A solar panel installation programme in Ipswich will save £45,000 in energy bills and earn the Borough Council a further £50,000 in income.
The Council has completed two roof top Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation programmes to date – the current one includes 11 sheltered schemes and Fore Street pool.
Solar PV generates electricity that can be used on site - but any that isn’t used on site is exported to the national grid. Through the Government’s Feed In Tariff programme the Council gets paid for generating electricity and also for anything that is sent to the grid, as well as saving money from electricity used on site. The generating capacity of all of the installations is 0.5 Mw (megawatts) – which is enough to power Gainsborough Sports Centre and the Regent Theatre all year.
Nick Quinton of J P Chick & Partners Ltd, contract administrators for this solar PV installation project, said: "Having previously undertaken renewable energy projects in other parts of the country, it has been particularly rewarding to assist Ipswich Borough Council on this scheme. All parties involved, the client, Solar PV installer, scheme managers and residents have contributed to its successful delivery."
Photo: From left: Nick Quinton, Councillors David Ellesmere and John Mowles, and Sam Phyall and Rob Santler of contractors Ecosphere Renewables.
