EDF will install solar and storage solutions in social housing as part of five new trials exploring how clean technologies can help reduce carbon consumption and save on consumer costs.
Overall, the energy supplier will invite 2,000 customers living in social housing to take part in the trials; one of these groups will be trialled in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council and will have solar panels installed, with some provided with storage solutions too.
EDF will then asses whether excess electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in the storage solution and find the best price to sell this electricity back to the grid. The money earned will then be passed on to the customer.
Additionally, 1,000 participants will take part in demand-shifting schemes and be rewarded with free electricity if consumption is reduced during peak times.
The remaining trials will include a new heat pump tariff providing consumers with advice and automation to save money whilst keeping their home heated and two electric vehicle (EV) tariffs focused on flexibility.
The programme is backed by £1.3 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as part of its Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP).
EDF’s partners for the trials include developers Indra Renewable Technologies, Loughborough University and the University of Sheffield.
“It is imperative we continue to look at ways we can save customers cash and carbon and being part of a project which is providing five exciting trials to do just that is incredibly important and exciting,” said Philippe Commaret, managing director of customers at EDF.
“Electricity use is set to double by 2050, so it is crucial that we explore new ways we can reduce pressure on the grid and customers’ pockets. Trialling new tariffs and assets and giving customers greater control will be vital if we are to achieve our goal of reducing the need for fossil fuels and truly achieve net zero homes.”