Council to fit solar panels on homes

York Council has announced that over the next six weeks it will be undertaking a survey of nearly 800 homes, and installing the photovoltaic panels on previously identified houses to generate low cost, sustainable energy.

Once fitted, the panels will allow tenants to use as much of the free solar electricity generated as they wish during daylight hours, which research suggests could supply up to 40 per cent of household requirements,

Steve Waddington, York Council’s assistant director of housing and community safety, said: “It’s great to see work to fit these panels has begun. We have been working with Empower Community and Community Energy Solutions for over 12 months to make the scheme viable and we are delighted that we are now in a position to start work.

“Unfortunately not every home is suitable for these panels but where it is the free, electricity will significantly reduce the tenant’s energy costs.”

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, York Council’s Cabinet member for health, housing and adult social services said: “I believe it’s essential that as a responsible landlord we take every opportunity to enable our tenants reduce their carbon footprint and reduce their energy bills. This low-carbon source of sustainable energy will serve to keep tenants comfortable, healthier and better off.”

Over the next six weeks, the panels will be fitted on homes which have already been identified as potentially suitable in terms of size, orientation and pitch, while hundreds more are assessed.

To ensure the panels are placed on suitable roofs, the council is undertaking the survey with Nationwide Solar, one of the biggest nationwide installers.

The company will be contacting tenants to arrange surveys and tenants will be asked to give their consent for panels to be installed.