Solar power
We are working to cover council-owned roofs with solar panels.
Solar panels will help reduce energy bills, lower carbon emissions and contribute to the decarbonisation of the energy grid.
Residential solar power pilot project
We’ve started a residential solar power pilot project, in partnership with Emergent Energy.
The project aims to install solar panels on council-owned residential estates, so that homes can:
- produce clean power
- lower their electricity bills
These solar panels will be able to generate 1 megawatt (MW) of electricity. This energy will then be used by the buildings that generated it.
This project will help us achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Find out more about our commitment to a greener Hackney.
How the solar panels work in the project
Once the panels have been installed on the roof:
- they make electricity when the sun shines
- cables carry this power straight to the homes that sign up
- any spare power tops up communal (landlord) meters or is sold to the national grid
Project updates
Since the beginning of the project:
- solar panels are now working on 27 blocks across Frampton Park, Whiston and Wren’s Park estates
- residents who live in these blocks can now sign up to use cheaper solar power
Why we chose these estates for the project
The blocks in Frampton Park, Whiston and Wren’s Park estates were the best options for this project because:
- their roofs point the right way for sunshine and are strong enough for panels
- the blocks had the right cabling to link into our new “microgrids”, which helps to keep costs down
- together they give us a mix of heights and ages of buildings, so we can test what works best before we install solar panels on more estates
Benefits of the project
This project uses an innovative model of microgrid that was developed in Hackney. Once we’ve tested that it’s cost-effective, it has the potential to be scaled up in the borough and across the country.
In the past, solar panels on blocks of council flats in the UK could only supply communal lighting.
The microgrid makes it possible for on-site generated solar energy to be supplied directly to individual flats. This means that residents can start using solar power without rewiring their homes
The project can also help save residents money on their electricity. If you choose to sign up, you:
- pay up to 15 % less than a normal electricity tariff
- only pay for what you use
Using solar power is good for Hackney and the planet. This is because the panels:
- can make 1 megawatt of clean power
- cut roughly 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, which is the same as taking nearly 100 cars off the road
- help us reach our target of becoming a net-zero borough by 2040
How to take part in the project
If you live in one of the solar blocks, visit Solar4Flats.com or scan the QR codes on the posters in your lobby. From Solar4Flats.com you can:
- register your interest
- read guides that explain prices, smart meters and the support available
- find contact details to ask the team questions
Our team will also send letters, hold drop-ins and knock on doors in the area to make joining easy.
Keep up to date
Check this page regularly for news and updates.
If you have any questions, email lightandpower@hackney.gov.uk and we’ll get back to you. Together, we’re making clean, cheap energy for everyone in Hackney.
Solar power from public buildings
We’re working on installing solar panels on all council-owned buildings that can hold them and have high daytime electrical usage. This is part of our goal to increase the solar generation capacity in Hackney, while contributing to our net-zero carbon reduction targets.
As part of our Tier 1 Capital project, Hackney Light and Power have completed projects on:
- Lea View Community Hall
- Haggerston Depot
- Kingshold Community Centre
- West Reservoir Centre
- Hackney Lido
- Hackney Marshes Centre
- Queensbridge Leisure Centre
- Concorde Centre
- Webb Estate Community Hall
- Wrens Park Community Centre
- Hackney Public Mortuary