SOLAR batteries installed at a new affordable housing development in North Lanarkshire have been tipped to help tackle fuel poverty and climate change.
Arc-Tech (Scotland) is responsible for the installation of North Lanarkshire Council’s first solar battery storage units at the Holehills site in Airdrie.
Located on Dykehead Road, 150 two and three-bedroom homes for social rent are replacing a series of multi-storey flatted blocks. 19 of the new homes are being delivered to a piloted net zero carbon standard of build that has been developed by main contractor, CCG (Scotland), with the support of Arc-Tech who specialise in the delivery of M&E services and the design and installation of renewable energy systems.
Each net zero home has its own battery storage unit, known as the ‘Powerwall’. It is supplied by Tesla. The battery links to solar PV panels on the roof which capture energy from the sun during daylight hours. Under normal circumstances, the occupier will only benefit if the energy is used at the time of generation, however, if it is not, the energy is exported to the National Grid.
Rather than losing out on energy being lost, the battery retains energy for later use, even during a power outage, which allows the occupier to benefit from variable tariffs during the evening.
John Gallacher, Arc-Tech (Scotland) MD, said, “Arc-Tech is one of the few companies that are certified to install these hugely innovative solar battery storage units, alongside EV connector points, on behalf of Tesla in Scotland. With both residential and commercial application, the long-term value can be realised across the construction sector on a broad scale for clients such as North Lanarkshire Council and the end-user such as the new residents of Dykehead Road.
“It is an exciting time for renewable tech; the system in place here is incredibly intuitive and, when combined with excellent fabric performance characteristics, it will go a long way to supporting residents during this prevailing cost-of-living crisis.
“We commend the council for taking the necessary steps forward to address both the carbon agenda and fuel poverty agendas and we look forward to helping deliver the remainder of the Holehills Masterplan over the coming months.”
Dykehead Road is supported by a grant funding contribution of £9.7 million from the Scottish Government and is due for completion later this year.
Councillor Heather Brannan-McVey, North Lanarkshire Council housing convener, added, “I’m delighted to see our first net zero homes available for tenants here in North Lanarkshire. These homes reaffirm our commitment to embracing and investing in new technology that improves energy efficiency and comforts for our tenants, reduces emissions and consumption while minimising fuel poverty.”
