Energy and technology group Octopus Energy has completed work on its first ever community solar energy installation in Walthamstow, East London.
Project ‘Power Station’ aims to install solar panels on as many houses as possible in one street to create its own local green power station. The move will allow residents to generate clean electricity that benefits them and their local community, reduce bills by a third and lower their carbon footprint by 70%.
Octopus Energy Group chief product officer Rebecca Dibb-Simkin said the project is a “powerful example of the tremendous impact people can have in accelerating the green energy revolution.”
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The project was started by Walthamstow-based artists Hilary Powell and Daniel Edelstyn who crowdfunded £113,000 by sleeping on their rooftop. They have used these funds to offer Lynmouth Road residents the subsidised solar installations via Octopus Energy.
Octopus completed the installation of solar panels on 13 houses that joined the project in just one week, with the potential to expand to 30 homes in total.
Solar power is also reaching for outer space, as energy security secretary Grant Shapps announced a £4.3 million government funding to develop cutting-edge space-based solar power technology at London Tech Week.
This technology – which is in the early stages of development – could boost the UK’s energy security, reduce the need for fossil fuels and drive down household bills by providing solar power all year round.
