Richmond's solar panel discount rises to £600 through council scheme

Residents thinking about adding solar panels to their home can now save £600 on installation costs through a Richmond Council partnership with MakeMyHouseGreen — up from the previous £500 discount.

The council says households with solar and battery systems typically save around £1,000 a year on energy bills, making the upfront cost more manageable than it might appear. South-facing roofs generate the most electricity, but east- and west-facing roofs are also viable, and most roof types — including flat roofs — are suitable.

For those unsure whether their home qualifies, MakeMyHouseGreen offers a free online calculator to estimate suitability, likely costs and projected savings before any commitment is made. Once a decision is taken, the company handles the whole process from assessment and system design through to installation and certification, typically completing within six to eight weeks.

Conservation area properties are not automatically excluded: many installations in such areas can proceed under permitted development rights, and MakeMyHouseGreen says its team has experience working with the council on exactly these cases.

Full details, including a link to the free calculator, are on the Richmond Council website.

With energy costs still a live concern for many households, this is a practical scheme worth exploring if you have been considering solar for a while.