Solar panels slash energy bills of County Durham villagers by almost three quarters

Villagers in Chilton, County Durham have reported savings of over 70 percent on their energy bills after their homes were fitted with solar panels and battery storage.

Peterlee-based renewable energy specialist Clear Climate installed panels on 60 properties in Chilton after being awarded the contract from housing association Livin Housing Limited.

The panels and battery storage packs were installed earlier this year and in just a few months the residents have reported they’re now paying over 70 percent less than they were before the installation was carried out.

Clear Climate is one of the North East’s fastest-growing renewable energy firms.

Despite only being founded by directors Andy Smith and Lee Peachey in 2017, it now has a £5m plus turnover.

Lee said: “This contract, awarded by Livin Housing, was a big one for us and is the first of several solar panel projects we hope to be delivering across the North East in the coming months.”

Hayley Bartofiak, office manager at Clear Climate, said: “The installation of solar panels is becoming more and more popular as local authorities, businesses and residents look for ways to reduce their energy bills.

“This particular contract saw 60 homes in Chilton fitted out with a number of solar PV panels and battery storage packs and in a relatively short space of time residents are reporting major savings on their energy bills, in fact some are over 70 percent better off compared to what they were paying before the panels were installed.

“At a time when many people and businesses are feeling the pressure of increased overheads because of rising gas and electricity costs, it is the ideal time to make the switch to these more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient heating systems.

“As has proved to be the case at the properties in Chilton, opting for solar panels and battery packs could save a significant amount of money each month.”

Clear Climate works with businesses and organisations including Durham County Council, Bellway Homes, Tolent, Darlington Borough Council and Barker and Stonehouse.