Funded Virtual Power Plants for Social Landlords

In this episode of Making Housing Better, Trina Chakravarti, Membership Director at Healthy Homes Hub, speaks with Julian Wiley of Zenergy Solar about a pioneering, fully funded model that combines rooftop solar, battery storage, AI energy management, and grid trading to tackle fuel poverty, decarbonise homes, and deliver immediate savings for residents. 

Julian shares how lessons from decades in fast-paced industries shaped his approach to scaling clean energy solutions, using care homes as a proving ground for zero-carbon, 50% bill-reducing projects. He explains how economies of scale, transparent project tracking, and virtual power plants can make solar viable for social landlords at no upfront cost—while boosting EPC ratings and meeting net zero targets. 

Key takeaways: 

• Funders are ready to back decentralised, revenue-generating solar + battery schemes for social housing. 

• AI-driven systems optimise usage, buy low, sell high, and join grid flexibility markets. 

• Scale reduces costs: 20,000+ property portfolios can deliver major social impact and landlord returns. 

• Transparent revenue sharing builds trust, addressing the sector’s past solar concerns. 

• Innovations like far infrared heating can cut mould, improve health, and integrate with solar-battery systems. 

Practical steps for housing providers: 

1. Review EPC liabilities and explore funded solar-battery options to meet targets faster. 

2. Assess potential to join or form a Virtual Power Plant for scale benefits. 

3. Prioritise transparent delivery partners with proven revenue-tracking systems. 

4. Link energy upgrades to damp, mould, and health interventions. 

5. Pilot schemes in high-energy-use buildings, such as sheltered housing or care homes.