Government proposals would force developers to instal arrays on the top of new build homes, but without a more effective resource measurement and investment, the idea will struggle.
Downing Street’s forthcoming Future Homes Standard sets out criteria that should be met when companies design new houses for Britain’s villages, towns and cities.
As per draft outlines, this will include a mandate guaranteeing all new residential properties are constructed with solar panels on their roofs. The idea is to maximise the space allocated for renewable energy generation in the UK, and create a new generation of energy neutral — or even positive — buildings.
However, according to electrical asset management specialist EA Technology, the proposals are unlikely to work with the current grid. In particular, improvements in how the network and supply is monitored and modelling for distribution are urgently needed.
‘Rooftop solar can play a vital role in decarbonising the UK’s energy system. However, we need to also ensure that our local last mile electricity networks, particularly low voltage infrastructure, can manage the volume and variability of solar generation that new homes could soon produce,’ said Ben Taylor, Net Zero Consultancy Team Lead at EA Technology. ‘If small groups of houses are built without upgrades to local infrastructure, there’s a real risk of voltage issues.
‘Electric vehicle charge points, for instance, are extremely sensitive to voltage. High levels of solar export could trigger a spiral effect where voltage keeps rising, causing devices to trip or fail altogether,’ he continued. ‘Part of the solution lies in active monitoring, forecasting and responsive grid management. Accurate in-depth visibility of what’s happening in real time on last mile distribution networks will help operators and enable them to take a proactive approach.
Emerging commercial models including smart local energy systems should be seriously considered to help run and maintain an effective decentralised energy grid. To achieve this, collaboration and forward planning are essential.
‘Modelling how energy will be used within different demographics, installing smart transformers that can adjust voltages dynamically, and putting the right upgrades in place before the pressure builds,’ added Taylor. ‘The issue of fairness must also be considered. As rooftop solar becomes more common in new housing developments, there is a risk that lower-income households, particularly those in flats or older properties, could be left behind.
‘People who can afford to buy new homes will benefit from lower energy bills. But if they’re also contributing less to the shared costs of maintaining the network, everyone else could end up paying more,’ he added. ‘Unfortunately, this means there’s a real possibility of deepening social divides in access to affordable clean energy.’
Image: Justin Lim / Unsplash
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