Homes in Wrexham will undergo a multi-million pound solar panel project to have photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs.
The Wrexham Council will fit 3,000 homes with solar panels as part of a larger carbon scheme. The new panels will reduce home energy bills and lower carbon emissions.
It’s hoped the project will be completed by March 2012, and 3000 tonnes of CO2 will be saved every year.
Regeneration specialist company Forrest has been given the project to manage and the panels will be supplied by a local manufacturer, Sharp Solar.
Chief Executive of Wrexham County Borough Council, Dr Helen Paterson, said: “This is a hugely significant project for the council, with an estimated overall value in the region of £60m. Such investment demonstrates our commitment to reduce carbon emissions and energy use, whilst also tackling fuel poverty.
“The added benefit of this project is the income that will be generated by taking advantage of the Government backed Feed-in tariff scheme. We look forward to working with our partners Sharp Solar and Forrest, and hope to maximise the benefits afforded by this flagship project.”
Andrew Lee from Solar Sharp says it’s this kind of project that demonstrates exactly what the Feed-in tariff was set-up to achieve.
He said: “It’s an example of how intelligent investment in solar PV can create benefits over and above carbon reductions. This project will create employment and help to cut tenants fuel bills and putting money back in their pocket at a time when it is most needed.”
Solar panels are the most popular way of generating renewable energy and a recent report shows that 75% of Feed-in tariff payments are through solar energy.
In total there are 44,000 solar installations registered for the Feed-in tariff, with domestic systems making up the most part with 38,300.
Whereas in the commercial market, wind farms are more popular as the UK receives its fair share of wind power.