Issue - meetings

To decide on the impact of introducing solar PV at a sheltered housing scheme – whether or not it is feasible to provide free daytime electricity to residents on site.

(Report attached)

Members considered a report which outlined options for introducing solar panels at housing sites in Redditch.

Officers reported that any work undertaken would specifically benefit the Council.

Members were informed that choice of suitable sites would be the subject of a feasibility study by the contractors chosen to tender for the entire solar PV project.  However, within the tender process, contractors will be asked to prioritise St David’s House and the category ‘A’ sheltered housing schemes, i.e. Arthur Jobson House, Harry Taylor House and Ibstock House.

Sheltered schemes had been prioritised because the communal areas had high daytime demand and would be the areas most likely to be occupied during the day when solar generation would be highest.

RECOMMENDED that

1)                 up to £275,000 Capital Funding be allocated from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the purposes detailed below: and

RESOLVED that

2)                 further photovoltaic (PV) be provided at housing sites, as detailed in the report;

3)                 sheltered schemes be designated as priority schemes but that any RBC-owned landlord supply scheme may be chosen for investment;

4)                 the Committee note the changes to the Feed In Tariff Scheme (FITS) and be aware that external factors might impact on the Council’s plans; and

5)                 authority be delegated to the Climate Change Manager to manage all Council Solar PV schemes; performance and financing arrangements to be reported annually to the Executive Committee, in line with other energy efficiency projects, such as the Salix funded initiatives.