Households in borough offered free solar panels

HOUSEHOLDERS are to be offered the chance to cut their energy bills by installing solar panels.

Melton Borough Council said government funding will allow it to help households with an income of under £30,000 and those which receive means tested benefits.

Properties will need to have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G, which will be checked as part of the process, and be suitable for installation of solar panels.

A total of 40 properties will receive upgrades in the first round of funding, with both homeowners and private renters able to benefit.

Landlords will be required to contribute one third of the costs.

There will be a second phase, starting next year, which may include additional energy saving measures.

Over the next few weeks, the council will be contacting some residents who live in properties with the lowest energy efficiency ratings in the borough.

A spokesman said: “We will be working in partnership with Sycamore Energy Assessors, which will be assessing potentially eligible properties and visiting householders in the area to advise them about the scheme.

“The council will also be working with energy expert Yes Energy Solutions, which will assess the householders’ eligibility and support those who qualify for the scheme through the process.

Councillor Alison Freer said: “We are delighted to have secured £386,950 of government funding in this round so that eligible householders will be able to install solar photovoltaic systems to generate their own green electricity.

“Being able to afford household energy bills will have long-term benefits to residents’ finances and wellbeing, as well as delivering key benefits for the environment.

“One of the council’s six key priorities in our corporate strategy is to protect our climate and enhance our natural environment, and this funding enables us to take valuable steps to making Melton a cleaner, greener place to live.”

The scheme will run to March. People who think they may be eligible can call Yes Energy Solutions on 03309 126199.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO HELP REDUCE ENERGY BILLS