Stockport Homes makes Russell Gardens SHINE as part of innovative solar panel project

Published by Nicola Mileham for Stockport Homes in Housing and also in Environment, Local Government

Stockport Homes has completed its first installation of solar panels at Russell Gardens as part of an innovative multi-million pound project to install solar photovoltaics across the borough of Stockport.

The SHINE (Stockport Homes Investing in Natural Energy) project is the largest of its kind in the North-West and will see around 1,200 installations across the borough. This will result in customers saving around 20% - 30% on their electricity bill – that’s around £130 off their bill per year, as well as reducing carbon emissions associated with the burning of fossil fuels for energy provisions.  

The project will also provide an additional income from a Government backed scheme called the feed-in tariff. The surplus income generated will be used to provide alternative low carbon measures to other households that are not eligible for solar photovoltaics. 

Jane Clayton, Board Member for Stockport Homes and resident at Russell Gardens said, “The installation of solar panels at Russell Gardens has been very quick and efficient. It is great that residents at Russell Gardens will save money on their service charges at a time when the cost of energy is getting more expensive.” 

Councillor Shan Alexander, Executive Member for the Environment said, “This scheme is fantastic for the environment as it will reduce carbon emissions associated with the burning of fossil fuels by around 0.6 tonnes per year.” 

Councillor Mark Weldon, Executive Member for Communities said, "This excellent and imaginative new scheme will greatly benefit Stockport Homes' residents and will also provide environmental and economic benefits for the borough." 

Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Executive Member for Finance added, "We strongly support this innovative project. Solar panels will help customers save around £130 a year on their electricity bill while adding environmental benefits through clean and renewable energy. The costs will be covered by a government-backed scheme called the feed-in tariff so there is no cost to the council tax payer.” 

Photo caption: Mark Hudson, Director of Technical Services, Stockport Homes (back row) and Cllr Shan Alexander, Executive Member for the Environment; Cllr Mark Weldon, Executive Member for Communities; Jane Clayton, Stockport Homes’ Customer Board Member (west area); and Joe Keating, Environmental Projects Surveyor, Stockport Homes (front row) at Russell Gardens in Heaton Norris.

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Note for Editor:

For further information please contact:

Jane Ratcliff
Marketing and Communications Manager
Stockport Homes   
Tel: 0161 474 2863