How Distributed Energy Systems Influence Housing Affordability and Rental Market Participation

This research project will investigate the impact of distributed energy resources (DER), such as rooftop solar panels and small-scale batteries, on housing accessibility and participation in the private rental market. As housing supply constraints and affordability pressures intensify, informal rental arrangements—like renting spare rooms—are becoming vital for housing provision. The PhD student will examine how households adopting DER technologies alter their electricity consumption and expenditures, enhancing energy autonomy. This study aims to understand how these changes influence financial behaviours and decisions related to utilising residential space for rental purposes. Utilising a comparative quantitative survey design, the student will analyse three distinct household cohorts: (i) no solar, (ii) rooftop solar only, and (iii) integrated solar PV with battery storage. This methodology will help identify varied behavioural and economic outcomes linked to different levels of DER adoption. The findings aim to provide empirical insights for integrated energy-housing policy frameworks, focusing on mechanisms that align energy uptake with increased rental housing supply. This project is positioned at the intersection of energy systems, housing policy, and prosumer behaviour, contributing to a deeper understanding of how decentralised energy transitions can affect housing efficiency and affordability.