Date: 30/04/25

Norwich Business Improvement District

Established in 2012, Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) is aiming to be Net Zero by 2040 - through collaborative efforts and initiatives including waste and recycling, sustainable transport solutions and the ‘The Norwich Solar System’. Norwich BID’s vision is to ensure that Norwich is resilient to climate change through adaption, mitigation and regeneration with an ambition to animate and enhance Norwich as a beautiful place to live and visit.

The Norwich Solar System

What is the Norwich Solar System?

• The project aims to establish an urban solar farm by utilising the potential of suitable commercial rooftop space across all eight districts of the city - turning unused business roof tops into solar energy generators.
• The energy generated is for a mutual benefit → opportunity to sell excess back to the grid or neighbouring businesses.
• Opportunity of new job creation, reduce resilience of fossil fuels, improve air quality and save money for local businesses.
• Ambition has been to facilitate knowledge sharing and education processes - through ongoing promotion of rooftop PV and other renewable energy sources through information sessions and experience sharing

Drivers and Barriers to non- domestic photovoltaic rooftop instillation

Barriers

• Lack of information
• Issues for business tenants - landowner poor communication and lines of responsibility/ indifferent
• Instillation of PV - potential problems with shading

Drivers

• Cut carbon emissions/ environmental concern
• Brand enhancement
• Cost savings - collaborative working…investing in local skill development
• Opportunity to earn money/reduce expenses
• Awareness of potential of roof space - some businesses were motivated by the advance insight that their large roof space might be suitable for PV instillation.