Energy self-sufficient homes considered for UK

Smart homes that are virtually self-sufficient in energy are being considered in the UK.

The homes, to be available in Barcelona and Paris next year, use a combination of traditional energy-efficiency measures and some more high tech developments.

Wind turbines, solar panels and phase change materials are popular alongside innovative sensors that work out where people are in a house and adjust heat and lighting accordingly, the Guardian reported.

The homes are developed by the Smart Energy Home consortium, consisting of university researchers, chemical companies and construction firms.