Solar sparks conversation at webinar for Richmond residents

An open forum for questions on solar panels and home energy improvements sparked engaging conversation during our first free solar and retrofit webinar, featuring experts from MakeMyHouseGreen and Ecofurb.

Key questions from the audience of more than 100 Richmond residents included whether solar panels are allowed on homes in conservation areas, if heat pumps, solar and batteries can work together to cool homes, and whether homes with an Article 4 Direction can have solar panels.

View the recorded webinar below to find out the answers.

Residents heard from Russell Smith, founder of Ecofurb, about the benefits of taking a whole-house approach to retrofit and how independent advice can help households prioritise the right improvements for their home. Seb Hughes, Sales Lead at MakeMyHouseGreen, explained how solar panels work, typical costs, potential savings and the £600 discount available to Richmond residents through the Council’s solar panel offer.

Many of the answers to questions focused permitted development criteria – that is, the rules that must be followed if a project is to be able to go ahead without planning permission. Find out more about permitted development and planning permission for solar panels and heat pumps.

Councillor Elizabeth Gant opened the session, with Andrew Hagger, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability, introducing the Council’s Smarter Homes programme. 

The session was recorded and is available on the Smarter Homes Hub where residents can learn more about solar panels, retrofit planning and the local support available.