Solar Panels reduce fuel poverty among council tenants

 Solar PV panels reduce fuel poverty among city’s council tenants

Tenants of two sheltered housing schemes in Brighton and Hove are looking forward to a warmer winter with lower fuel bills, as work begins to install Solar PV panels on the communal roofs of their homes on Monday 31 March.

Sloane Court in Park Street, Brighton, is amongst the first of several Brighton and Hove City Council sheltered schemes for older people where Solar PV panels will be fitted under a £300,000 investment programme that also covers 45 council houses and will be finished by the end of April.

Panels will be installed on a further 100 council homes at a cost of £500,000, which are due to be completed by the end of June.

Cllr Bill Randall, Chair of Housing, said, “By fitting Solar PV we are reducing the energy needs and cutting fuel bills for some of our older and most vulnerable residents, helping to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and creating jobs.

“Most importantly we are reducing fuel poverty in the city. Earlier this month it was revealed that more than 17,000 households in Brighton and Hove are living in fuel poverty – an increase of almost 20% from 2011. Fewer of them will have to choose whether to heat or eat next winter.” 

*Photo Voltaic

Sustainability statistics:

Homes are the most significant source of carbon dioxide in the city, producing 42% of Brighton & Hove's measured carbon footprint, or 514,000 tonnes annually, compared to 31% nationally

Domestic CO2 emissions in the city (including council homes) account for around 57% of the city’s total emissions from buildings

Energy prices are expected to double by 2030

National and local research has established the relationship between poor housing and poor health outcomes, in particular fuel poverty and poor thermal comfort.