Is The Future In Energy-Positive Homes?

With the cost of heating and powering a home seeming to go up and up, many of us will be looking for ways to cut our bills and improve our energy consumption. Aside from the financial incentives, there’s also the environmental benefit to consider.

Researchers at Swansea University have estimated that by constructing homes that are able to generate and store their own electricity, the average UK household could save £600 a year on energy bills.

Solar energy in particular was the source studied by the university, with this particular model used to create its energy-positive classroom. Known as the Active Classroom, it has generated more energy than it has consumed since it started operating six months ago.

This idea of energy-positive homes is being trialled on a development in Wales, where solar panels and shared battery storage will be part of a new development.

Kevin Bygate, chief executive at the university’s SPECIFIC Innovation & Knowledge Centre, said that the report demonstrates that “households and the country as a whole can benefit if we design our homes to be power stations”.

Last month, Ofgem announced that new rules will be introduced governing the generation of solar power and how households can sell it back to the National Grid.

Under the new plans, those who have solar panels or battery storage at their home are likely to benefit, and households around the UK could save a substantial amount on their energy bills thanks to these new regulations.

If you would like further information about renewable energy in Cumbria, contact us today.