Northern Ireland’s first solar-powered housing

A new housing development in Northern Ireland will be the first of its kind to incorporate renewable energy production into every property.

W Copeland and Son’s development of 36 energy efficient townhouses, semi-detached houses and apartments in Newtownards, will include solar roof tiles on every building.

In prime conditions the C21e photovoltaic solar panels on the development will generate up to 26 kilowatts of energy, saving a potential 14 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

Graeme Copeland from W Copeland and Son said the development reflects the ‘forward thinking’ nature of his company.

Andy Baird, Northern Ireland manager of Solarcentury, who designed the solar roof tiles, added that as well as offering cutting edge design, the new development will give home-buyers a significant money saving opportunity as the price of fossil fuel dependent energy continues to rise.

A representative from NIE Energy said that NIE was ‘delighted’ to hear of a development that will enable home-owners to do all that they can to reduce energy consumption and help the environment.