Latest News: Installation MP Sees Benefits of Green Living


Blackley and Broughton MP Graham Stringer has seen how households in his constituency are benefiting from a free solar power initiative offered by Northward Housing and support services company Carillion.


The photovoltaic (PV) panels generate free electricity which can be used in the home and are helping households lower their energy costs by up to a third and sometimes more.


Surplus energy is also fed back into the national grid, which can help to ease pressure on supply.


Northward Housing resident William Ling told Mr Stringer how the system was simple to use and that as a result of the install he was saving around £50 a quarter on his electricity bills. Mr Ling added that in good weather with adequate daylight the electricity he needed around the house for the washing machine and other appliances was now free.


Mr Stringer said: “This innovative scheme is clearly making a huge difference to people like Mr Ling and hundreds of other households in my constituency, and I welcome this partnership approach by Northward Housing and Carillion to make it happen. It is helping ordinary households keep a lid on energy costs and have affordable access to low carbon technology.”


Colin Sowerbutts at Carillion, added: “Our work with North- ward is part of a wider programme with social housing pro- viders in the Manchester area and other parts of the UK to make solar and other renewable energy sources more inclusive and not just the preserve of the well off. By the end of the year we should have installed almost 700 systems for Northward.”


Carillion‟s solar scheme works by utilising the income from the electricity generated. There is no cost to the resident or the landlord and Carillion will also service and maintain the solar panels for 25 years.


Robin Lawler, CEO of Northwards Housing, said: “Solar PV panels are an invaluable tool in dealing with soaring fuel costs. We have worked hard with Carillion Energy Services to install as many panels as possible for our residents within the short timescales involved. The works we have undertaken will make a huge difference to residents fuel bills.


“Energy efficiency, carbon reduction and addressing fuel poverty is important to Northwards Housing. This scheme with Carillion Energy Services has been a great success in helping us address these items for our residents. The feedback from residents with regard to the contractor and Northwards performance has been very encouraging throughout the process.”


Bury Council Going Solar to Save Money and the Planet


Sun power is being used by Bury Council to reduce its carbon emissions and make vital cash savings. Solar panels have been installed on the roof of The Villa at the council's Bradley Fold depot, which houses its Catering Services and Community Safety Service.


The panels will generate clean renewable energy, reduce use of natural finite resources, and make a difference to the local and global environment.


The council aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 35% by 2014, based on 2008/09 emissions. Solar panels are one of the actions identified in its carbon management plan, and the carbon saving from this project alone will be 1.8 tonnes a year, enough to fill four double decker buses.


Bury was quick to install the panels in early December, just days before the deadline passed to take advantage of a higher rate Feed In Tariff. Under this scheme, the Government offers payments for every unit of solar electricity generated. The Villa will also save money on bills and receive further income by selling any surplus electricity to the National Grid.


While the solar panels cost £11,287 to install, they will provide an income and savings of £1,600 per year, which means that the scheme will pay for itself in 7 years. After that, the council will make a guaranteed, inflation-linked profit for the remaining 17 years of the Feed in Tariff scheme.


Councillor Tony Isherwood, executive member for environment and economy, said: "It's not often you have a win-win situation, but this is certainly one. The project is good for the environment, and good for local taxpayers.


"Although the Government is looking at reducing tariff levels this year, solar panels are still expected to provide a reasonable return on investment and deliver a significant reduction in carbon emissions, so we will be considering installing them at other council buildings."


ofgem Feed-in Tariff Table 1 April 2012


Ofgem has published a new table outlining the feed-in tariff rates from April 1st 2012. The table shows that the tariff rates under the Feed-in Tariff have been amended by the annual Retail Price Index (RPI), except where specified and some microgenerator‟s FiT income will increase to 45.4p.


Download Feed-in Tariff Table here For all the most up to date news and products visit www.solardigest.co.uk March 2012 Page 13


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