Enphase Energy is partnering with Saving Energy Ltd., a Wickford-based energy efficiency services firm, to bring solar power to residents of a major social housing project. Backed by a local charity, the Northumberland Aged Mineworkers Homes Association, the effort will provide the residents of the Aging Miners project with solar PV systems that will lower their energy bills and improve their environmental footprint.

The Northumberland 1MWp DC will feature a total of 4,000 Enphase microinverters installed on more than 400 homes housing retired miners. The project, slated for completion by the end of 2014, will generate approximately 1,038,800 kW/h annually.

"We’re also confident of the benefits the customers will see from the Enphase technology," said Speller continued, renewable energy manager at Saving Energy. "The efficiency and user-friendliness means greater yields, even in the climate of the North East, and greater control for the client in assessing how a resident’s system is performing. The retired miners are all very positive about the work going on here and are keen to benefit at a time when energy bills are soaring."

Saving Energy works to help local residents benefit from renewable-energy electricity generation. By partnering with Enphase, the company can design, install and commission custom solar PV systems that maximize roof space in order to provide the maximum rate of return on investment.

"Enphase entered the UK PV market only two years ago, and we have grown rapidly," said Simon Baggaley, Enphase’s UK sales director. "Saving Energy was one of the partners that greeted us early on. It has been great to work together with them on a project like this, which makes affordable energy available to the retired miners’ community."