01/06/2025
Solar power can play a key role as part of the decarbonisation mix. At a time when over 6 million households are struggling to pay energy bills[1], solar power can help to reduce bills as well as support local authorities’ climate action plans and the UK’s 2050 net zero targets.
Bevan Brittan has supported Hackney Council on an innovative solar panel pilot project which offers residents in blocks of flats the opportunity to buy discounted energy, supplied directly by solar panels on their buildings. As well as providing cleaner energy, it aims to deliver electricity savings of approximately 15% compared with market rate.
In the first project of its kind in the UK, the scheme uses a microgrid solution developed by Hackney-based energy specialist Emergent Energy in partnership with Hackney Council’s energy services arm, Hackney Light and Power. Historically, solar panels on blocks of flats could only be used to supply electricity to the grid or power communal areas.
A programme to install new solar panels on 28 blocks across three Hackney Council estates began in January 2025, initially giving around 800 households the opportunity to sign up for discounted energy. Around 4,000 solar panels will be installed, generating around one megawatt of electricity – approximately a fifth of the energy needs of the blocks.
Bevan Brittan’s dedicated energy team provided comprehensive legal support to Hackney Council throughout the development and negotiation of the contracts with Emergent Energy, including: the construction contract for the design, procurement and installation of the solar PV; and the concession contract for the long-term operation of the microgrid solution, incorporating arrangements around licensing fees, profit sharing and allocation of key risks.
“Hackney Council has a proud reputation as a leader in tackling climate change – but my priority has always been that local people here should be the first to benefit. That's why we're so excited to launch a new pioneering scheme that offers greener energy and lower bills for council tenants in the borough.
"Residents in 800 properties will have solar panels installed on their roofs, with the potential of lowering energy bills by up to 15% for residents, creating a greener, fairer Hackney.”
Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney
“No one should miss out on the benefits of locally generated clean energy because of their income level or the type of home they live in. That’s why we created this new opportunity for residents of social housing flats to receive savings on their energy bills from rooftop solar.
“Our approach is self-funding, as this ground-breaking project in Hackney will show, meaning we can deliver these benefits to potentially millions of residents without relying on government handouts. It’s time the rules that govern the electricity industry were updated, so that local energy approaches like ours can flourish.”
Reg Platt, Founder CEO of Emergent Energy
“The implementation of this micro-grid solution addresses Hackney Council’s goal of tackling fuel poverty by providing cheaper renewable energy options to council estate residents who might not otherwise have access to rooftop solar benefits. By reducing energy costs, the project promotes social equity and financial sustainability for those living in social housing. In addition to its immediate impact on energy affordability, this pioneering project holds significant social and economic value for the local community. It will create green jobs, raise awareness about sustainable energy, and encourage active engagement in energy efficiency initiatives. The project has the potential to be expanded and rolled-out across additional social housing projects and privately owned flats within Hackney and more broadly across the UK.”
Rupert Lugg, Partner, Bevan Brittan.
To learn more contact Rupert.lugg@bevanbrittan.com or learn more about our Energy Team here.
