ForHousing has appointed RPS Group to deliver a £1.2m installation programme for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on 252 homes.
The homes are situated in Salford and Oldham in Greater Manchester, and more widely in Liverpool, and Cheshire West and Chester.
Priority is to be given to the least energy-efficient properties, to ensure the biggest impact on reducing resident energy bills and carbon emissions. Work is set to begin imminently with an estimated completion date of March 2026.
The announcement marks the beginning of RPS Group’s second phase of photovoltaic solar panel installations for ForHousing, following the successful delivery of a £1.5m project in September 2024, which saw 320 panels installed on homes across the region.
The programme is said to represent a significant step forward in ForHousing’s efforts to decarbonise its housing stock, in line with its 2025 Green Strategy. This includes reducing energy demand across both homes and operations, while accelerating the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
ForHousing has also committed to achieving an EPC Band C rating across all its properties by 2030 and reaching net-zero carbon emissions across its homes and operations by 2050.
Nigel Sedman, executive director of homes at ForHousing, said: “We’re always looking for ways to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet current and future housing needs – and enhancing renewable energy sources is a key part of that.
“Solar panels help reduce household emissions and make a real difference to energy bills, helping tenants save money at a time when the cost of living remains high, so we’re pleased to be working with RPS Group on this next phase.”
“As outlined in our Green Strategy, cutting emissions from homes and transitioning to renewable energy is a priority for ForHousing. Projects like this one help to futureproof our homes while delivering real, immediate benefits to our tenants.”
RPS Group was selected for its expertise in advanced renewable technologies and proven logistical strength, and is one of the few specialist contractors in the North of England with a strong track record of retrofitting a wide range of housing at scale. This includes high-rise urban tower blocks to remote rural properties.
Graham Rothwell, owner and founder of RPS Group, said: “After successfully completing the first phase of work with ForHousing, we’re pleased to be leading this next round of solar panel installations.
“RPS Group has invested heavily in the skills, technology, and infrastructure in recent years to ensure we can meet the demand for large scale housing retrofit projects across the North of England.
“Our team brings specialist knowledge, particularly when it comes to working with older homes and legacy heating systems. That gives housing providers confidence that installations will be carried out efficiently and to a high standard, allowing residents to see the benefits as quickly as possible.”
Main image: RPS Group employees outside a property in Greater Manchester following a successful PV installation
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