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Unlock 100% ECO4 funding with solar for flats

Picture of Allume By  Allume  ·  3 minute read

Are you fully leveraging the potential of the ECO4 scheme? Integrating SolShare into your ECO4 strategy can unlock 100% ECO4 in funding.

This is a golden opportunity for Housing Associations and Councils to advance their energy efficiency projects with £4 billion in funding allocated.

What is the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO4 scheme (Energy Company Obligation) aims to improve energy efficiency in residential homes across the UK, with a particular focus on low-income and vulnerable households.
  • Target Properties: Focuses on upgrading properties rated in energy efficiency bands D to G.
  • Funding: Allocated with a budget of £4 billion to assist eligible households in making energy-saving improvements.
  • Duration: Scheduled to run until  March 2026, it represents the fourth iteration of the scheme.
  • Eligibility: Primarily targets low-income, vulnerable, and fuel-poor households, offering support to make their homes warmer, healthier, and more affordable to heat.
  • Benefits: Includes improvements like insulation, heating upgrades, and the installation of renewable energy technologies to reduce overall energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Set to end in March 2026, the clock is ticking to take advantage of this incredible funding opportunity. These changes are not just temporary measures but are essential for meeting inevitable future regulations and sustainability goals.

Find out more about ECO4 here.

And here’s why you should be tapping into this scheme through shared solar with Allume Energy for your projects.

 

Shared Solar for Flats with SolShare

Previously, solar for flats was not a feasible option because each apartment needed its own inverter, making the setup complex and costly.

SolShare is a world first solution for this issue. SolShare connects multiple flats to a single rooftop solar system and distributes the generated energy efficiently and equitably to all residents.

 

  • Improved SAP Ratings: SolShare can increase SAP ratings by up to 20 points, significantly enhancing the building's overall energy performance.

  • Individual Enablement: Each apartment benefits from the shared solar system, with flexible opt-in options allowing residents to join as needed.
  • Equitable Energy Allocation: Ensures equitable distribution of solar energy across all apartments, maximising efficiency and benefits for all residents.
  • Reduced Energy Bills: Lowers individual energy costs for residents by up to 50%
  • Sustainability: Lowers the building's carbon footprint.

 

ℹ️ For more information on how SolShare works and its technical specifications, see here to learn more.

ECO 4 blog-2

This marked our first ECO4 project in collaboration with E.ON Energy for an owner-occupied building. Out of 36 flats, 25 were eligible for a 100% ECO4 grant. 2 ineligible flats chose to privately buy in to the system.

The project connects 27 flats to a single rooftop solar system using Allume Energy's SolShare technology. This retrofit increased the overall SAP score by 11 points with grid energy reduction of 26-33% and saving residents £300-390 annually on electricity bills.

For more details, visit Allume Energy - ECO4 OWNER-OCCUPIED – RETROFIT​ 

 

Key Benefits of the ECO4 Scheme with shared solar for flats

Free Installation 

  • No Charge Installations: Fully funded by ECO4 essentially means solar PV installations at no charge.
  • Why Not Maximise?: If you're already installing energy-efficient systems, integrating SolShare technology is a no brainer. SolShare ensures that multiple households in a single building can share the benefits of one solar PV system.
  • Additional Benefit: SolShare technology further reduces overall energy costs, making energy bills even more affordable for tenants.

Significant Savings on Energy Bills

  • Under ECO4, households can save approximately £250 annually on energy bills through various energy efficiency improvements.
  • This includes upgrading heating systems, wall insulation, and installing heat pumps.
  • Additional Benefit: With Allume Energy's innovative SolShare technology, these savings can be further enhanced.
  • SolShare Technology: Allows multiple units in a building to share solar power, significantly reducing electricity costs beyond the initial £250 savings

 

Improved Energy Ratings and Strategic Funding

  • SolShare improves the energy performance rating (up to 20 SAP points per flat) by optimising solar energy distribution.  This makes buildings more attractive to tenants and increases property value.

  • By combining SolShare with other energy efficiency measures, properties can achieve even higher energy ratings. 

 

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Nick Williams, our Technical Partnerships Manager, demonstrates the installation of SolShare. With many expert installers, we bring efficient and affordable solar energy solutions to communities across the UK.

 

Take the Next Step with Allume Energy

Why settle for basic compliance when you can maximise your investment? With the scheme’s funding, you’re not just getting an ordinary solar PV installation; you're upgrading to SolShare for free. You're not only achieving your property's energy efficiency targets while reducing operational costs, but also protecting them against stricter environmental regulations and rising energy costs.

At Allume Energy, we are committed to helping you leverage the ECO4 scheme to its fullest. Our SolShare technology ensures that you get the most out of your solar PV installations. 

Submit your information below us and we'll be in touch.

 

Share this information with your network to help others take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. Together, we can make a significant impact on energy efficiency and fuel poverty in the UK.