Fantastic rays to cut the bills.

Byline: AMY HUNT

SOLAR panels are being fitted to homes in the North East for free in a bid to help the environment.

Green support services firm eaga is working in partnership with affordable housing provider Home to install renewable energy devices like solar panels.

Under the initiative, householders who are tenants of Home in trial areas will have photovoltaic (PV) solar panels fitted completely free.

As well providing up to 50% of a household's electricity, the solar rays can also help to cut fuel bills.

Initially four properties in Wallsend will benefit from the panels.

But Home is looking to roll the programme out further as part of the scheme to protect the environment and reduce energy costs for customers.

Based in Newcastle, eaga improves the energy efficiency of up to 3,000 households across the UK every working day and is a leading provider of large scale renewable energy solutions.

Wallsend pensioner and Home customer Gwyneth Lynch has just had PV panels fitted to her bungalow by eaga under the scheme.

She said: "I am thrilled with the difference this has made. The house already feels that much warmer, even in the areas where it always used to feel cold.

"I now like doing my washing and other chores when the sun is shining and I know the energy is cheap to use and is coming from a renewable source. The installers did a wonderful job, they didn't take long and there was no mess."

According to eaga, a well designed solar PV system should be able to provide over 50% of an energy-efficient home's electrical needs.

The introduction of feed-intariffs planned for next year is also likely to push up demand as households will be able to sell any surplus electricity to the national grid.

Steve Wilkinson, from eaga Renewables, said: "This is about helping to make low and zerocarbon technology available to all and we are delighted to be Home's chosen partner on their socially inclusive initiative.

"The introduction of feed-intariffs planned for next year also means households will be able to sell any surplus electricity they generate back to the national grid, encouraging more of these installs. Home is clearly leading the way in this growth area."

Harry Drennan, a contract surveyor from Home, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to help some of our customers reduce their fuel bills in a sustainable manner.

"Home is committed to making all their properties more energy efficient and PV panels are just one of a range of options that we are exploring." Elsewhere not-for-profit community interest company CES North East, has launched its new renewable energy programme.

It is hoping to push the installation of renewables like solar panels and heat pumps to cut householders' bills and help local firms during tough economic times.

To read more about this initiative check out today's Go Green supplement, free in your Chronicle.

CAPTION(S):

BOOST: Gwyneth Lynch outside her home and, right, with Harry Drennan of Home, and eaga's Ian Thompson