Photovoltaics (PV) in social housing

摘要

A project funded under the ALTENER scheme is currently being carried out in five European countries, including the UK. The goal of the project is to gauge the current situation of photovoltaic power generation (PV) in social housing and to devise and implement strategies to enhance the adoption of PV. The contribution of Reading University to the project (in collaboration with IT Power) was a detailed survey of social housing schemes in the UK that have incorporated PV to generate mains electricity. The aim of the survey was to study why key players had adopted PV in social housing schemes. The majority of such sites in the UK were visited and the housing provider was interviewed. Where appropriate, tenants' and architects' views were also ascertained. The data-gathered were analysed and recommendations were made. The overriding concern of housing providers was that the cost of PV is prohibitive, especially if the tenants are the only beneficiaries of the electricity. Housing Associations found the prospect of PV appetising, as a method of attracting clients away from competitors. Utilities require incentives to offer competitive payment for PV-generated electricity. The Government is attempting to instigate positive discrimination strategies to encourage adoption of PV.