Rooftop Renewables launches as Warm Homes Plan puts solar in the spotlight

CPRE Oxfordshire has launched its new Rooftop Renewables project at a pivotal moment for household energy, following the recent announcement of the Warm Homes Plan and a growing national focus on cutting energy bills, reducing carbon emissions and improving home comfort.

The Warm Homes Plan is expected to provide £15bn of funding across the UK to help households benefit from solar power and other green technologies, making the timing of the project particularly relevant for Oxfordshire residents.

“Rooftop Renewables is about giving people the confidence, knowledge and community backing to take action.”

“This is exactly the moment communities need clear, trusted information and practical support,” said Lisa Warne, Director of CPRE Oxfordshire. “With the Warm Homes Plan now on the table and the cost of solar falling fast, households are asking what they can do next. Rooftop Renewables is about giving people the confidence, knowledge and community backing to take action.”

The project, which offers free workshops to help navigate the technical and financial challenges of installing solar power, was launched at a well-attended event on 21 January with a screening of the documentary Power Station — the inspiring story of a community coming together to create a rooftop power plant. The film was followed by a lively panel discussion and audience Q&A with residents, local authority representatives and renewable energy experts to discuss the role of solar power in Oxfordshire’s energy future.

Speaking on the panel, Dale Hoyland of Oxfordshire County Council said the timing of the initiative could not be better. “We are facing a climate and biodiversity crisis, alongside a cost-of-living crisis,” he said. “The Warm Homes Plan and other funding streams mean there is now real support to help households improve energy efficiency and overcome the upfront costs of solar. Combined with falling technology prices, this makes now a very sensible time to act.”

Panellists highlighted that solar power offers practical and financial benefits as well as environmental ones. Richard Harding, former Chair of CPRE Oxfordshire and a long-term solar user, described how his solar panels and battery storage have helped keep his home powered during local outages. Having first installed panels in 2005, he said early adoption had proved to be “a fantastic long-term investment”, while stressing the importance of keeping up to date with changing tariffs and subsidies.

“You don’t have to know how a car works to buy a car”

Local resident Dave Murray, who installed solar panels at his home in Sonning Common, acknowledged that the technical side of solar can feel daunting. “You don’t have to know how a car works to buy a car,” he said. “Finding an installer you trust makes all the difference.” He added that more community support would have helped him feel confident sooner.

Stuart Major, Director of R-Eco Co-op, said the solar industry has matured significantly in recent years, with more robust systems and experienced installers. He encouraged residents to start planning installations now, ahead of the summer months when solar generation is at its most effective.

The panel also tackled common misconceptions, including the idea that roofs must face south, and stressed that solar works best alongside insulation and other energy efficiency measures. Dale Hoyland highlighted that some local grants can fully fund retrofit improvements for eligible households.

The event concluded with a preview of CPRE Oxfordshire’s upcoming Rooftop Renewables workshops in South Oxfordshire. The first session, on 10 February, will help residents assess the solar potential of their homes, with myth- and jargon-busting. A second workshop on 24 March will focus on grants and funding – including the Warm Homes Plan – as well as guidance on obtaining quotes and choosing a reliable installer. A third online follow-up session will allow residents to share experiences and lessons learned.

The project is set to move to the Vale of White Horse later in the year and, ultimately, across the county.  “We’re launching this project at a critical moment,” said Lisa Warne. “Our aim is to help communities cut carbon, lower bills and build a more resilient energy future.”

If you’re interested to know more, or want to sign up for our free workshops, visit our Rooftop Renewables page.