A new-build apartment scheme in Enfield is set to become the first in the UK to use a fully-funded rooftop solar model designed to deliver direct energy savings to individual apartment residents.
National developer and investor Zunikh has partnered with solar company Gryd to install and operate the system which is expected to supply around 30% of the building’s annual electricity demand.
Unlike traditional apartment block solar systems, where energy generation is typically used solely to power communal areas such as lifts, foyers and stairwells, the Enfield scheme will allocate electricity generation directly to the nine individual apartments.
The companies say the model represents a UK-first for apartment developments and could reduce residents’ energy bills by an average of £8,400 per apartment over a 25-year period.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
The rooftop system is also expected to improve the energy performance of each apartment, lifting EPC ratings from B to A.
Under the arrangement, Gryd will fund, own and operate the solar installation, removing the upfront cost and maintenance burden from the developer while still enabling residents to benefit from lower energy bills and improved building performance.
The development will also act as a testing ground for new electric heating and hot water technologies as part of Zunikh’s wider strategy to reduce reliance on gas boilers and improve operational efficiency across its schemes.
The companies say the project demonstrates how solar can become more economically viable within higher-density residential developments, where limited roof space has historically restricted the direct benefits available to apartment owners.
LOWER ENERGY COSTS
Shakeel Adli (main picture, inset), Founder and CEO of Zunikh, said: “We are excited to join forces with Gryd to deliver a substantial EPC uplift for our Enfield development, directly benefiting future residents with lower energy costs and a more sustainable living environment.
“This partnership not only ensures the building is future-ready amid tightening energy standards but also allows us to trial cutting-edge low-carbon heating and hot water technologies. It’s a key step in advancing our ESG ambitions and shaping the next generation of sustainable developments.”
DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE
Mohamed Gaafar, CEO and Co-Founder of Gryd, adds: “We’re delighted to be working with Zunikh on their first solar-enabled apartment development.
“Apartment buildings have traditionally struggled to deliver meaningful solar benefits to individual residents due to limited roof space shared across multiple homes.
“That’s created a challenge for developers, where the cost of installing shared solar hasn’t always translated into clear value for buyers.
“This project shows how Gryd’s model can make solar stack up economically on higher-density schemes too, not just houses – where energy performance and bill savings for homebuyers are increasingly critical.
“We’re proud to be working with Zunikh to deliver higher EPC-rated homes, reduce carbon emissions and future-proof their buildings, without increasing development costs.”
