UPOWA partners with Crest Nicholson to power the UK’s first zero-carbon Eco-Town with roof-integrated solar.
We partnered with Crest Nicholson to design, supply and install 793.2 kWp of UPOWA Inline Solar systems for 228 x zero-carbon homes being developed at Phase 3 and 4 of the Elmsbrook Eco-Town.
Located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, the Elmsbrook Eco-Town is the first of its kind in the UK to meet original principles of PPS1 for eco towns and the largest true zero-carbon development in UK, incorporating regulated and unregulated energy. Promising true zero-carbon homes, abundant green spaces and a thriving local community, the new affordable housing development is an exemplar of what the future of sustainable housebuilding is all about.
Led by developer A2Dominion, Elmsbrook is the flagship first phase of the North West Bicester Eco-Town development . Once complete, Elmsbrook will feature 393 zero-carbon homes, a primary school, local shop, eco pub and community centre. It is part of a wider ambition to create up to 6,000 new zero-carbon properties for North West Bicester.
Project Overview
Affordable housing provider A2 Dominion appointed Crest Nicholson to design and build 228 zero-carbon homes as part of phase 3 and 4 of the Elmsbrook Eco-Town development.
The highly energy-efficient houses at Elmsbrook had to meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5. They would achieve this by having roof-integrated PV panels, rainwater harvesting systems, EV charging points, and heated by a district heating network connecting to a CHP energy centre. Together, these cutting-edge green technologies help create the UK’s largest zero-carbon housing development.
Crest Nicholson tasked the UPOWA team with designing a roof-integrated solar solution to meet the site-wide carbon reduction target, roof specification and aesthetic needs.
The UPOWA Solution
We value engineered a 793.2 kWp of roof-integrated solar scheme, maximising roof space across all plots. The UPOWA Inline Solar system proved to be the most cost-competitive solution to achieve Elmsbrook Eco-Town's sustainability targets and delivered a considerable saving for Crest Nicholson.
Our fully-accredited installation teams are currently managing all aspects of roofing, installation, electrical connection and system commissioning as the project fast approaches completion.
Across the development of 228 zero-carbon homes, the UPOWA Inline Solar system array sizes range from 2.4-4.5 kWp and are being installed on a mix of slate and cotswold tile types.
Integrating seamlessly with the roofs, the UPOWA roof-integrated solar panels are now helping to power these high-quality, eco-friendly homes with sustainable energy, reducing energy bills and carbon emissions for residents.
The sustainable power generated by the UPOWA Inline Solar panels (34 square metres per property on average) isn’t the only benefit Elmsbrook residents will enjoy. An improved EPC rating, significant savings to energy bills, and reduced emissions will ensure these sustainable homes are fit for the future.
“The UPOWA team provided expert guidance with regards to value engineering, design, product specification and installation to ensure the Elmsbrook zero-carbon housing scheme met its strict energy targets on budget. ”
Key project facts
760,000 kWh of annual solar power generation
380 Tonnes of annual carbon savings
The zero-carbon homes are built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5
Each home has UPOWA Inline Solar panels averaging 34m2 per property generating a net energy gain
1 of 11 One Planet Community schemes worldwide that has 10 guiding principles to achieve sustainable living within the earth’s ecological limits
What we installed
228 x UPOWA Inline Solar systems
793.2 kWp of roof-integrated solar scheme
Roof-integrated solar arrays of 2-4 – 4.5 kWp
228 x UPOWA Solar Inverters
Ready to start your project?
Are you interested in finding out how UPOWA can accelerate your journey to net-zero? Contact our expert team today.