BCHFSunshine Roofs Get Go Ahead
17th November, 2011
The first mass installation of solar panels in Bristol is underway across over 120 of Bristol Community Housing Foundations Homes (BCHF). This is the largest solar panel project so far in Bristol. However, it could be the last as the Government announced last week that the subsidy payment will be scrapped from Dec 12th.
BCHF have been planning to fund the PV solar panels for six months. The news last week that the feed in tariff subsidy scheme was to be scrapped could have put an end to BCHF’s plans. But PV installer Glevum, have pulled out all the stops and will be working flat out for 4 weeks to complete the installations by the deadline date.
With gas and electricity prices spiraling, keeping energy costs low is high priority for BCHF. Tenants will benefit from savings in their electricity bills and help the environment too. Each system can produce an average of 2200kWh a year, which represents a saving of up to £220 per year.
BCHF are investing over £1m in the project and working in partnership with Alliance Homes. Allister Young, Finance Director at BCHF said;
“ Its’ been very complicated to get all the agreements we need in place to start the installation work, but we were determined to do what we could to help our tenants reduce their fuel bills. We know that many families are facing real hardship with rising fuel costs and we want to provide homes that were affordable for our residents in every way.”
Mr and Mrs. Singh of Horfield were amongst the first residents to get their panels installed.
“ We were worried that we might not get the panels and we’re really happy now that they’ve been put in. We’ll be hoping for lots of sunshine this winter so that the panels can attract as much electricity as possible to reduce our bills.”
