Ideas for renewable energy schemes that might generate funds for village projects are being sought. If you have suggestions, please get in touch with a member of the Green Group Planning Team (see below). There has been a proposal for putting PV panels on the Village Hall roof, but this will not go ahead, largely because the Hall does not use much electricity at a time when the sun is at its strongest. For the present, people in Dry Drayton are invited to join the eCoton Green Local Energy group of which details were given in the last newsletter. This has a scheme for PV roof rental in which those who cannot fit panels on their roofs and wish to gain a share of the FIT can participate from panels installed on other roofs (for more information, e-mail ecoton@hotmail.co.uk or phone Madingley 211033). Such a scheme is expected to provide greater financial benefit than the roof rental schemes being touted commercially where the householder just gets the free electricity when the panels are working. Many of the commercial offers being made at present, before the FIT on new installations are reduced in April 2012 (now 12th December 2011), should be looked at carefully to ensure that the returns offered are actually as good as they seem.
For further information on these topics, 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
