Residents in Lozells are learning to live a greener, more energy efficient life, after taking advantage of a scheme to have solar panels fitted in their homes for free.

With gas bills that have dropped by a third and an electricity bill that’s dropped by half, resident Momota Rahman is living proof that going green works.

And the 38 year old married mum-of-two is happy that she did not turn down the offer of free energy advice when it was first offered to her last year. This is because she is one of Lozells’ first residents to have up to £6,500 of energy efficient measures including solar panels fitted in her home for free.

And she’s immediately began to reap the benefits.

Momota was visited by family Housing Association’s Senior Resident Liaison Officer, Negus Downer, who told her about the scheme that was offering solar panels and other energy efficient appliances to residents in the area. She qualified for funding and had the panels fitted in March.

Family’s Green Doctor, Martin Clarke, has also been working alongside Negus to bring residents up to speed on what it means to be energy efficient.

He has visited 60 households since January and advised residents, whether homeowners or tenants, on how best to make the most of the energy they use at home.

He advises on three areas which include Heating, Insulation and Water. Martin says “Things like checking if the doors fit properly and whether the house is both insulated and ventilated correctly are key things.”

Martin also runs a weekly Green Doctor surgery at the Cherry Tree Centre in Graham Street, Lozells, every Thursday. Please call 0121 766 1163 for details.

The project is delivered by Family Housing Association and funded by housing market renewal organisation, Urban Living.

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