RPS lands £1.2m solar panel deal with ForHousing
Subscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest construction and civil engineering news.
RPS Group has secured a £1.2 million contract to install solar panels on 252 homes managed by ForHousing, a major social housing provider in the North West. The work prioritises less energy‑efficient homes in areas such as Salford, Liverpool, Cheshire and Oldham, with completion scheduled for March 2026.
The deal follows a £1.5 million installation phase completed in 2024. This second round continues ForHousing’s green agenda, targeting lower carbon emissions and lower household energy costs as part of its long-term net zero strategy.
Retrofitting redefines sector priorities
As the UK seeks to reduce emissions from housing, retrofit work has gained new urgency. Replacing or upgrading systems in existing homes now dominates national energy planning. Public housing providers and private landlords are under increasing pressure to meet energy performance standards and reduce fuel poverty.
For contractors, this marks a shift from traditional builds to energy-focused renovation. RPS was selected in part for its ability to handle solar installations across varied housing types, including older buildings with legacy infrastructure.
The demand for retrofit capability is becoming central to construction tenders across the UK. That is prompting companies to retool their workforce and processes, particularly in regions like the North West where social housing is prevalent and grid reliance is high.
Construction jobs pivot toward renewables
Solar projects such as this require a range of skills, from electrical work to roofing to systems integration. With rising volumes of similar projects across the UK, the labour profile of construction is beginning to reflect demand for energy efficiency knowledge.
The CITB and industry bodies have warned that without rapid training expansion, retrofit targets will outpace capacity. Delivering solar at scale, especially in occupied homes, adds logistical and planning complexities that many contractors are still adapting to.
For RPS and similar firms, investment in training and systems is becoming a competitive differentiator. It also signals a transition for civil engineering and building services contractors towards low-carbon specialisation as a long-term growth area.
Policy and procurement trends taking shape
The ForHousing programme is part of broader public and social sector moves toward net zero. Targets to reach EPC Band C by 2030 across rented housing are driving procurement cycles in local government and housing associations.
Energy bills remain a core political issue. Projects that combine cost savings for residents with emission reductions are increasingly prioritised in funding decisions. That is placing emphasis on measurable outcomes and post-installation performance — areas that favour experienced contractors.
Meanwhile, policy uncertainty around subsidies and standards still shapes the pace of rollout. Delays to support schemes or inconsistent building regulations can complicate planning, particularly for smaller firms.
Implications for civil and building engineering
Solar retrofits are adding new layers to what was once a more linear supply chain. Engineering firms now need capabilities in system design, local authority compliance, structural assessment and resident engagement.
This complexity opens space for specialist firms but also challenges traditional players to adapt. It also changes procurement dynamics, with more emphasis on lifecycle costings, social value metrics and decarbonisation delivery records.
The RPS-ForHousing contract is one example of how construction and engineering are being redefined by climate goals and housing needs. The contract not only reflects sector readiness for renewable energy integration but also shows how social housing is becoming a proving ground for scalable, efficient retrofit models.
Sources: