Leeds homeowners encouraged to apply for free solar panels and home insulation before scheme ends
Leeds City Council is working with Better Homes Yorkshire to install solar panels and insulation on hundreds of the city’s coldest privately-owned homes thanks to government funding secured earlier this year. The green measures will help residents save money on energy bills and cut the city’s carbon footprint.
150 properties across Leeds have already benefited from the scheme and hundreds more applications are in review. However funding is still available for more homes to receive green upgrades before the scheme expires in March.
Homeowners can apply for free solar panels, cavity wall or loft insulation if their total household income is less than £30,000 per year or they receive certain benefits. Landlords can apply for heavily subsidised installation of the same upgrades if their property’s tenants collectively earn under £30,000.
Once a resident’s application is received, Better Homes Yorkshire will then need to confirm that properties are both eligible (EPC rating D or below) and of suitable construction before work can begin so residents are advised to apply now to avoid missing out on the limited-time offer.
Solar panels produce renewable electricity that can be used to power homes and reduce overall energy bills. A typical Leeds homeowner could save up to £156 per year this way according to the Energy Saving Trust. Owners will fully own the panels once installed, potentially adding value to the price of their property.
Insulating a home helps cut the cost of energy bills by reducing the amount of energy needed to keep it warm. It can make a significant difference to older, draughty homes.
Currently, around a quarter of the city’s carbon footprint comes from the energy used to heat and power our homes.
To find out more about the scheme and how to apply residents should go to www.betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk/leeds or call Better Homes Yorkshire on 0800 597 1500.
Morley resident Anthony Smith, who recently installed solar panels using the Better Homes Yorkshire scheme, said:
“I’m really pleased to have been able to install solar panels at no cost on my semi-detached home. Even in October, they are generating energy and helping me save money on bills. The installation process was quick and easy and I would definitely recommend the scheme to anyone else who thinks they might qualify.”
Cllr Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate said:
“It was great to meet Anthony earlier this week and hear how his new solar panels are already making a difference. He is just one of hundreds of residents that we’ve been able to help this year.
“With climate change and the cost of energy in the news again, there’s never been a better time to install energy saving upgrades that are both good for the planet and our finances. That’s why I want to make sure that as many Leeds residents as possible can be helped with this funding before the scheme ends.
“If you’re a homeowner or landlord and think you might be eligible for this fantastic offer, I strongly encourage you to give Better Homes Yorkshire a call.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council
Photo: Councillor Helen Hayden meets a resident that has recently installed fully funded solar panels
