Eight-panel (2kWp) solar-electricity-generating PV panels were installed on the southerly-facing roofs of eleven Osprey homes by Brechin-based installer Forster Energy within a week, minimising any disruption to the residents.

A power diverter was also fitted, meaning that any solar-generated-electricity not used by the resident is diverted to heat their hot water tank, further reducing the amount of electricity they need to buy-in from their energy supplier during the day.

Jane McWhirr, housing energy support officer with Osprey, explained: “This is what really sold it to us, as it means that all tenants will benefit, regardless of whether or not they are at home during the day. It was an ideal solution for these properties, which due to being off the gas grid, tend to have high electricity bills.”

In order to help residents get the most out of the free electricity generated by the panels on their roof, Forster provided an eight page guide full of useful tips. The eight panel systems could save residents as much as £200, depending on how much electricity they use during day-light hours.

One tenant said her weekly spend on electricity has already gone down from £20 to £15.

Following the scheme’s success, Osprey Housing is now considering rolling out PV programmes across its other housing schemes.

Steve Scott, energy managing director at Forster Energy, said: “We were delighted to be selected to work on this project, and it was really pleasing to receive such positive feedback from Osprey and their tenants.

“PV provides a great solution for meeting the EESSH and tacking fuel poverty. It is cost effective and less intrusive than other measures and can have a significant impact on the Energy Efficiency ratings of homes and other buildings”.

The project was delivered through the newly established Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) Energy Efficiency & Refurbishment framework.

Clive Feeney, head of SPA operations, said: “We are really pleased with how this project was successfully delivered, it’s a great example of our Energy Efficiency & Refurbishment framework working well. Forster demonstrate the excellence we strive for at SPA, they have effectively safeguarded our client and demonstrate a suitable opportunity to procure an energy efficiency solution.”