The green tech energy tariff aims to reward both social housing landlords and tenants by changing the lack of incentive for landlords to invest in solar panels or batteries.

Buildings equipped with solar panels and a compatible battery system can generate their own renewable energy. Any excess energy is stored in the battery and automatically sold back to the grid at peak times, helping to balance the grid and provide a return for landlords.

Muirhouse plans to use this return to invest in further green tech for homes, helping to bring lower energy bills to more residents. 

The first phase by Muirhouse covers 36 homes, with installations beginning in May and plans to expand further.

Nigel Banks, zero bills director at Octopus Energy, said: “Solar panels and batteries should be a no‑brainer for social housing – but until now the economics haven’t worked well enough. 

“Tenant Power solves this by cutting tenants’ bills while giving social housing landlords a return for investing in green tech.

“By partnering with Muirhouse Housing Association, we’re delivering more affordable, greener living to social homes in Scotland, making a real impact on communities and people’s pockets.”

Glenn Rivers, asset manager at Muirhouse Housing Association, said: “At Muirhouse, we are always looking at practical solutions to improve our homes and support our tenants through the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, particularly when it comes to fuel poverty.

“The Octopus Tenant Power scheme allows us to invest in low carbon technologies such as solar panels and battery storage in a way that delivers a real, direct benefit to our tenants through a guaranteed reduction in their energy bills.

“By building on the success of this project, we aim to roll Tenant Power out across all our homes, helping to cut energy costs and make a meaningful difference to tackling fuel poverty in Muirhouse.”

Muirhouse joins Grampian Housing Association and West Highland Housing Association as the first associations in Scotland to roll out the tariff.