COUNCIL OPTS FOR SOLAR POWER

Power-generating solar panels are set to be installed on the roof of
Thanet District Council’s main Cecil Street offices.

Work on the installation of the state-of-the-art panels will start on
Monday 11 June, and the project will be completed by Saturday 16 June.
And once they start to absorb sunlight, the photovoltaic (PV) panels
will bring immediate eco-friendly benefits. 

Using the sustainable energy source, the council’s main offices will
have a substantially reduced electricity bill, with up to 40 per cent of
daytime electricity being supplied by the panels. 

Additional income will also be supplied to the council through a
‘feed-in’ tariff – money paid by the government to businesses,
schools and organisations to generate their own electricity.

The council is investing £66,000 in the project, but after an initial
payback period of six years, the solar panels will generate income for
19 years – representing a significant saving in the age of increasing
energy prices. 

The council’s Director of Operations, Mark Seed said: “Investing in
sustainable energy makes great sense, both environmentally and
financially. So when the council looked at the proposal to generate
electricity in Cecil Street through solar panels, we were very excited
about the idea. 

“One of the council’s key Corporate Plan objectives is to lead by
example on environmental matters, and the solar panel initiative is a
tangible example of our commitment. 

“Benefits of this project will be almost immediate. And that’s good
news for the local Council Tax- payers and the environment.”