More residents across Solihull are lowering their fuel bills and helping the environment thanks to a scheme offering free energy efficiency upgrades to their home.
More than 50 homes in wards across the borough have now had upgrades through the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) since the summer, including in Blythe, Castle Bromwich, Dorridge and Hockley Heath, Knowle, Lyndon, Meriden, Olton, Shirley East, Shirley South, Silhill and Smith’s Wood.
The latest part of the roll-out has seen measures including loft insulation, solar panels, and high-heat retention storage heaters installed free of charge to more than 20 homes in Dorridge.
One resident, Richard, who lives on Beckford Croft, had solar panels installed on his home by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approved contractor and said the measures will help him save money on his energy bills.
Richard said:
“I’m very pleased. The main reason for applying was because it’s free, it’s supported by the Council, and it’ll help me save money.
“I had not considered solar panels before but you cannot really go wrong with it really. All the work is done for you in terms of finding a contractor and having it fitted and there was little disruption between the scaffolding going up and the panels being installed the next day.”
Husband and wife Barry and Jackie, on Poplar Road, also had solar panels installed on their flat and will have storage heaters fitted in January.
Barry and Jackie said:
“We’re delighted, and we’d encourage other residents who are eligible to take the offer up as it can save you money and help the environment.
“We are now the owners of a solar system and the panels have a product warranty of 25 years. It saves us money and we should receive money back on unused excess energy too. It is also good for the environment and makes our home greener – all at no cost to ourselves.”
Full details of the scheme and how to apply before the deadline on 31 January 2025 are available on the Council's website.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, said:
“It was great to meet residents and hear about how this scheme is helping. It’s particularly pleasing to see more solar panels installed on our homes as this can help achieve substantial cost savings to residents and reduce their impact on the environment by providing a renewable, clean and affordable energy alternative.”
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Mark Parker, said:
“Reducing the heat and energy lost from poorly insulated homes is important as collectively buildings are the biggest source of carbon emissions in Solihull, making schemes such as this a valuable tool.
“There is still time for others to apply for HUG2 and we encourage applications before the deadline, while there are also a number of other energy efficiency grants available so it is worth checking our website to find out more.”
HUG2 is Government-funded and administered locally by Solihull Council. It is targeted at homeowner occupiers who have off-gas properties, have a combined annual income of under £36,000, and an energy performance certificate (EPC) between D and G. Residents may also be eligible if their postcode falls in one of the automatically eligible areas.
Residents who meet all the eligibility criteria can contact energy advice charity Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881 or advice@actonenergy.org.uk.
All grants are subject to eligibility criteria, funding availability and a technical survey to identify what improvements are suitable for their home.
Further information can be found on Your Future Solihull, the Council’s climate change and sustainability campaign, by clicking here.