Sheffield to install solar panels on thousands of council homes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 15:32 · Archive

Sheffield City Council plans to install solar panels and improve insulation on nearly 10,000 council-owned homes by 2030.

Sheffield City Council is considering proposals to install solar panels, batteries and improved insulation on as many as 9,850 council-owned homes by 2030. The £29.6m programme aims to lower fuel bills and cut emissions across the city.

If approved, tenants could save around £250 per year on energy bills. Council officials estimate that collectively, tenants could save between £2.4m and £3.5m annually on fuel costs. The scheme would see as many as 5,250 homes receive solar panels and batteries through third-party investment, while 4,000 homes would receive fabric improvements such as better insulation. The council said these figures are 'strategic estimates' based on national evidence.

Douglas Johnson, chair of the housing policy committee, said the plans would 'deliver lasting improvements that make a real difference to tenants' household finances, health and quality of life'. The programme would also help the authority meet the government requirement that all social housing meets Energy Performance Certificate Band C by April 2030.

The Sheffield Star reports that LibDem and Reform councillors have criticised the £1.9m spending decision as 'astronomical', though further details of their objections are not provided.

How it is being reported

• Cost of solar panels for Sheffield council homes criticised as “astronomical"LibDem and Reform councillors criticise £1.9m spending decisionSheffield Star · 20 Oct, 14:55
• Solar panels plan for thousands of council homesThe proposals could save tenants £250 a year in energy bills, according to Sheffield City Council.BBC South Yorkshire · 20 Oct, 06:04

In this story: Sheffield City Council · Sheffield

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