134 privately owned homes across the city have now had solar panels installed for free through the Local Authority Delivery scheme. The funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy aims to improve the energy efficiency of homes that are costly to power and heat – reducing bills and carbon footprints.
This scheme supports Nottingham’s ambition to be the first carbon neutral city in the UK by 2028, as well as reducing the impact of fuel poverty. Once completed later in the year, the scheme will have delivered solar panels to 657 privately owned homes across the city, while other schemes, such as the Deep Retrofit Energy Model (DREeM), are supporting the City Council to make improvements to Nottingham City Homes’ properties.
These solar panels will save each household approximately £290 per year on their energy bills, which is vital due to the cost of living crisis. The improvements made through the scheme will also avoid approximately 322 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Homeowner Susan, who recently had solar panels installed on her house, said: “I’ve got to say all of the workmen have been fantastic, they cleaned up every bit of mess and have been no bother. I also want to thank the council for getting the grant from the Government to give me free electricity – it’s just wonderful.”
Councillor Sally Longford, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Energy and Waste Services, said: “I was delighted to meet Susan who was happy with the improvements made to her home thanks to this scheme. Through all of the Greener HousiNG projects we’re running across the city, we’re tackling fuel poverty and supporting citizens to reduce their bills which I hope will ease some of the pressure of the cost of living crisis.
“Not only do these schemes have financial benefits, but they are improving health outcomes of Nottingham’s citizens and supporting our ambition to be the first carbon neutral city in the UK by 2028.”
While the current phase of the Local Authority Delivery scheme is no longer open for applications, the third phase of the scheme is accepting applicants, with installations expected to take place from Autumn 2022. Through the third phase, people who meet certain eligibility criteria and have cold homes that are hard to keep warm can apply to have their home insulated.
Nottingham Energy Partnership are supporting the City
Council with the application process, and more information about the home
improvements available can be found
on their website.