Londoners still in the dark about solar power at home

This meeting took place on 2 July 2015. Read the transcript here.

Of over 3 million homes in London, less than 0.5 per cent, are generating their own solar power[1].

The benefits of generating energy at home include carbon footprint reduction, lower electricity bills and an income from selling electricity back to the National Grid.

The nature of London’s housing stock has been cited as the main reason for the low level of solar power being generated in people’s homes. Flats with shared roof space and a vast number of rented properties mean that landlords fail to benefit from reduced electricity bills.

However, even when only comparing unshared, owner-occupied houses, the capital still has the lowest rate of installed solar panels in the UK[2].

So why aren’t Londoners seeing the light when it comes to solar energy?

The London Assembly Environment Committee will tomorrow explore why so few domestic properties have solar photovoltaics (PV) panels installed in the capital, how the barriers can be overcome and what potential contribution solar can make to meet London’s renewable energy targets.

The following guests will be questioned:

James Hardy, Principal Policy and Programme Officer (Energy), GLA

Kore Mason, RE:NEW Programme Manager, GLA

Leonie Greene, Head of Public Affairs, Solar Trade Association

Afsheen Rashid, Chief Operating Officer, Repowering London

Brian Horne, Knowledge Manager, Energy Saving Trust

Seb Berry, Head of Public Affairs, Solarcentury

Judith Page, Director of Property Services, Ascham Homes

The meeting will take place on Thursday, 2 July from 10.00am in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).

Media and members of the public are invited to attend. The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.

Notes for Editors:

Cumulative installations confirmed on the Central Feed-in Tariff Register by Region, Department of Energy & Climate Change, March 2015.

Region and Country Profiles - Social Indicators, Office for National Statistics, February 2012

Full Agenda papers.

Darren Johnson AM, Chair of the Environment Committee is available for interview. See contact details below.

As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For media enquiries, please contact Mary Dolan on 020 7983 4603. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.