The panels are also helping tackle fuel poverty among local households.
Hundreds of residents on a Tipton estate are benefiting from a £500,000 investment aimed at reducing living costs, improving health and creating new opportunities.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker visited Park Lane Estate to see the impact of the investment.
Many residents on the estate are from South Asian backgrounds.
The funding is part of a pilot programme focused on creating greener, healthier and more prosperous neighbourhoods.
The programme also aims to strengthen community connections and improve residents’ quality of life.
As part of the project, 35 homes have received solar panels to help reduce energy bills.
The panels are also helping tackle fuel poverty among local households.
More trees are being planted across the estate. Residents can also grow fruit and vegetables at a newly established community allotment.
The project has introduced social and activity groups to improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Residents can develop their English language skills and improve their digital abilities. These skills can help residents access community services both online and in person.
The activities are led by the Bangladeshi Women’s Association at Tipton Muslim Community Centre.
Sandwell Council is also supporting the project.
During his visit, Mayor Parker met residents including Parmjit Kaur and Robina Kauser. Both women explained how the investment and community activities had changed their lives.
Parmjit said she had spent years caring for her family and previously felt lost.
She now takes part in gardening and netball activities.
She is also improving her English and looking for work.
Parmjit said the activities had helped her become more confident and motivated.
Robina, who moved to the UK from Pakistan almost 20 years ago, said becoming more involved in the community had improved her wellbeing, English and health.
Robina now plays netball, visits the park and helps with litter picking.
She has also secured work as a passenger transport assistant. Her role involves accompanying local children with special educational needs and disabilities to and from school.
Mayor Parker praised residents for becoming more involved in their community, saying the project showed what can happen when communities receive investment and opportunities.
The Mayor said the funding was creating a happier, healthier and better-connected community.
The longer-term plans for Park Lane Estate include safer cycling and walking routes. These routes will improve access to nearby nature sites and Dudley Port train station.
A Midland Metro extension is also expected to bring tram services into Tipton, with a new stop planned to serve the estate.
Park Lane Estate is one of several neighbourhoods included in the West Midlands pilot.
Other areas include Castle Vale in Birmingham and Graiseley in Wolverhampton.
The pilot also includes Chelmsley Wood in Solihull and Dudley Fields in Walsall.
Hillfields in Coventry and Brockmoor in Dudley are also included.
The project forms part of the Local Net Zero Accelerator.
The programme is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, delivered in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority’s seven constituent local authorities.
The programme aims to make homes warmer and healthier while reducing energy bills.
It also supports better transport networks and increased access to green spaces.
