We’ve received our very first income from solar energy sales this month, the first of many! Generating green de-carbonised energy is what Solar PV 1 is all about. The income from the solar energy supports community ownership and ensures the existence of the community fund. This will provide finance for local projects that promote energy efficiency and help alleviate fuel poverty. This was one of ECOE main goals for Solar PV 1.
The installation at The Technology Centre, Exeter College.
We’re hoping to sign the legal agreements this week, so that the installation will start later in April. We organised a competitive tender in March and our preferred installer SunGift Solar won the contract. The competition was strong and it wasn’t an easy decision for our Tender Assessment panel.
The portfolio of sites for Solar PV 1 is still not finalised but we’re getting closer. Ashwoods and Newcourt Community Centre have decided not to progress and it’s a strong YES from Glasshouse Lane Medical Centre, great news! Pinhoe Road Baptist Church will decide on April 20th and Honiton Community Complex in May.
We have two community centres, Newcourt and Mathews Hall in Topsham, not able to progress because if they do they will have to take responsibility for their roof including any roof repairs in the future. This is something, which neither of them can afford to do. The installation would require a change in their lease with Exeter City Council (ECC) and as a result of ever more cuts to ECC funds the proposed shift of responsibility for the roof, with its maintenance, would help them to save money. Understanding when you look at this bigger picture but not good for the community centres – or ECOE.
