Halifax, West Yorkshire

Earlier this year, a Halifax homeowner had solar panels installed through the Calderdale Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG).

Before the work took place, the home had an EPC rating of high D. Although this isn’t the lowest band, the homeowner still faced higher than necessary electricity bills and rising energy prices were becoming a concern.

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that shows how energy efficient a home is.
It gives the property a rating from A to G, with:

• A = very efficient (lower running costs)
• G = very inefficient (higher running costs)

The EPC also explains:

• how much it costs to heat and power the home,
• where energy is being lost,
• what improvements could help,
• and how the rating could increase if those improvements were installed.

Every home sold or rented in the UK must have a valid EPC. It’s a simple way for homeowners to understand how their home performs and what could reduce their bills.

A smooth and well organised process

From the first contact, the homeowner described the whole process as clear, simple and well organised.

• The application was explained properly.
• Emails were written in plain language.
• It was always clear what stage the process was at and what information was needed.
• Updates came at the right time, so there was no need to chase.

The time between first contact and the initial appointment felt reasonable, and the survey visit was described as professional and respectful. When asked to score the experience before installation, the homeowner gave ten out of ten for every area — including communication, clarity, politeness and overall satisfaction.

Installation and long term savings

The solar panels were installed in February 2026 through the Calderdale WHLG scheme. With the new system in place, the home is expected to save around £157 a year on electricity costs. While the annual saving is steady rather than dramatic, it adds up over time and offers some protection against future price increases. Importantly, the work was completed without the homeowner needing to find over £12,000 upfront.

Improving the home’s energy performance

Before installation, the home had an EPC rating of D. Once the property is reassessed, the rating is expected to improve to band C thanks to the solar panels. Reaching band C improves the home’s overall energy efficiency and can support its long term value.

More than just the installation

What really stands out about this case is not just the financial benefit, but the quality of the experience.

The homeowner said they felt:

• informed,
• listened to,
• supported, and
• confident at every stage.

For many people, applying for funded home improvements can feel uncertain. In this case, the journey felt structured, positive and reassuring from start to finish.

Find out what support may be available

If you live in Calderdale and are concerned about rising energy costs, support may be available through the Warm Homes Local Grant.

YES Energy Solutions can help you understand:

• which improvements may be suitable for your home, and
• whether you meet the eligibility criteria.