Solar panels to increase energy efficiency for council tenants across South Kesteven have now been installed at more than 125 homes.
They are part of South Kesteven District Council’s work on a £7.26m energy efficiency upgrade scheme, which includes money from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. This scheme is targeting the poorest performing properties based on their current EPC rating.
The upgrades will result in lower energy bills and a warmer, more comfortable home at zero cost to residents. SKDC is aiming to improve 367 properties in all.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Virginia Moran, said: “With more to come in the financial year 2024/25, SKDC has the opportunity to revisit and assess the impact the first installations have made.
“Each panel produces between 360-410w of energy in optimum conditions. The tenants benefit directly from electricity produced, with residents being paid for any excess generated electricity via the Smart Export Guarantee.”
“Occupants at Ellyslande, in Great Ponton for instance, are very happy with their installations and their corresponding reduced electricity costs – one tenant has told us that a washing machine cycle recently cost just 2p.”
All tenants receive a user-friendly guide regarding the operation of the system as SK are committed to deliver operational support following installation and welcome contact to give further advice on operation of the systems.
The Council is working with E.ON, who are managing the scheme on the Council's behalf through their trusted contractor partner, Advanced ECO, who carry out the home assessments and final installations. Further phases being rolled out this financial year are Air Source Heat Pumps and External Wall Insulation.
The properties all receive a retrofit assessment, whereby any necessary fabric measures and ventilation measures are identified and installed. We have carried out cavity wall extractions and refills, cavity top ups and additional loft insulation.
Wider work from the £7.26m scheme, which includes money from the Council’s Housing budget, will support SKDC to meet its ambition to be net-zero carbon as soon as viable before 2050.
It is estimated that the energy efficiency measures could save tenants up to £400 a year on energy bills.
- Upgrades available through the scheme could offer a range of benefits, including:
- Lowering energy bills
- Improving energy efficiency
- Providing an improved living environment
- Protecting the environment with a renewable energy source
Eligible tenants have been contacted to arrange a home assessment and explore the measures available to them.
For more information about programme, please visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/climatenews
