Member Article

New solar panel scheme for North Tyneside

North Tyneside Council has formed an exciting new partnership with energy provider E.ON to fit solar panels to council homes in a bid to reduce costs and carbon emissions.

3000 homes are set to benefit from the scheme, which could cut tenants’ fuel bills by £120 annually, whilst also reducing the borough’s carbon footprint by more than 75,000 tonnes.

North Tyneside Elected Mayor Linda Arkley said: “The solar panels project will lead to a substantial reduction in North Tyneside’s carbon footprint.

“But perhaps most importantly, it means that in tough financial times we’re providing extra support for our tenants by enabling them to reduce their fuel bills.

The council have also announced plans to set up a Green Fund to offer energy efficiency improvements to other tenants.

Linda added: “I’m fully aware that not all tenants will be able to take advantage of the scheme, which is why I’m ensuring the council’s income will go towards a Green Fund, which will enable other tenants to benefit from energy efficiency measures.”

E.ON have committed themselves to reducing carbon emissions, and will now maintain the solar panels for the next 25 years at no cost to the local authority.

Thomas Buss, Head of Microgeneration at E.ON, said: “We’ve all got a role to play in bringing down our carbon footprint and becoming more energy fit.

“Schemes like this will not only give people a more renewable source of power, they’ll also provide a source of free energy – it’s like your housing is working for you.”

The installation work is now due to begin in September, and will be completed by March 2012

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .