This project installed solar PV and batteries to 57 homes, and solar PV only to 4 homes, so a total 61 homes. The installations were made by GB-Sol, a Welsh based manufacturer and installer of supplied and fitted the PV systems. iOPT monitoring was used to comply with the environmental sensor requirements.
RHA Wales worked with GB-Sol to design the solar PV systems for each home
to give the greatest increase in SAP ratings possible, in order to give tenants as much free energy as possible to use.
Project learning
We had switched from a competitor’s monitoring system (which was hard wired) to iOPT (which is wireless and quicker to install). This option was positively received by the tenants as install times were quicker, and the system is much more discrete.
Project innovation
We continued to use Welsh made solar PV panels which are of high quality. We also used roof integrated systems at two properties which were having new roofs at the same time.
Challenges
Five tenants refused the installation, this was something we had not anticipated. We tried to encourage these tenants to have the works completed but they still refused.