared to market rates.
The scheme, developed by Hackney-based Emergent Energy in collaboration with Hackney Light and Power, employs an innovative microgrid solution. Historically, solar panels on blocks of flats were limited to powering communal areas or supplying electricity back to the grid. This project changes that paradigm, delivering cleaner, greener energy directly to individual households.
Starting in January 2025, solar panels will be installed on 28 blocks across three Hackney Council estates, benefiting around 800 households initially. With approximately 4,000 solar panels generating one megawatt of electricity, the project will meet about 20% of the energy needs of these buildings.
Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, emphasized the importance of making climate action beneficial for local residents: “Hackney Council has a proud reputation as a leader in tackling climate change – but my priority has always been that local people here should be the first to benefit. This pioneering scheme offers greener energy and lower bills for council tenants in the borough, creating a greener, fairer Hackney.”
Reg Platt, Founder and CEO of Emergent Energy, highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative: “No one should miss out on the benefits of locally generated clean energy because of their income level or the type of home they live in. This project demonstrates how we can deliver these benefits without relying on government handouts, paving the way for millions of residents across the UK to access affordable, clean energy.”
Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, added: “This scheme saves money for Hackney residents and helps tackle the climate crisis. The Mayor and I are committed to building a greener and fairer London for everyone.”
The project was made possible with support from Ofgem’s Regulatory Sandbox scheme, which allowed Emergent Energy to trial new industry rules to enhance the consumer experience on microgrids.
Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director at Ofgem, celebrated the project’s impact: “This collaboration between Hackney Council and Emergent Energy showcases the potential of local energy models to deliver clean power and real consumer benefits, especially in the social housing sector.”
With over 5.4 million flats in the UK, including 2 million in social housing, scaling up this approach could result in 6.75GW of solar energy—equivalent to a £13.5 billion clean energy investment.
The initiative’s £2 million funding from Hackney Council will be repaid through electricity sales, demonstrating a self-sustaining model for renewable energy projects.
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