We are pleased to announce that Renewable Energy 4 Business has been appointed as installer for Phase 1 of the project.
OLDHAM residents will soon be able to buy shares in large-scale solar systems fitted to council-owned community buildings and schools following the official appointment of a specialist contractor to complete the installation programme.
Renewable Energy 4 Business have been specially selected to fit nearly 2,000 panels to around 14 individual buildings over a two-month period, saving Oldham an estimated 200 tonnes of carbon.
“We are delighted to be the installer of choice for Oldham Community Power. Our winning tender reflects our industry-wide reputation for successfully delivering large scale solar PV projects, and on our commitment to empowering communities to take ownership of energy efficiency,” says Chris Acton, Sales Director of Renewable Energy 4 Business.
Oldham Community Power (OCP) – a community benefit society registered with the Financial Conduct Authority – has been formed to fund the installation of the panels via a community share offer. The founding Directors are all local environmental activists – Alan Price, Bill Edwards and Colin Salt.
“At last something practical is being done to involve schools and communities in renewable energy and climate change,” says Alan Price, Director. “Our shared vision, first and foremost, is for Oldham residents to become members of a society; to then enable them to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions; to generate an income from electricity sales that can be invested back into community projects; and – most excitingly of all – to educate people on how to reduce their own energy usage at home.”
Working in partnership with OCP and Renewable Energy 4 Business will be Leila Sharland of the cooperative Sharenergy – providing technical and project management support; Andy Hunt of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) – providing school liaison and access to the roofs; and community liaison lead Sharon McGladdery of Action Together.
“Many people are daunted by the prospect of paying for solar panels on their own homes,” said Leila Sharland, Sharenergy’s Community Renewables Adviser. “It is great to be able to offer everyone the chance to be a part-owner of local solar panels, which are also helping to reduce the cost of energy to their local schools and community buildings. Everyone is a winner.
‘Oldham can be the latest to join the club of communities with greater ownership of their energy generation.”
Work is currently anticipated to start in around 10 weeks, with the panels being ready to deliver electricity before the end of the summer holidays.
To ensure that the local community’s best interests stay at the very heart of this project, the partnership will offer schools, colleges, universities and community groups the chance to be involved at every stage, from initial conception to installation, as well as advice on delivering ongoing energy savings.
“There is a lot of to be done in the next few weeks but I am sure we can count on local involvement in running awareness-raising events to support the share offer,” added Alan.
“We would like to hear from you if you would like to volunteer to help or if you are interested in becoming a member of OCP and investing in the society. Please email OCP Director Bill Edwards at bill.edwards1@btinternet.com or telephone Sharenergy on 01743 277119 and we will add you to the mailing list, and get back to you as soon as possible.”