​Sunlight savings: A Nottingham family’s solar panel experience

“I haven’t paid a single penny – and it’s already helping”

Installation: Solar PV

Location: Nottingham
Scheme: Nottingham HUG2

Date: April 2025

Delivery partners: YES Energy Solutions, Nottingham City Council

Aaron lives in Nottingham with his partner, their son, a dog, and a guinea pig! The family has lived in their home for over a decade, and whilst the property wasn’t particularly cold or inefficient, the lack of a gas supply meant their electricity bills were high.

The opportunity to install Solar PV came through a letter from Nottingham City Council, who were working with YES Energy Solutions to deliver the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) scheme.

“I think it was the council who had reached out to me at first. They said there was some funding left, and they were reaching out to residents in certain postcodes. I got the letter and applied on the same day – I was lucky really.”

Installation experience

Aaron described the installation process as smooth, well organised, and completely stress-free.

“The experience has been all 5 stars really from me. We were kept really well in the loop. We were told by YES the schedules and when people would come, and they kept to it.”

He appreciated the communication from the team and how efficiently the work was carried out.

“The electrician came up and rang when he was an hour away, so that was really helpful. It wasn’t disruptive at all. They came and put up the scaffolding, then the electrician came and had it all fitted within 2 days. Then they came and took the scaffolding down when I was at work – so didn’t even see them.”

After the installation

Since the solar panels were installed, Aaron has already started to notice a difference in his energy usage and bills.

“I do regularly keep an eye on the electricity bill, and I’ve changed the tariff to one where I can export electricity back into the grid. When the sun’s been out it’s been generating and what I’m using during the day is free! It’s all helping and we’re noticing a difference.”

Although the savings are still modest, Aaron is optimistic about the long-term benefits.

“It’s not loads yet – about £5 or £10 – but let me tell you that all adds up to help! They’ve only been installed since the end of August, so we’ve not had a full year yet or even a full summer.”

Conclusion

Aaron was extremely satisfied with the process and the outcome, praising the scheme and the delivery team.

“There’s been no drama, no issues. I couldn’t recommend it enough. I think a couple others on the street have solar panels and I’ve only started noticing them now that I’ve had mine done!”

“It’s been a sweet flowing process. I can’t complain about anything as I haven’t paid a single penny towards it – it’s all been 5-star top marks from me!”