We caught up with Paul Terry, Managing Director at UPOWA, a UK leader in renewable energy technology, to talk about their partnership with Acorn Property Group, their shared sustainability goals, and how innovation in solar and EV technology is shaping the homes of the future.
Can you tell us about UPOWA and how your partnership with Acorn began?
We have built a long-standing relationship with Acorn through the Brickability Group. Acorn is one of our key clients and we’ve been supporting their developments as their renewable solutions provider for over five years, installing solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers.
A lot of housebuilders just use solar PV to meet minimum compliance for immediate gains, rather than storing and harvesting energy. Acorn is always looking at dynamic ways of how they can maximise the value of renewables and future-proof their homes for the homeowner. They are a great client; they challenge us in all the right ways and are always looking to see how they can be even better. Their homes are built to a high standard, and I believe we complement that with the services and technologies we provide.
Sustainability is a key focus for Acorn. How does UPOWA ensure that same level of responsibility in its work?
We actively prioritise partners using low-carbon manufacturing processes and who share our sustainability values. As part of the Brickability Group, we also adhere to a group-wide ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework covering everything from supply chain audits to employee welfare. All our suppliers must meet the same standards.
We’re looking to be ahead of the rest, and we really take our responsibility seriously. That means constantly reviewing our partners and product offering, strengthening our supply chain, and ensuring we deliver both quality and performance for our clients, backed by transparency and traceability.
For homeowners, how do these solar panels translate into real value – like energy savings, reduced carbon footprint, ease of use?
Our solar installations begin generating clean electricity from day one. Once installed and commissioned, homeowners benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint almost immediately. The systems we design are low maintenance and are sleek and aesthetically pleasing on the eye.
You recently grew with three new operational depots (Exeter, Sutton Coldfield, Bury St Edmunds) – tell us more about this expansion?
Last year we delivered 142% growth operationally, working on over 400 live housing sites across the UK. Opening the new regional depots allows us to serve developments more efficiently while reducing transport emissions. It also enables us to invest in local labour, create jobs, and build a skilled workforce who can deliver in those areas. More than ever, customers want to understand the full environmental impact of a product — from how it’s made to how it’s installed and used. This model is more regionally serviceable, rather than delivering from one central hub, and has been well received by our clients. They see the benefit in terms of responsiveness, carbon reduction, and community engagement.
What innovations are on the horizon for UPOWA – are there new opportunities in the pipeline?
As well as our new build division, which has been our focus, we also deliver large-scale commercial solar projects, including for clients like Amazon, Bombardier, and Anglian Water. Diversifying into adjacent sectors will allow us to expand sustainably. We’re always focusing on what products are best for the market and the delivery and installation of those products. Last year we launched our own home EV charger, the ePro 7. We manufacture the ePro 7 at our Newbury facility, so it’s a ‘made in Great Britain’ product, and we’ve done that to make sure we’re in line with what the industry is going to require. It’s been designed with the future in mind, fully compliant and ideal for integration within new homes. We work closely with regional housebuilders, like Acorn to understand emerging needs and identify gaps in the market, so we can invest early and develop the right solutions and support those markets in the future.
How do you envision sustainable tech shaping the homebuyers’ experience in the future?
I think today’s homeowners are becoming more switched on and intuitive to what housing’s going to mean for the future. They’re looking for that central integration of multiple technologies and smart solutions that they can have at their fingertips. We continue to look forward and innovate, but ultimately, we know it’s not just UPOWA and solar, it’s everything else that goes with it. The fabric of the building and other services, like air source heat pumps. So, these must all work together to deliver the homeowner a feel-good factor home that is efficient and reduces energy bills and emissions.
As the industry moves away from gas and towards electrification, our role is to help housebuilders deliver homes that align with net zero goals and exceed expectations — for regulators, buyers, and the planet.
Building a Greener Future
Through our partnership with UPOWA, Acorn continues to push boundaries in sustainable development. Together we are helping to create homes that combine contemporary design with clean, renewable energy and long-term environmental value.
If you are looking for new homes for sale that are stylish, energy efficient and built for the future visit our developments page.
