SCS are big believers in “first Principles” design. i.e. avoid use first, then use energy efficiently, then generate on-site before considering offsetting as a last resort.

However, we can’t change human needs or the laws of physics. Therefore, energy use cannot be avoided in buildings and therefore on-site generation will always be a key part of our future.

We need to shake ourselves out of the mindset of only putting PV on the roofs. We need a much greater thought about other opportunities:

• Facades – Although the efficiency is lower than a roof-mounted panel, it could make sense for tall multi-story buildings will small roof areas, and large amounts of wall area, not shaded by adjacent buildings.

• Balconies – This has huge potential again for large multi-storey residential buildings. It will work well if combined with storage to balance the highest demands in the morning and evening, with the greatest generation occurring in the middle of the day

• Glass – The EU, China and the US are all currently researching and investing in the potential use of transparent materials that can allow both light through and absorb energy to generate electricity. If this can become successful then every window in the country suddenly becomes a potential energy generator.

Written by Matthew Edis