Shared solar reaches flats at last
Fewer than 1% of the five million households in flats across England and Wales currently benefit from rooftop solar. FlatSave changes that by fitting one array and a communal battery to serve every flat in a block. Tenants see lower bills without any kit inside their homes and without switching supplier.
We have already noted E.ON Next’s rising interest in solar among households. This project extends the same logic to the social-rented sector that has so far been left out.
How residents get paid
The battery charges when power is cheapest and feeds the grid at peak times. In return, each flat receives a guaranteed annual payment on top of the solar savings. The system works behind the meter, so residents stay on their existing tariff and still pocket the flexibility income.
Ramona Vlasiu, Chief Operating Officer at E.ON Next, said: “People living in flats have missed out on the benefits of the energy transition for too long. FlatSave is changing that, combining Allume’s technology with E.ON Next’s scale and flexible energy solutions to help residents lower their bills without needing to switch supplier. That’s what making new energy work for everyone looks like.
“For residents like Lorraine, this isn’t about technology for technology’s sake, it means no longer having to choose between heating and cooking. We are looking to take solutions like this to scale, and my message to housing associations and councils is simple: come and talk to us.”
First site already live
The initial FlatSave installation is at Peabody’s Harper Court in Stevenage. More schemes are planned this year. Jack Taylor of Allume Energy added: "The housing providers we work closely with want practical ways to bring cleaner, cheaper power to their homes without disrupting their residents. Generating solar power, storing that energy in batteries and trading with the grid is one of the most practical and impactful ways we can drive down bills for good."
Housing associations or councils wanting to explore the project can email flatsave@eonenergy.com. We’ll keep an eye on rollout numbers and any wider availability for private renters.
