Solar Panels To Boost Ipswich Incomes
With the economic climate looking ever more gloomy, another cold Norfolk winter is proving to be a grim prospect for many. With summit meetings being called with the UK's ‘big six' energy providers, the crisis surrounding soaring fuel costs is clear. Central government is being criticised for not providing enough solutions in the here and now, providing only vague gestures such as enhancing the advisory portion of energy bills. Many have issue with the fact that emphasis is being placed on consumers rather than on government or energy company practices. With costs rising and local authorities experiencing huge budget cuts, councils are turning to innovative projects in order to create much-needed income.
Ipswich City Council have announced plans to install solar panelling onto many publically owned buildings such as libraries and schools, and have also identified 2,300 council homes which are suitable for the project. The scheme will provide tenants with cheap, or even free, energy through the generous government Feed-In Tariffs. The tariffs dictate that homeowners can benefit from an impressive rate of 43p per kilowatt of green energy generated, this equates to more than a 400% mark up on ordinary market rates for the energy. On an individual household basis, the 25-year duration of the scheme means that investors in solar panels can expect around a 10% return on the initial outlay for installation. The council's sizable investment means the county could potentially benefit from an income of seven million pounds from the electricity generated by the solar panels, creating valuable revenue to ensure essential frontline services are not adversely affected by the current economic climate.
Even religious bodies are getting involved in renewable energy, the Church of England are planning to install solar panels on clergy dwellings and other Church-owned buildings. This forward-thinking project will enable the Church to generate income, whilst also offering clergy members reduced energy bills. Nicolas Edgell, the secretary for the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich, confirmed this, stating, ‘The scheme will save something like 1.5 tonnes of carbon per house – it's a very large saving indeed.' With the Anglican Church set to make valuable income from government schemes, and the Council's estimated revenue at around £7 million from the electricity produced by its proposed stock of solar panels; there has never been a more lucrative time to invest in renewable power. The Renewable Heat Incentive, expected to roll out in early 2012, will offer similar benefits to the current projects; and looks set to secure the green energy movement for generations to come.
Ipswich City Council have announced plans to install solar panelling onto many publically owned buildings such as libraries and schools, and have also identified 2,300 council homes which are suitable for the project. The scheme will provide tenants with cheap, or even free, energy through the generous government Feed-In Tariffs. The tariffs dictate that homeowners can benefit from an impressive rate of 43p per kilowatt of green energy generated, this equates to more than a 400% mark up on ordinary market rates for the energy. On an individual household basis, the 25-year duration of the scheme means that investors in solar panels can expect around a 10% return on the initial outlay for installation. The council's sizable investment means the county could potentially benefit from an income of seven million pounds from the electricity generated by the solar panels, creating valuable revenue to ensure essential frontline services are not adversely affected by the current economic climate.
Even religious bodies are getting involved in renewable energy, the Church of England are planning to install solar panels on clergy dwellings and other Church-owned buildings. This forward-thinking project will enable the Church to generate income, whilst also offering clergy members reduced energy bills. Nicolas Edgell, the secretary for the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich, confirmed this, stating, ‘The scheme will save something like 1.5 tonnes of carbon per house – it's a very large saving indeed.' With the Anglican Church set to make valuable income from government schemes, and the Council's estimated revenue at around £7 million from the electricity produced by its proposed stock of solar panels; there has never been a more lucrative time to invest in renewable power. The Renewable Heat Incentive, expected to roll out in early 2012, will offer similar benefits to the current projects; and looks set to secure the green energy movement for generations to come.