Universal credit Claimants Eligible for Free Solar Panels & heat Pumps in New Initiative
Birmingham, UK โ – Up to โข1,000 UK homes could receive free solar panels and heat pumps thanks โฃto a new initiative from Octopus Energy, funded through the Labourโค party government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. The program aims to โคtackle fuelโ poverty by providing zero-cost energy efficiency upgrades to eligibleโ households.
The ECO scheme covers โขthe majority of installation costs, with Octopus โขenergy covering โany small additional expenses. However, eligibility is specific, focusing on homes needing energy efficiency improvements.
A typical home with medium โคenergy usage could save ยฃ369 per year by switching to a heat pump, while high-usage homes could save up to ยฃ496โข annually. Solar panels are estimated โto reduce energy bills โฃby ยฃ190 toโ ยฃ350 per year. Combined,these installations represent a potential โขupfront saving of ยฃ10,500 and ongoing savings โคof up to ยฃ846 a year.
Eligibility Requirements:
Property type: Must have โขa ground floor, outdoor space for a heat pump, and a sloping roof for solar panels.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): homes mustโค have an energy efficiency rating of E, F, or G. Heating System: Currently โheated using gas, LPG, or oil.
Construction Date: Built between 1980 and April 1, 2022.
Permission: Owner’s permission is required for the work. Universal Credit: Applicants must be receiving Universal Credit to qualify.
individuals do not โคneed to be existing octopus Energy customers toโค apply. โคFurther details on the application process are available through Octopus Energy.