Solar Savings For Town Tax Payers

Gloucestershire County Council has teamed up with green energy company BritishEco to save the council up to £6.5million in the next four years.

The partnership will see Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on the roofs of public sector buildings across Gloucestershire, including schools, libraries and council offices.

Depending on the size of the solar system installed, savings could range from about £750 to £4,500 a year per building.

In a boost to the county council's carbon emission busting plans, the green electricity generated could reduce carbon emissions by over 9,000 tonnes a year.

It is likely that a number of local jobs will be created by the new partnership as local installation teams are set up along with the opening of a local BritishEco office and supply hub by the end of the year.

Solar systems placed on the roofs of libraries and schools will provide free electricity for lighting and computers, and money saved could be reinvested back into the school or service. Buildings taking part could get a share of the government's feed in tariff too.

Chas Fellows, cabinet member for environment and economy at Gloucestershire County Council said. "Times are tough at the moment.  We're doing everything we can to save money and find funds to protect services for the most vulnerable.  This scheme has the added benefit of producing green electricity and creating some local jobs."

Initially 66 properties could have their new Solar PV systems fitted by the end of this year, which will save between £175,000 and £250,000 a year in electricity costs alone, followed by a wider roll out over the next four years.

It's not just the county council who can benefit - the scheme is open to other specified public sector organisations in Gloucestershire including schools, district and borough councils, NHS Trusts, the emergency services and some other community and voluntary sector organisations.

Tony O'Connor, Managing Director of from BritishEco said, "We are delighted to be working with Gloucestershire County Council to help them deliver real cash and environmental savings. We have vast experience working with the public sector, so are well placed to help the council and their public sector partners achieve their carbon reduction goals."