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Solar panels on 400 homes will save tenants £3.3 million

Published: 30/11/2015

As part of its overall £111 million investment programme to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) by 2020, the council has maximised the opportunity to invest in Solar (PV) Panels across Flintshire. This targeted investment will benefit 400 council homes and complements the wider energy strategy of insulating properties, both internally and externally, as well as bringing gas to communities that have previously been reliant on more expensive forms of heating. The benefit of the Panels is that they will reduce the running costs of the properties, helping to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. The tenants will benefit from free electricity during daylight hours and the council derives an income from the surplus electricity produced, that can be reinvested in the housing stock. Bungalows in rural areas have been prioritised on the basis that the occupiers of these properties are generally in during the day and therefore will benefit most. It is anticipated that over the 20 year lifetime of the Panels, tenants will save over £3.3 million. Councillor Helen Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing said, I am delighted that we have been able to deliver this scheme, which will greatly benefit our tenants. This investment shows the commitment of the council to reduce costs for our older tenants, who are more likely to be on a fixed income and therefore at greater risk of fuel poverty. The council will continue to seek opportunities to make all properties as energy efficient as possible. Note to editors Pictured in the attached photograph (l to r) are: Local resident Mr. John Sturgess, Cllr. George Hardcastle, local resident Rachael Peers and Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr. Helen Brown.