UK’s largest council initiative kicks off in Colchester
In one of the largest council-led solar schemes in the UK, Colchester Borough has begun work on an initiative to install solar panels on the roofs of selected Council owned homes, sheltered housing schemes and corporate buildings. Approximately 2,000 properties are set to benefit from this scheme, which will run until March next year.
Suitable homes will be chosen by construction and specialist roofing contractor Breyer Group, which will send a letter of introduction to arrange a time to undertake a property assessment.
Following this assessment, with the agreement of the tenant, the solar electricity panels will then be installed on appropriate properties on a convenient date.
A pilot installation of the solar electricity panels is taking place this week, helping to ensure that the agreed tenant liaison, property assessment and panel installation processes run without a hitch.
The project is being delivered with Colchester Borough Homes who are managing the project, and the preferred supplier, Breyer Group with whom negotiations are underway.
Colchester Borough Council’s Resources Portfolio Holder Councillor Paul Smith said, “I am delighted that installation of solar electricity panels is now beginning, in consultation with tenants. Undertaking a pilot will benefit the project overall by helping get each stage right from the start. As well as helping eradicate fuel poverty and sharing energy saving advice, any inconvenience for tenants during the property assessment and panel installation stages will be minimised and help and advice will be available throughout the project.”
Ms Beryl Hart, a Colchester Borough Homes housing tenant said, “I’m pleased to be one of the first residents in Colchester to have solar electricity panels installed at home having known that the project has been planned for several months. With the information and support I’ve had so far I’m sure I’ll be able to cut my energy bill soon by making a few small changes to how I use my appliances at home. It’s great that many other residents will also benefit over the coming months.”
With thanks to The Solar Power Portal