Decision

The Cabinet has decided to require Council tenants to pay a 'use and maintenance' fee for solar panels and batteries installed in their homes.

Analysis

outcome: The use and maintenance payment will be a 50% share of the savings the household can expect from using energy from the solar panel and battery.

summary: The decision involves installing solar panels and batteries to Council tenants' homes, with a condition of agreeing to a 'use and maintenance' payment.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to require Council tenants to pay a 'use and maintenance' fee for solar panels and batteries installed in their homes.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as tenants may have differing opinions on the payment requirement for the solar panels and batteries.

affected_stakeholders: ["Council tenants", "Strategic Director with responsibility for Housing"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1363

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: 1.       That installation of solar panels and batteries to a Council tenants’ home will be conditional upon the tenant agreeing to a ‘use and maintenance’ payment for the solar panel and battery.   2.       That the use and maintenance payment will be a 50% share of the savings the household can expect from using energy from the solar panel and battery.   3.       That the use and maintenance charge will commence after twelve months of usage and be based on monitored savings.   4.       That the Strategic Director with responsibility for Housing be authorised to instruct the procuring and purchasing of energy monitors to install in properties receiving solar, funded from the existing retrofit budget.  

Date of Decision: June 18, 2025