MELKSHAM Town Council has agreed to show support for a scheme that makes solar panels more affordable to residents and local businesses.
‘Solar Streets’ is a scheme that invites people to sign up for solar panel installation on their homes and businesses at discounted prices. Whilst residents and businesses can save money on their electricity bills and help the fight against climate change, the scheme also supports the local community, as for each completed installation, a donation is given to a ‘community pot’ for local projects.
The solar installer company behind the scheme, IDDEA, has partnered with a number of local authorities in the south of England, including Frome Town Council, who were the first to join the scheme in 2019.
It was proposed by cllr Tom Price, at a meeting of the town council’s asset management and amenities committee, that the council promote the scheme via its website and social media pages. The majority of councillors voted in favour of supporting the Solar Streets scheme.
Cllr Price said, “I am thrilled that council has voted in favour of an amazing solar panel scheme called Solar Streets. By signing up to this scheme you will be able to purchase solar panels at a discounted price – this usually averages out to between 15% to 30% off the normal cost of solar panels.
“Along with this discounted price point, Solar Streets also adds £50 for residential purchases and £100 for commercial purchases into a community fund that can be used to help community groups in our town save money on energy and ‘go green’.
“As a council we have a responsibility to look at new and creative ways to be more environmentally friendly and make these more accessible to residents throughout our town.”
More information about the scheme will be available from the town council in the near future.
