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Solar to power tower block - Blackfriars






Posted by Editor on 14th April 2010 at 01:07 PM
Solar to power tower block - Blackfriars
by Mark Bright

Residents in three Salford tower blocks are to benefit from the sun’s energy when solar panels are fitted to the roofs of the buildings.

Salix Homes has appointed social housing support services group Forrest to fit solar photovoltaic (PV) installations to Blackfriars Court, White Friar Court and Grey Friar Court.

These 12.4 KWh peak systems will provide the buildings with renewable energy for light and power to the 15 storey communal areas, meaning reduced energy costs for the buildings and their residents.

50 per cent grant funding was secured for the projects through the government’s Low Carbon Build Programme Phase II and work is being completed in-house by Forrest.

Lee McCarren, chief executive office of Forrest, said: “New legislation and forthcoming changes to energy tariffs mean solar photovoltaic installations are becoming an ideal arrangement for housing associations, because it reduces their carbon footprint while reducing fuel poverty to residents.”

“Solar photovoltaics and other micro-renewable technologies will be a major growth area for the company.”

Chair of the Vertical Villages Residents Association Paul Brodie told SalfordOnline in an interview that they had been waiting for the solar panels since first discussing them some two years ago.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  14th April 2010
I would guess so. I think about £20 of your rent is for block security and upkeep of communal areas etc so the saving on communal lighting etc should be passed on to tenants.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  14th April 2010
Will there be any direct saving for the residents?? They pay rental for the flats so surely they should benefit from this.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  14th April 2010
Only if you're in a helicopter. The solar panels are going on the roofs.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  14th April 2010
lets hope the light reflecting back on these things blinds you to the fact of these three eyesores

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