Major housebuilder Barratt Developments appoints Hampshire's UPOWA to deliver solar PV technology to new homes

Barratt Developments, the country’s largest housebuilder, has appointed Hampshire’s UPOWA to design, supply, install and maintain solar PV systems.

The Whiteley-based company will support eight divisions of Barratt and David Wilson Homes to meet new carbon-reduction targets and create sustainable, future-ready homes at sites throughout the Southern and Western areas of the country.

The three-year Solar PV Supply Agreement will see UPOWA deliver the solar PV technology requirements to support the housebuilder’s transition to Part L and the Future Homes Standards and full implementation to help create net-zero ready homes nationwide.

Around 10 per cent of the 180,000 new homes built in England have solar PV installed. But it’s estimated that this figure will rise rapidly to as much as 80 per cent as the new Part L and the Future Homes Standards come into force from June this year.

Where there is a need for roof-integrated solar panels, Barratt and David Wilson Homes will specify the UPOWA Inline Solar system as its product of choice.

James Bull, managing director at UPOWA (previously HBS New Energies), said: “We are proud to get this deal over the line and become one of Barratt Developments’ trusted solar PV suppliers.

UPOWA is to supply Solar PV technology to new Barratt and David Wilson Homes developments

“With a track record of delivering first-class solar PV installations for several of its divisions over the past 10 years, this new partnership confirms their trust in our specialist solar product and service.

“We look forward to helping Barratt and David Wilson Homes to create high-quality sustainable homes that will save homeowners energy, reduce emissions and combat rising energy prices.”

UPOWA, which is part of the Brickability Group PLC, also counts Taylor Wimpey, Vistry Group, Bargate Homes and Thakeham Group among its customers.

Bukky Bird, group sustainability director at Barratt Developments, said: “We aim to be the country’s leading national sustainable housebuilder and securing long-term partnerships with our PV suppliers is an important part of that.

“This new three-year agreement with UPOWA will help our customers to reduce their energy use and to save money.”