Residents in Chelmsley Wood, and neighbouring wards, are beginning to feel the benefits of the Council’s Healthy Homes Scheme, with the first solar panels now installed on local homes. Among the first to benefit are Mr and Mrs Hanrahan, who recently had their new solar panels fitted and are already beginning to see the advantages of cleaner, greener energy at home.
As part of the free home upgrades funded through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, the couple also received an improved ventilation package, to reduce the risk of mould and damp, and upgraded loft insulation. It’s estimated that 25% of an average home’s heating is lost through the roof.
The Healthy Homes Scheme is designed to help residents make their homes warmer, more comfortable, and healthier to live in, while reducing energy bills and improving indoor air quality.
Delivered in partnership with energy advice charity Act on Energy, the scheme offers eligible households a range of free home energy upgrades, including loft and cavity wall insulation, solar panels and even air source heat pumps.
Mr & Mrs Hanrahan, said:
“We’re really pleased with the whole experience. At first it almost sounded too good to be true, but the installation was completely stress free from start to finish. The team couldn’t have been more helpful, they took the time to get everything set up properly and showed us exactly how it all works. We’re already seeing the benefits and feel very lucky to be among the first to take up the scheme.”
Cllr Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“Seeing the first solar panels installed marks an exciting step forward for the Healthy Homes Scheme. This programme is about supporting residents to live in warmer, healthier and more energy efficient homes while contributing to a more sustainable future for Chelmsley Wood. We’re delighted that households like Mr and Mrs Hanrahan are already benefiting.”
Eligible homes in the area, those with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G, are first offered a free home retrofit assessment, updated EPC assessment and indoor air quality monitoring. Based on the results, residents may qualify for fully funded energy‑saving improvements tailored to their property. All retrofit works are carried out Dodds group by certified installers.
The local initiative forms part of Your Future Chelmsley Wood, a wider programme focused on creating a greener, healthier and more connected community. This government‑funded initiative is supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered through the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Local Net Zero Accelerator programme.
The wider project focuses on:
• Making homes warmer, more comfortable, and healthier to live in.
• Protecting and enhancing local green spaces.
• Encouraging walking and cycling to support active, sustainable travel.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Planning, said:
"The Healthy Homes Scheme is a brilliant example of how the Your Future Chelmsley Wood programme is already making a real difference to people’s lives. By improving the energy efficiency of our homes, we’re not only helping residents stay warmer and healthier, we’re also supporting our wider ambition to create a greener, more sustainable Chelmsley Wood for the future. I’d encourage anyone living in the area to check whether they’re eligible.”
Chelmsley Wood residents interested in the Healthy Homes Scheme can check if they are eligible by visiting www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-chelmsley-wood. For more information contact Act on Energy by calling 0800 988 2881 or email grants@actonenergy.org.uk, quoting “Healthy Homes Scheme”.
All upgrades are subject to eligibility, funding availability and the results of the home retrofit assessment.