Eco-Open-Home events to take place around East Sussex

Local residents from across East Sussex who have installed energy-saving and green technologies will be opening their homes to members of the public throughout September. Technologies on display will include solar panels, air source heat pumps, electric car chargers and the first small scale anaerobic biodigester in East Sussex.

Opportunities to visit local homes will be taking place in Crowborough (7, 29 Sept), Wadhurst (7, 28 Sept), Hastings & St Leonards (28, 29 Sept), Brightling (29 Sept) and Staplecross (7, 8 and 28 Sept). A complete list of events – including links to book your free visit(s) – is available online at tinyurl.com/ecoopenhomeseastsussex A spokesperson for Energise Sussex Coast, which has helped to organise some of the events, said: "An Eco-Open-Home visit is an opportunity for you to ask a neighbour about an energy saving improvement that they’ve made, and see if it might work for you.

"Throughout September local people who have made energy saving improvements are opening up their homes to share their experiences. Visiting a home is a great way to find out about the reality of getting solar panels, insulation, triple glazing, or new heating options without talking to a salesman.

"You can have a good look at the technology, ask the residents whether the installation was a hassle, and find out much they’re really saving on their energy bills as a result.'

Other local groups involved in organising Eco-Open-Home events include Green Transition Crowborough.

Founded in 2012, local community benefit cooperative Energise Sussex Coast works to tackle the climate crisis and energy injustice through community-owned renewable power and energy-saving schemes.

It runs a free Energy Advice service to help local residents bring down the cost of their electricity, gas and water bills: 01424 390 062.

Its sister coop, Energise South, has raised community investment to finance and install solar arrays on eight community buildings, including Baird Primary School and St Leonards Academy.