RPS Group, one of the UK’s leading renewables contractors, has been appointed to install rooftop solar panels in over 2,000 homes across West Yorkshire for Vico Homes worth £8.2m.
RPS Group were appointed following a competitive procurement through the EN:Procure Framework for Installation, Servicing, Maintenance and Repair Works (Gen 4) LOT 29A.
The programme follows the successful delivery of a previous contract, under which RPS Group installed more than 900 solar panels for Vico Homes after they were appointed through a highly competitive process through EN:Procure’s Retrofit Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) Solar PV Lot.
An estimated 18,000 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels could meet up to 50% of each household’s electricity needs, helping customers, many from fuel-poor, lower-income households, save money on their fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.
RPS Group’s contract with Vico Homes is among the most significant large-scale PV solar retrofit programmes in the region’s social housing sector.
It will be partially funded through the Government’s Warm Homes: Social Homes Fund, an initiative designed to improve the energy performance of social housing throughout England. The scheme is being delivered by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Vico Homes.
As part of the project, RPS Group has opened a dedicated office in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growth in the region and supporting local employment during the programmes, which will run through to Spring 2028.
Graham Rothwell, Owner and Founder of RPS Group, said: “Securing such a major PV solar installation with Vico Homes marks a further milestone in West Yorkshire’s drive to decarbonise its social housing stock and help families reduce their fuel bills.
“Because we understand the complexities of housing, providers trust us to deliver efficient, high-quality installations that bring immediate benefits to residents. That’s why RPS Group has increased its investment in recent years to support the delivery of more large-scale housing retrofit projects across the North of England.”
As part of the project, RPS Group will use its market intelligence to work closely with Vico Homes’ asset management team to identify homes that would benefit most from PV solar electricity.
RPS Group’s analysis indicates that an average 2.6-kilowatt PV system could meet up to 30–50 per cent of household electricity demand, helping customers cut energy bills and improve EPC ratings.
The company also estimates that homes will save 500-900 kg of CO₂ per year, helping to meet decarbonisation goals under Vico Homes’ Sustainability Plan 2025 to 2030.
The programme aligns with the wider objectives of the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan, including the introduction of a minimum EPC C requirement for housing associations and local authorities, alongside efforts to reduce energy bills.
Simon Gutteridge, Head of Homes and Sustainability at Vico Homes, added: “We know many households are facing pressure from energy costs, which is why this solar rollout matters. Installing rooftop PV can help our customers generate clean electricity, lowering bills and improving the energy efficiency of our homes.
“RPS Group’s collaborative approach has made it a trusted partner, providing valuable technical and logistical guidance throughout the process. This is a smart, scalable investment that supports our communities today and our decarbonisation pathway for the future.”
Carl Bairstow, Director of Operations – Retrofit and Materials, EN:Procure said: “We are absolutely delighted that RPS Group – Rothwell Plumbing Services were selected for this key contract, enabling them to continue strengthening their working relationship with Vico Homes following a very successful initial contract. This will enable many more of Vico Homes’ tenants to benefit from much lower energy bills, alongside the Social Value outputs that RPS Group committed to as part of their contract delivery.”
EN:Procure
EN:Communities