Cotswold Energy Group has partnered with Bromford Housing to install solar PV systems in social housing, supporting a large-scale initiative to improve energy efficiency. The project, funded through the ECO4 scheme, aims to reduce tenants’ energy bills while contributing to the UK’s net-zero targets.
With hundreds of properties potentially eligible for ECO4 funding, the project is currently underway, with an ambitious target of completing 70 homes per week. The majority of properties are rural and off the gas grid, making solar PV a crucial solution for lowering energy costs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
CEG have taken the lead in conducting comprehensive property surveys, ensuring each home meets ECO4 eligibility criteria. A key challenge of the project is that every home requires full insulation, including floors, before solar install can proceed. Properties, built between the 1970s and early 2000s, may need to be upgraded to meet the necessary requirements under ECO4.
Once approved, the CEG team move quickly, installing solar PV systems integrated with data SIM connectivity for real-time energy tracking by Bromford Housing. Each installation is completed in just half a day, with a streamlined process allowing for an additional 70 homes to be retrofitted every week.
• High-Speed Delivery: 70 home installs completed each week.
• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Homes upgraded to meet and often exceed EPC standards for long-term sustainability. Many homes have moved up two SAP bands with some reaching high B or even A ratings, well-placed for upcoming SAP10 changes.
• Lower Energy Bills: Residents benefit from free electricity, reducing fuel poverty and improving financial stability.
• Future-Proofed Housing – Solar PV offers the potential to export energy back to the grid, increasing energy independence.
• Remote Monitoring – Real-time system performance tracking via data SIMs, to help with ongoing maintenance and efficiency tracking for Bromford Housing.
• Resident Experience – Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding energy savings and the smooth installation process. The teams have worked proactively to address any issues or concerns.
Bromford Housing has found the experience of working with CEG to be highly positive, citing effective communication, minimal resident disruption, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. As this was the first large-scale rollout of Solar PV using ECO4 funding, CEG has adapted quickly to ensure continuous improvements.
Based on their experience, Bromford Housing is happy to recommend CEG, highlighting the professionalism, expertise, and customer-focused approach demonstrated throughout.
