There are hopes a new solar-powered housing model could save homeowners thousands of dollars a year in power bills.  

Fletcher Living is launching a solar-home pilot at its Greenstead development in Lincoln. 

Octopus Energy will manage the household's energy use, offsetting the cost of any electricity, with no bills promised for the first five years. 

Chief Executive Steve Evans told Heather du Plessis-Allan solar actually has a lifespan of about 25 years.  

He says some customers don't want to be tied to a provider for longer than five years, and they believe this pilot will expand. 

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