Project specification report
COP26 Housing and energy in
England
STUDENT ID: 001200224
NAME: AMBIKA PENTYALA
TOPIC: COP26 Housing and Energy In England
Supervisor name: Cecelia Macleod
1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction to the research............................................4
1.0 Project definition..........................................................................4
1.1 Aim of the research......................................................................4
1.2 Objectives of the research...........................................................4
1.3 Scope of the project.....................................................................4
Chapter 2 Literature Review..............................................................5
2.1 Housing Stocks and Energy Efficiency......................................5
2.2 Solar PV system at household level...........................................5
2.3 Types Solar Panels.......................................................................6
Chapter 3 Research methodology..........................................8
3.1 Research philosophy...................................................................8
3.2 Methodology.................................................................................8
Chapter 4 Risk assessment & Project plan......................................9
4.1 Risks involved..............................................................................9
Mitigation plan....................................................................................9
4.2 Resource Limitations...................................................................9
Mitigation plan....................................................................................9
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4.3 Project Outline Plan.....................................................................9
References.....................................................................................12
Chapter 1 Introduction to the research
1.0 Project definition
3
The domestic sector in UK consumes about 29% of the total energy, however the
housing stocks in UK are not energy efficient. The solar energy consumption each
year in a UK home is less than the amount of solar radiations incident on the house
roof. The potential of solar energy is not being fully tapped by the domestic sector,
even though it has the potential to resolve the energy crisis and make housing in UK
energy efficient. By focusing on the right tools, technologies, and methods we can
transform towards the solar energy. It is also important to take under consideration
the various factors (environmental, social, economic, types of solar photovoltaics
etc.) while transitioning towards solar housing systems in UK.
1.1 Aim of the research
The aim of the research is to evaluate the current energy usage trends in UK and the
potential of solar energy in the country for successful transition towards of domestic
sector towards renewable energy in order to make housing stocks more energy
efficient. This shall promote growth and development towards a sustainable future by
attainment of the clean energy goals.
1.2 Objectives of the research
1. To assess the energy usage trends in UK
2. To evaluate the potential of solar energy in the UK for installation at domestic
levels
3. To identify the factors important for transition towards solar photovoltaic (PV)
housing systems
1.3 Scope of the project
The project evaluates the potential of solar energy in UK in order to promote energy
efficient housing in the country. It offers sustainable solution to resolve the energy
issues at domestic level by ensuring the clean energy systems at household levels
and expanding renewable energy’s usage. The recommendations are made based
upon the assessment of current energy usage trends, the solar energy potential, and
factors to be considered for a solar housing system. The social case behind this
study is to create same set of facilities and offer clean energy solutions for the
residents of UK.
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Chapter 2 Literature Review
2.1 Housing Stocks and Energy Efficiency
In the UK, the vast majority of the housing stock was constructed in the past, before there
were any building standards. As a consequence, the structures are not energy efficient. In
order to make buildings more energy efficient, attention is currently being directed to the
incorporation of renewable energy in accordance with the goals set down in COP26.
Bennadji et al., 2022, undertook a study in the UK to assess the topology of buildings and,
as a result, calculate the energy savings in the country’s housing stock. The study also
predicted the size of the UK's whole residential building stock in 2022, which was determined
to be 37 MTOE. The UK housing stock was responsible for significant overall carbon
emissions. This study determined that the proper refurbishment of buildings in the UK may
reduce carbon emissions by 75% and aid in energy savings of 90%. As a result, it is crucial
that the UK move from having the least energy-efficient housing stock in Europe to having
the most energy-efficient housing stock.
2.2 Solar PV system at household level
One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency in the UK home portfolio is to
install renewable and clean energy technologies. The most readily accessible energy
that can be used to meet the increasing energy needs of UK housing portfolios is
solar energy.
Installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in homes has been successful on a
global scale because it can solve the problem of energy shortage. With time, this
system in the UK is changing and growing. Many current energy problems can be
resolved with the installation of solar PV systems, notably at the home level in the
UK.
Few areas of England have the most intense sun power and are well suited for
building solar PV systems, according to site experts at Renewable Energy Hub UK.
These areas include the Yorkshire and Humberside, South Eastern, Eastern, and
South Western parts of England, which are both rural and urban. Since most of
England's rural and urban areas experience cloudy weather and less sunlight, a
battery for energy storage must be connected to the solar PV system at all costs
(Renewable Energy Hub UK., 2022).
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2.3 Types Solar Panels
Solar Panels are classified into four types based on the nature of photovoltaic cells
comprising that solar panel system.
1. Monocrystalline solar panels
These are also referred to as single-crystal panels and are created from a
single wafer of pure silicon that has been divided into numerous wafers. They
are easily recognised by their dark black hue because they are constructed of
pure silicon. Monocrystalline panels are the most space-efficient and durable
of the three varieties of solar panels thanks to the use of pure silicon.
2. Polycrystalline solar panels
These originate from many silicon crystals, as suggested by their name, rather
than just one. A square mould is filled with melted silicon shards. Due to the
minimal wastage, this makes polycrystalline cells much more economical and
gives them their distinctive square shape.
3. Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PEAR) solar panels
A development above the conventional monocrystalline cell is the PERC solar
panel. A passivation layer is added to the rear surface of the cell by this
relatively new method, which improves efficiency in a number of ways. PERC
panels are perfect for locations with limited space because they increase solar
energy collection while having a reduced physical footprint. Due to the
additional materials required, they are only marginally more expensive to
create than conventional panels, but they may still be made using the same
machinery and may end up with a lower average cost per watt because of
their efficiency.
4. Thin-Film Solar Panels
Very tiny layers that are thin enough to be flexible define thin-film panels.
Since no frame backing is needed for each panel, they are lighter and simpler
to install. Contrary to crystalline silicon panels, which are available in standard
sizes of 60, 72, and 96 cells, thin-film panels can be made in a variety of sizes
to meet varied requirements. They are, however, less effective than
conventional silicon solar panels.
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The costs of these various solar panel systems varies, however the installation cost
is based on their capacity. In 2022, the cost of a typical 250W solar panel ranges
from £400 to £500, based on the type and size of the entire system. A 4kW Solar PV
system, which costs about £6,400 and will occupy about 29 square metres of the roof
and is one of the most popular home sizes.
Several factors affect how much it will cost to install solar panels such as:
Desired type of panels
Quantity of energy intended to produce
Size and kind of property
Angle faced by roof
Components quality needed
Whether or not a battery is required
These elements contribute to the overall cost of solar panel installation. The cost
of solar panels has decreased significantly over the past several years because
of developments in solar energy technology. The breakdown of solar panel costs
on average, the amount of roof space needed, the typical electricity bill savings,
and the savings anticipated after 25 years are shown in the Figure 1 below.
Figure 1 Source: GreenMatch UK
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Chapter 3 Research methodology
3.1 Research philosophy
This study is based upon in-depth analysis of secondary data. Extensive literature
review will be carried out and an insight shall be provided regarding solar housing
potential in UK.
3.2 Methodology
Secondary data will be collected by literature review. Firstly, the energy usage trends
in the country would be analysed to check the dependence on renewable energy
sources. The data related to potential of solar energy and irradiation levels would
also be assessed in order to propose an efficient solar system for housing stocks in
UK. Lastly, the different factors that are important for successful installation and
transition towards solar energy in UK’s houses would also be discussed and
analysed.
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Chapter 4 Risk assessment & Project plan
4.1 Risks involved
The spread of new variants of covid-19 has been challenging, and the
possibilities of lock-down has been a major threat for the researcher. Also, the
extensive burden of course work is also a hindrance. The personal motives of the
research intents towards creating a better sustainable framework for the future, and
use of the literature based research helps in addressing the risk of infections.
Mitigation plan
Online data collection helps in preventing direct contact and also addresses the risk
of infections.
4.2 Resource Limitations
Only with the available resources, researcher has to progress, and gather maximum
data. This study focuses on the quality of the data collected, and also the online
modes of data collection can impact on the data quality. This will not lead to more
accurate results like the data collected from the field data collection.
Mitigation plan
Ensuring that extensive and in-depth secondary data would be collected and
evaluated. Good quality articles and reports shall be consulted to meet the objectives
of this study and report the results.
4.3 Project Outline Plan
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Displa
Project Start 16-6-2022
y 1
Date (Thursday)
Week
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AMBIKA
Project Student PENTYALA
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WB LEA
TASK START END DAYS DON K
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E DAYS
1 Defining the research - -
Identification of
1.1 5-29-22 6-03-22 5 0% 5
aims
Defining the Tue 6-07-
1.2 6-03-22 5 0% 3
research scope 22
1.3 Research aim 6-08-22 6-11-22 4 0% 3
Research
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objectives
Defining the
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hypothesis
Identification
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social impact
Writing
1.5 6-05-22 6-09-22 5 0% 4
introduction part
Submission to
1.6 6-03-22 6-09-22 7 0% 5
Professor
Feedback and
1.7 6-10-22 6-16-22 7 0% 5
improvement
Literature
2 - -
Review
Review of
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journal
Review of
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articles
2.3 Online sources 7-14-22 7-16-22 3 0% 3
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2.4 Books 7-17-22 7-22-22 6 0% 4
Submission to
Professor,
2.5 7-23-22 7-25-22 3 0% 2
feedback and
improvement
3 Data collection - -
3.1 Data Collection 7-24-22 7-27-22 4 0% 2
Literature
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Review
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3.4 Review 8-01-22 8-06-22 6 0% 4
3.5 Improvement 8-06-22 8-08-22 3 0% 2
4 Recommendation and conclusion - -
Preparation of
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final draft
submission for
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Professor
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Review and
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feed back
Turn it in
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submission
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References
Askari Mohammad Bagher, Mirzaei Mahmoud Abadi Vahid, Mirhabibi Mohsen.
“Types of Solar Cells and Application”. American Journal of Optics and Photonics.
Vol. 3, No. 5, 2015, pp. 94-113.
Bennadji, A., Seddiki, M., Alabid, J., Laing, R. and Gray, D., 2022. Predicting Energy
Savings of the UK Housing Stock under a Step-by-Step Energy Retrofit Scenario
towards Net-Zero. Energies, 15(9), p.3082. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093082
Bosshard, P. (2006). An Assessment of Solar Energy Conversion Technologies and
Research Opportunities. Standford university. Retrieved from Stanford.edu.
Desideri, U., Zapparelli, F., & Garroni, E. (2013). Comparative analysis of
concentrating solar power and photovoltaic technologies: Technical and
environmental evaluations. Science Direct, 765-784.
GreenMatch UK. 2022. How much do solar panels cost (2022 prices)? Available at:
<https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/what-is-the-installation-cost-for-solar-
panels> [Accessed: November 25, 2022].
Huang, C., M. Huang, and C. Chen, 2013: A novel power output model for
photovoltaic systems. Int. J. Smart Grid Clean Energy, 2, 139–147
M. Waleed, Fazal. M, R. Amin, ”Analysis of the impact of environment on efficiency
of different types of solar cells”, Journal of emerging and applied sciences, Volume 7,
Issue 1.
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P. Tsao, “Simulation of PV systems with power optimizers and distributed power
electronics,” in Proc. IEEE Photovolt. Spec. Conf., pp. 389– 393, 2010
Renewable Energy Hub UK. 2022. [online] Available at:
<https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/solar-panels/solar-panels-in-
england/> [Accessed 25 November 2022].
Shruti Sharma, Kamlesh Kumar Jain, Ashutosh Sharma a review on “Solar Cells: In
Research and Applications”, Materials Sciences and Applications, 2015, 6, 1145-
1155 Published December 2015
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