A renewable energy firm is in advanced talks with a number of social landlords concerning the solar panel schemes which were cancelled after the coalition announced the cuts to the FIT (Feed-in Tariff) subsidy.
Strategic Energy has created a system to make the FIT viable at the lower 21p and 16.8p rates which will come into effect next month. If the discussions with both landlords and councils reach fruition they will be able to resurrect the schemes that will see 30,000 properties benefit between Edinburgh and Plymouth. They have created a comprehensive ‘no cost’ solar photovoltaic (PV) panel package for social landlords that will see them covering the landlord’s outlay of legal costs for the PV panel schemes. A large number of landlords had no choice but to halt their plans last year when the coalition announced it would be halving the 43p subsidy from the 12th December 2011. However, a court ruling meant the Government extended the deadline to 3rd March 2012.
Strategic Energy fitted 400 panels for the St Vincent’s Housing Association before the initial December cut-off date and is now installing 300 more. This means that the landlord who has 3,000 homes that they protect with insurance for let property is helping 700 households save money. Strategic Energy are also in advanced talks with other landlords who are keen to capitalise on their ability to start a project quickly. Social housing landlords are being urged to take a lead in helping households save energy and reduce bills.
Strategic Energy Director, Martin Davidson, said “St Vincent’s Housing Association forged ahead with their PV programme by taking advantage of our pure equity FIT model that is viable at the 21p rate. Their primary reason was to reduce fuel poverty among tenants, lower CO₂ emissions and sustain local jobs; however following the High Court ruling they will receive the rent-a-roof model if the FIT returns to the 43.3p rate. Even if it stays at 21p they still get free PV, free electricity for tenants that will lower bills by up to £250 a year, help maintain jobs and reduce their carbon footprint by 700 tonnes per year.”