We’re excited to announce that Natural Generation is now a certified installer of Allume Energy’s SolShare system, giving our customers access to a smarter way of using solar power across multi-occupancy buildings.

SolShare is a pioneering technology designed specifically for buildings such as blocks of flats, apartments, new-build developments, social housing and other properties where multiple homes or businesses all share a single roof.

For customers, it means that a single rooftop solar PV system can now provide clean, renewable electricity to multiple individually-metered properties, helping more people benefit from solar without the need for a separate system for every home.

But what exactly is shared solar, and why does becoming an Allume Certified Installer matter? Let us explain...

 

What is shared solar?

Traditional solar panel systems are relatively straightforward when there is one property and one electricity meter. The solar panels generate electricity, which is used by that property, and any excess unused energy is exported to the grid.

Multi-occupancy buildings are more complicated; a block of flats might have dozens of individual electricity meters, all supplied from the same building. Installing a separate solar PV system for every flat isn't practical, and historically this has made it difficult for residents to benefit directly from rooftop solar.

But SolShare changes this - Allume's technology allows one rooftop solar array to intelligently distribute the electricity it generates between multiple individually-metered properties.

That means the roof of an apartment building can become a shared renewable energy resource, rather than the solar generation being limited to communal areas or a single electricity meter.

 

How does SolShare work?

At its simplest, the concept is straightforward:

One rooftop solar system generates energy for multiple properties giving shared access to solar energy.

SolShare sits within the building's electrical infrastructure and manages the distribution of solar energy between the connected properties. Rather than unused solar generation simply being exported to the grid, the system can help direct generation to where it is needed within the building.

This can significantly increase the amount of solar self-consumption; meaning more of the renewable electricity generated on the roof can be used by the people living or working in the building.

According to Allume, SolShare can help reduce grid electricity demand by up to 40%, while its technology can also be used alongside battery storage to make even more renewable energy available when the sun isn't shining.

Watch the video below to learn more:

 

What does our Allume certification mean for you?

Becoming an Allume Certified SolShare Installer means our Natural Generation team members have completed the relevant training and certification to install SolShare systems.

For customers, this provides an additional level of confidence when choosing an installer for a shared solar project.

We're able to work with Allume's technology as part of the wider design and installation of a solar PV system, helping developers, housing providers and building owners explore solutions that can work across multiple properties.

It also means we can provide customers with access to a technology that isn't simply designed for traditional single-property solar installations.

 

A solution for new developments

Shared solar can be particularly valuable for new-build apartment developments and other multi-occupancy buildings.

Instead of designing a solar installation around just the communal electricity supply, SolShare allows the rooftop generation to be distributed across individual homes.

This can help developers make better use of available roof space while supporting the energy performance requirements of new homes.

With energy efficiency and building performance becoming increasingly important, technologies such as shared solar can form an important part of the approach to designing more energy-efficient developments.

A valuable option for housing associations

SolShare also opens up exciting possibilities for Housing Associations and social housing providers.

A single rooftop installation can potentially benefit multiple tenants, helping reduce reliance on electricity from the grid and lowering household energy costs. This is particularly important at a time when energy affordability remains a major consideration for housing providers and residents.

Allume's existing projects demonstrate how shared solar can be used in social housing, with its technology already connecting thousands of flats.

For Housing Associations managing large property portfolios, shared solar can also contribute towards improving the energy performance of multiple homes.

 

What about existing buildings?

SolShare isn't limited to new developments. It can also be considered as part of retrofit projects, allowing existing multi-occupancy buildings to make better use of available rooftop space.

For buildings where installing individual solar systems for every property isn't realistic, shared solar can provide an alternative approach.

Natural Generation can work with property owners, developers and housing providers to assess the building, available roof space, electrical infrastructure and energy requirements before determining whether a SolShare system could be suitable.

 

Shared solar can work with battery storage too

One of the most exciting aspects of the SolShare system is that it can work alongside shared solar battery storage.

Solar panels only generate electricity during daylight hours, but much of a property's energy demand occurs later in the day. A battery can store surplus solar generation when production is high and make that energy available later.

When combined with SolShare, stored energy can be shared across the connected properties, helping to increase the amount of renewable electricity that can be used within the building. This can mean more solar energy stays within the building rather than being exported, helping to lower energy bills for the people who live there and maximise the value of the solar installation.

  

 

What about SEG payments?

Where eligible, exported solar electricity can also generate payments through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

The exact arrangements and benefits will depend on the design of the project, electricity suppliers, metering arrangements and individual circumstances, so these need to be assessed as part of the overall system design.

Our team can help customers understand how solar generation, on-site consumption, battery storage and export can work together as part of a shared solar project.

 

Why shared solar could be the future for multi-occupancy buildings

The UK's housing stock is changing, and there is an increasing need to make apartment buildings and other multi-occupancy properties more energy efficient. At the same time, available rooftop space is valuable.

Rather than treating each apartment as a completely separate solar project, shared solar allows one rooftop installation to work collectively across the building. That can make solar a viable option for buildings that may previously have struggled to make traditional PV systems work effectively.

For developers, it can support energy performance goals.

For Housing Associations, it can help improve the efficiency of their housing stock.

For residents, it can provide access to renewable electricity and the potential for lower energy bills.

And for building owners, it can make much better use of the solar resource available on the roof.

 

Shared solar with Natural Generation and Allume

We're proud to be an Allume Certified SolShare Installer and to be able to bring this technology to customers across the South West and beyond.

Whether you're planning a new apartment development, managing a social housing portfolio or looking at a solar retrofit for an existing multi-occupancy building, shared solar could provide a smarter way to make the most of your available roof space.

If you're considering solar for a multi-occupancy building, talk to Natural Generation about your project.

Our team can assess your building and help you understand whether a SolShare system, solar PV and battery storage could be the right solution.

Interested in shared solar for your development or property portfolio? Get in touch with Natural Generation to discuss your project.