Renewable energy

Solar panels are the most common domestic renewable energy source in the UK, which capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity (photovoltaic) or heat (thermal). You could install ground-mounted or building-mounted solar panels.

Although savings will vary depending on how often you are at home, at what times of the day you use energy, how much you use, and if you have a battery installed with the system, the long-term savings will help to recoup the cost of installation.

An assessment is required by an installer to find out if your home is viable for solar. To get an idea, find out if your home could benefit from solar PV panels by using the Energy Saving Trust’s solar calculator.

You could be eligible for a grant to pay for solar panels through the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), with details on our energy efficiency grants webpage.

Our website provides information on planning permission to install solar panels.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website for further information on solar PV panels or further information on solar thermal panels.

Solihull Council has partnered with iChoosr Ltd, who are independent experts in group-buying, to bring Solar Together to Solihull’s homeowners. Solar Together West Midlands is an innovative group buying scheme offering high-quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage at a competitive price.

Registrations close on 6 June 2025. To register click here Solar Together.  

Air source heat pumps are an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution to heat and cool homes and provide hot water.

They extract heat from outside air to pump into your central heating system and can even generate heat when outside temperatures are as low as -15°C, meaning they work all-year round. 

You could be eligible for a grant to pay for a heat pump through the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), ECO Scheme (ECO4 and Eco Flex) and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with details on our energy efficiency grants webpage.

Our website provides information on planning permission to install heat pumps.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website for further information on heat pumps.

As the name suggests, a ground-source heat pump draws energy from the ground.

They can be up to 50% more efficient than air source pumps as the ground maintains a relatively constant temperature all-year round.

You could be eligible for a grant to pay for a heat pump through the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), ECO Scheme (ECO4 and Eco Flex) and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with details on our energy efficiency grants webpage.

Our website provides information on planning permission to install heat pumps.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website for further information on heat pumps.

When wind spins the wind turbine's blades, a rotor captures the wind’s kinetic energy and converts it into energy to use in your home.

Some micro wind turbines can be fitted onto buildings, although not all locations are suitable for installation.

Our website provides information on planning permission to install micro wind turbines.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website for further information on wind turbines.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) allow you to capture heat or electricity from renewable sources to be used at a later point, saving you money on your bills and reducing emissions.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website for further information on energy storage.