Four homes have had solar panels retrofitted costing £35,000 while also supporting a council’s net-zero carbon emissions ambitions.
Wickham Community Land Trust installed 32 solar panels, with each home getting eight panels plus a 5kW storage battery.
This will reduce the homes’ reliance on the grid to heat water.
Families will also have the option to sell excess power generated to their electricity provider.
The project proved complex due to the requirement to remove existing embedded hot water heating panels and relay the roof.
The panels at two of the properties these had become a “maintenance liability”.
It is believed that the investment in photovoltaic panels and storage batteries will return better outcomes for the families involved.
The properties are well insulated, and thanks to the sunny weather since the installation was completed in May, the panels reduced energy imported from the grid over the summer to just a few kWh.
Consequently, this installation is anticipated to make a “significant difference” to energy costs.
Over the PV panels’ lifespan, it is estimated that the Greenhouse Gas emissions from these homes might reduce by up to 80 per cent.
One resident said: “As for the solar system it is amazing we have noticed the difference already compared to previous months bills.
“Very much appreciated from you guys at the land trust.”
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