Solar panels help Wheatley tenants save nearly £600 on electricity bills

Wheatley Homes, the region’s largest social landlord, is working with Lumos Renewables to help tenants save money on their energy bills.

The solar PV panel scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

Each solar panel generates renewable energy, which is used to power all electrical appliances in the home, meaning tenants rely less on electricity from the grid – helping to reduce their energy bills.

Wheatley Homes tenant, Dorothy Murray-Bell, who lives in New Abbey, said:

“I’ve been really impressed – even on a dull, cloudy day, I’m still getting cheaper electricity. I use my washing machine after lunchtime most days, and it hasn’t cost me anything which has been fantastic.”

Alex Lamb, Managing Director of Wheatley Homes in the south,said: 
“We know it’s important to our customers that their energy bills are affordable, especially with the ongoing cost-of-living putting pressure on household budgets.

“By working with Lumos Renewables to install solar panels, we’re helping customers generate their own electricity at home, reducing how much they need to buy from energy suppliers and helping with household costs.”

Since January this year, 195 homes across the region have benefitted from the programme, with upgrades completed in communities including Locharbriggs and Lochside, Annan, Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie.

A further 62 homes have been surveyed and are expected to receive solar panels soon, with additional properties in similar areas also being contacted as the programme continues to roll out.

Each upgraded home could save around £588 a year on energy bills, thanks to the renewable electricity generated by the new solar panels.

The project is part of Wheatley Group’s wider commitment to building and maintaining energy-efficient homes.

Jonny Wilson, Operations Director of Lumos Renewables, said: “Delivering this renewable energy solution – made possible through the continued support of our funding partners – has been a real step forward for tenants in Dumfries and Galloway.”

Lumos Renewables has delivered the works on behalf of Wheatley Homes South, with the cost covered by energy suppliers through the ECO programme.

Across the Group, Wheatley has worked with external partners for over a decade to secure funding for energy-efficiency projects – helping to deliver major improvements to customers’ homes at no direct cost to tenants.