If government really values smart homes it must start from today’s realities to ensure a smooth forward pathway for consumers. The solar and storage industries are not ahead of the curve, they are the curve. In less than ten years we’ve moved on from expensive clunky modules bolted to a roof, to sleek & affordable in-roof designs that work with battery storage to optimise self-consumption. And more besides; clever energy management systems mean that smart homes can also integrate EVs and digitalised appliances. Technically, the first generation of smart homes are ready to roll; slashing bills for consumers, shaving local peak demand & contributing to enhanced system flexibility and balancing. But where are the markets to buy these valuable new services? Where are the basic PPA offers for the surplus power solar homes provide? As the BEIS Future of Small Scale Renewables Call for Evidence recognises, there is not even a basic route to market yet for small renewables without the current export payment. And the local flexibility markets that smart homes and smart providers need are painfully distant – hence our support for the OVO Flexibility First campaign which seeks to expedite progress.
Solar Power Portal 20th July 2018 read more »
