Both Coton and Histon and Impington are introducing new Community Investment Schemes to allow local people to invest in solar panels installed on other roofs in the village, either homes or community buildings. This type of local ‘rent-a-roof’ scheme allows residents with suitable roofs for PV, but without the funds to meet the initial capital cost, to benefit from the free electricity generated by PV panels, sharing the FiT return with the local investor. Similar ‘rent-a-roof’ schemes are being offered by commercial operators and there is concern that some of these deals may not be as advantageous as they purport to be – see http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Solar-electricity/Consumer-guidance-on-free-solar-PV-offers for guidance on assessing such free solar PV offers. By basing a ‘rent-a-roof’ scheme in the community with investment by known local people, many worries are removed. Dry Drayton residents interested in participating in such a scheme, either as investor, or with a roof suitable for PV panels, can explore the possibilities via the links given above, or contact the Dry Drayton Green Group.
Diagram above courtesy of eCoton. For further information , or to join in the Green Group planning, please contact: Sandra & Bill Martin 782705 sandrabill78@gmail.com Rob Howard 780644 robhoward@constcom.demon.co.uk
