Hurstwood Holdings - Cotton Meadows New Housing Development
Customer Background
Hurstwood Homes partnered with P4 Solar to deliver a fully integrated solar PV and battery solution across its Cotton Meadows development in Lancashire, supporting the next generation of low-carbon, energy-efficient homes.
Overview
With over 30 years of experience delivering high-quality residential developments across the North West, Hurstwood Homes is known for creating thoughtfully designed communities that combine modern living with traditional craftsmanship.
As part of its commitment to future-ready housing, Hurstwood Homes sought a trusted solar installation partner to support the integration of renewable energy across its developments. Following a recommendation from a leading solar supplier, P4 Solar was selected after a competitive tender process assessing technical expertise, commercial strength, compliance and long-term reliability.
Key Details
The Development
Cotton Meadows is a 30-home development of three and four-bedroom properties located in Barnoldswick, Lancashire. Inspired by the town’s rich mill heritage and strong community identity, the scheme delivers a blend of traditional character and modern, energy-conscious living.
Across the UK, solar PV is becoming an increasingly important feature of new-build housing, helping developers meet tightening building regulations, improve EPC ratings and align with the Future Homes Standard. For homeowners, it delivers many benefits including lower energy bills and improved long-term affordability.
The Challenge
Delivering solar PV across a multi-plot new-build site requires precision planning and close coordination.
At Cotton Meadows, installation works had to be carefully aligned with the wider construction programme, with in-roof PV systems installed prior to the slates being fitted on the roof. Coordinating across multiple trades (including roofing and electrical contractors) was essential to maintaining programme flow and ensuring timely handovers across all 30 plots.
Consistency was also critical. Each property required a compliant, high-performance system tailored to minor variations in roof design, orientation, and shading conditions, while maintaining uniform quality standards, MCS compliance and complete certification for every home.
Logistical efficiency added further complexity, including material management, site access constraints and just-in-time delivery coordination, all within the commercial demands of delivering at scale.
The Solution
P4 Solar designed and delivered a fully integrated solar PV solution tailored to the Cotton Meadows development.
30 housing plots:
180 x 405 Wp Clearline PV High Performance Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Photovoltaic Panel
186 x Viridian Solar Flashings
ArcBox Solar Connector Enclosure (Fire Safety For Compliance)
30 x Hanchu ESS 3.6 kW Hybrid Solar Inverters
30 x Hanchu 5.12 kWh Low Voltage Batteries
The system was designed for consistency, efficiency, and seamless integration within the build programme, ensuring smooth delivery across all phases of construction.
Results & Impact
The Cotton Meadows scheme demonstrates how integrated solar PV can enhance both development performance and homeowner value:
Improved energy performance across all 30 homes, supporting higher SAP and EPC ratings
Future-ready housing design, aligned with evolving Building Regulations and the Future Homes Standard
Reduced running costs for homeowners, enhancing affordability and long-term appeal
Stronger marketability for the developer, with energy-efficient homes increasingly preferred by buyers
Seamless integration into the construction programme, with no disruption to build sequencing
Consistent, compliant delivery across all plots with full MCS certification and documentation
Battery energy storage to capture surplus solar generation and enable year-round savings through off-peak charging and smart energy usage
Complete handover and ongoing support from P4 Solar, ensuring optimal system performance and a smooth experience for all new homeowners
By embedding solar at the build stage, the development benefits from both immediate performance gains and long-term sustainability value.
Looking ahead
As energy standards continue to evolve, solar PV is becoming a core feature of modern residential developments rather than an optional upgrade. The success of Cotton Meadows highlights the value of early-stage collaboration between developers and specialist installers to deliver scalable, compliant, and future-proof energy solutions. While battery storage is not yet widely adopted in new housing developments, its inclusion highlights a clear commitment to providing homeowners with enhanced long-term value and energy savings.
Testimonial
“In a sector where we are approached weekly with solar installation opportunities across our property portfolio, considerable due diligence was undertaken to ensure we partnered with the right provider. Peter, Fred, and the P4 Solar team share the same values as us here at Hurstwood; both are family-run businesses committed to delivering a high-quality service for our respective customers.
Since we began working together at the start of 2025, the relationship has developed significantly. What started with residential solar and battery installations on our new build sites has grown into a close partnership supporting a wider commercial rollout. We have now successfully completed two large-scale installations on office buildings in Rossendale and Liverpool, marking an important milestone in our ongoing collaboration. A great team and a great set of people!”
Matthew Bint, Group Estates Director, Hurstwood Holdings.
Thinking About Battery Storage or Solar Panels for Your Home?
Speak to P4 Solar about a tailored system designed around your property, energy usage and long-term savings.
