Havebury Housing Partnership tenants in Clare will benefit from improved energy efficiency and reduced bills after their homes were installed with Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The Suffolk affordable homes provider aims to install 1,000 solar PVs over the course of the programme, which is being delivered in partnership with community regeneration experts Saving Energy UK and project funders Macquarie Bank. Some of the first panels were installed in Bailey Lane.
Residents David and Betty Prigg say they are delighted with the outcome of the installation at their bungalow, in which they have lived for 14 years. David, 85, said: “The thing that has impressed me most has been the service. The workers involved in the project have kept their heads down and been really quick. It’s impressive to see.”
Betty, 81, added:
“The support, advice and information we have received from Havebury has been great. We have always been made aware of what was happening and when, and we have been given advice on how to make the most of the Solar PV panels.”
David and Betty, who have four children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, are now looking forward to a reduction in energy bills in coming months. “The extra money will go towards our hobbies and jobs around the house, and we’ll also save money for our family”, said Mrs Prigg
A further 200 installations have taken place since the first week of its programme. More than 369 homes have been surveyed for potential installation, and it is estimated that at least 1,000 homes will be installed with Solar PV before the end of the year.
Havebury Chief Executive Karen Mayhew said:
“It’s fantastic that the first installations have gone so smoothly and residents like Mr and Mrs Prigg were happy with the process and outcome. We are committed to offering sustainable homes, and the solar PV programme is a huge part of this.”