The news of the month is that Exeter College’s governors agreed for the solar installation to go ahead at the Technology Centre. Our talks started back in September 2014, so its been a long process finding a way to give the college enough flexibility in the lease. Its meant that ECOE is carrying a little more risk than we would like but it will be our largest roof – 150kWp – with a very good earning potential for ECOE and it’s community fund.
We have set an ambitious target of installing during the Easter holidays. To complete the legal agreements and the tendering prices in that time frame will be stretching. WE like a challenge!!
With regards our other five roofs – lease and PPA negotiations are continuing with Ashwoods, Honiton Community Centre and Pinhoe Rd Baptist Church. No site is straight forward and each brings its own differences that need to be reflected in these legal agreements.
Glasshouse Lane Medical Centre is on hold temporarily while the practice decide on possible redevelopment of the surgery that may have an impact on the solar installation and Newcourt Community Centre is looking as if it won’t continue as a result of Exeter City Council altering their lease agreement to include taking responsibility for roof maintenance and repair if they go ahead with the solar installation. Something that the community centre wouldn’t be willing to do.
This has also affected another community centre, which we had pre-registered but hadn’t included in our share offer – Mathews Hall. Disappointing for all parties but it looks as if nothing can be done about this.
