Hackney council flats to benefit from solar microgrid system

Hackney Council is set to introduce a new initiative to provide council estate residents with discounted energy through rooftop solar panels. The scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, aims to lower electricity bills by around 15% compared to market rates, while offering cleaner energy directly to tenants and leaseholders.

Starting in January 2025, the programme will see solar panels installed on 28 blocks across three council estates, initially providing around 800 households with access to discounted renewable energy. Approximately 4,000 solar panels will be installed, collectively generating one megawatt of electricity—equivalent to about 20% of the energy needs of the participating blocks.

Developed by Hackney-based Emergent Energy in collaboration with the council’s energy arm, Hackney Light and Power, the project will use an innovative microgrid system. This allows electricity generated by solar panels to be supplied directly to individual flats, a departure from the traditional model where such energy could only power communal areas or feed back into the national grid.

The scheme has received support from Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, under its Regulatory Sandbox programme. This has enabled Emergent Energy to trial new rules and improve the experience of microgrid users. The Greater London Authority has also supported the initiative, which is funded by a £2 million investment from Hackney Council, to be repaid through electricity sales.

Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, says:

“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. That’s why we’re so excited to launch a new pioneering scheme that offers greener energy and lower bills for council tenants in the borough. Residents in 800 properties will have solar panels installed on their roofs, with the potential of lowering energy bills by up to 15% for residents, creating a greener, fairer Hackney.”

Image credit: Hackney.gov.uk