Warma UK is highlighting a new approach that could help social housing providers reduce tenant energy bills while creating a recurring financial return for landlords.
The model centres on installing solar panels and battery storage on social housing properties and pairing them with the Tenant Power tariff from Octopus Energy. Under this structure, tenants benefit from lower electricity costs while landlords receive payments linked to the solar generation installed on the property.
With housing providers under increasing pressure to reduce fuel poverty, tackle damp and mould and improve EPC ratings, the approach offers a different way of thinking about retrofit. Rather than being purely a capital cost, installing solar generation alongside the Tenant Power tariff can create a recurring revenue stream while lowering electricity bills for residents.
Warma UK is a Cosy Accredited Installer, meaning the company is authorised to install the Cosy heat pump system developed by Octopus Energy. The Cosy heat pump is designed to work with smart energy tariffs and flexible electricity pricing, helping households use energy when it is cheaper and reduce overall heating costs.
For housing providers, combining solar generation, battery storage and low-carbon heating can deliver warmer homes, lower running costs for tenants and improved building performance across housing portfolios.
Rob Garner MCIOB, Operations Director at Warma UK, said:
What’s interesting about this model is that it turns retrofit from a pure cost into something that can generate revenue. Solar generation paired with the right tariff can lower electricity costs for tenants while also creating a recurring financial benefit for the landlord. When technologies like the Cosy heat pump are added, the potential reduction in household energy costs can increase even further.”
Installing renewable energy and low-carbon heating systems also supports wider decarbonisation strategies. Local authorities and housing providers can generate carbon credits linked to emissions reductions from installing renewable energy technologies, helping support wider sustainability programmes.
Yasir Hareed, Business Development Manager at Octopus Energy, said:
“Tenant Power is designed to share the value of on-site renewable generation between tenants and landlords. By combining solar, battery storage and smart energy tariffs, we can help reduce energy costs for residents while also creating financial value for housing providers.
When technologies such as our Cosy heat pump are added, the potential savings and carbon reductions can increase further. Working with experienced and accredited installers like Warma UK helps ensure these systems are delivered effectively and achieve the intended outcomes.”
With energy affordability remaining a major concern across the UK, Warma UK believes the combination of solar generation, smart tariffs and low-carbon heating could play an important role in the next phase of social housing retrofit.