Solar Panels for CDHT Properties

The rural properties have had solar water heating panels fitted as a more environmentally acceptable solution to gas, which will improve efficiency and reduce fuel costs for residents.

The use of solar panels is part of CDHT’S three year programme to increase energy efficiency in their properties; in October last year, CDHT spent more than £700,000 installing more efficient new boilers to keep tenant energy costs down.

CDHT is working in partnership with UK solar company Solar Twin, which is based at Watergate Street, Chester to provide self sufficient solar energy.

Dave Soothill, CDHT assistant director - asset management and development, said: “CDHT is aware of the impact that fuel prices has on our residents and is committed to an affordable warmth strategy that will reduce fuel poverty for tenants.

“We are investing heavily in energy efficiency and we are currently fitting solar panels across some of our rural properties. This is part of our work with partners to secure funding for other energy efficiency measures to our properties.

“We hope all of these efforts will assist our tenants throughout the winter and make a positive impact on allowing our residents to avoid fuel poverty. Solar heating reduces carbon emissions and fuel poverty, as well as giving our properties greater energy efficiency for the winter.

“We are also pleased to be supporting local sustainability in terms of Solar Twin, which is a Chester based business.”

Barry Johnston, Solar Twin managing director, added: “It is great to be working with CDHT to reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills for its tenants by installing our award wining zero carbon solar water heating systems.

“There are thousands of Solartwins installed worldwide and it is great to see that having installed Solartwin panels at a Chester school last year, another Chester based project is completed this year.”