Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity for you to use in your new home.

In keeping with the forward-thinking, contemporary approach that defines this development, photo-voltaic (solar) panels will also be included on the roofs of all homes.

Each panel will be 900mm x 1600mm. In general, 3 bed semi-detached properties will have 2 panels and larger homes will have 6-8 panels — all placed based on the specific position of your home and with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The solar PV panels on the roof absorb light and convert it into electricity. A device called an inverter, conditions the electricity so that it is suitable to use in the house.

When you use more electricity than the solar panels produce, solar energy is topped up with electricity from your supplier. If the panels are producing more than you need, the excess is exported to the grid for others to use.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SOLAR PANELS

These solar panels can hugely reduce your new home's reliance on the National Grid and save you money on bills each month. There are a few simple steps you can take, however, to make sure you're getting maximum value from this forward-thinking system.

• Replace Inefficient Household Devices/Appliances — Electronic devices that consume a lot of power or sit on 'stand-by' on a continuous basis can quietly raise your monthly energy usage. Often, older electronics can be particularly susceptible to this — and there are now a number of 'energy efficient' household appliances that are smarter, greener alternatives.
  
  
• Swap Old-Fashioned Lightbulbs for LEDs — Lighting is another significant cost factor in your monthly energy bill, and old style filament lightbulbs are much less efficient than modern LEDs — which use around one-tenth of the electricity.
  
  
• Ditch 'Stand-By Mode' — Plenty of household devices have a constant stand-by mode option, and while it's tempting to keep them running for convenience sake, the cumulative energy expense across the home can be more than you think.
  
  
• Run Large Appliances During the Day — Washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and cookers are all high-consumption items, and where possible should utilised during the day — i.e. when the sun is shining on your solar panels. Many of these devices have a timed start function, allowing you to run them at times when you can offset their energy usage.