News Article
North Kesteven District Council To Install Solar Panels Into Two Thirds Of The Housing Stock
Thousands of North Kesteven District Council tenants are in line to receive free electricity when the sun shines, under a programme which seeks to install solar panels into two thirds of the housing stock.
The Council's Executive Board have agreed to enter into detailed discussion with contractors with a view to starting the installations in early November "“ putting it ahead of all other Lincolnshire authorities on such proposals.
In what is described as a win-win solution to improving the environmental and economic sustainability of the housing stock and associated buildings, the Council will effectively rent the roofs of most council houses, some sheltered housing sites and industrial workshops in return for an income and free electricity for tenants.
Of the 3,820 properties in the housing stock, 2,411 have suitable orientation for the installation of photo voltaic solar panels (PV).
In addition, the 17 units at Moorlands Trading Centre Metheringham and sheltered housing at Millers Road, Waddington; Kesteven Court and Grinter House, North Hykeham; Caroline close, Metheringham; Clarke Avenue, Heighington; and Ringmoor House, Billinghay are set to have PV fitted.
Rent a Roof partners would fund the installation without the need for the Council to make a capital outlay. That company, or companies, would then receive an annual income through the Government's "˜feed-in tariff' "“ which up to next April is 43.3p per Kwh.
For an outlay of £14.5m their return over 25 years is estimated at £30m.
The arrangement also allows for
"¢ The Council to receive £150 per property per year for 25 years, to be paid by the partner and used for further enhancements to the housing stock.
"¢ Reduced electricity bills where the PV is installed; Free electricity when the sun shines amounting to an annual saving of up to £109 per property, the Energy Saving Trust estimates.
Given the timescale it may not be possible to carry out all installations before next April, when the tariff payments are likely to be reduced, but the aim is to have as many carried out as possible by the end of March.
Councillor Stewart Ogden, North Kesteven District Council's Executive Board member with responsibility for housing matters, said, "We are constantly striving to make the most of all opportunities to improve the sustainability of our housing stock.
"The latest situation of "˜feed-in tariffs' guaranteeing an annual subsidy for the installation of panels onto roofs, presents an ideal opportunity to maximise on a number of benefits to the authority and tenants," he said.
"It really is a win-win situation with tenants receiving an estimated £100-worth of electricity where panels are fixed to their roofs, the Council receiving an annual income which could be in excess of £350,000 if the all of the suitable properties can be equipped by April, no capital outlay for the Council, and partner companies able to contribute through the generation of clean, green energy.
"One major aspiration is that it will help to reduce fuel poverty for tenants as in around two-thirds of cases, their bills will lower," said Cllr Ogden.
Tenders from firms wanting to operate the project will be considered towards the end of October, with a view to installation work beginning on October 31 in a bid to maximise opportunity for installations to be carried out before the feed-in tariff rate reduces next April.
