Solar Blog

In a scheme that looks set to be replicated throughout the UK, Colchester Council has announced plans for thousands of solar panel installations across council homes and other council owned buildings.

The plan is set to be delivered by spring of 2012, and early indications have shown that more than 85% of tenants will sign up to the scheme. With many other council buildings earmarked too, it is a venture that is likely to be closely watched.

Once installed, the solar panels will generate electricity directly for the household who will benefit from cheaper bills as a result. For their part, the council will receive income under the government’s Feed in Tariff scheme, which will be split with the solar panel company responsible for the installations.

Many councils are looking at similar schemes, to help lower fuel bills for their tenants and their own buildings. With drastic cuts in council finances, it is seen as a positive step to helping minimise the effect of deficits imposed.

The announcement comes on the back of positive news with how private households are embracing solar power to produce electricity. With rising fuel bills set to become a fact of life for the foreseeable future, early investors can expect a significant yield on the initial outlay.

Though the FIT scheme subsidies are being reviewed, the tariffs for small installations are to be ring fenced. As the UK looks to reduce its carbon emissions, empowering home owners throughout the country to look at viable renewable alternatives is seen as a powerful tool.