Solar co-op to bring sunshine to Hulme?
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Solar co-op to bring sunshine to Hulme? |
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Funding is being sought to test the feasibility of establishing a solar power co-operative in Hulme. based consultancy URBED together with UHC Collective and Action for Sustainable Living are putting a bid together to the Esmee Fairburn fund. At the moment solar power is extremely expensive. The basic idea is that social landlords such as HFC, as well as tenants groups, private landlords, community groups and individual homeowners would be encouraged to join. By joining together we will be able to reduce the cost of installing solar power systems on our roofs - potentially by up to 20-25%. This could be achieved by:
The more members the greater the cost reductions! The intention would also be to train local engineers/builders to carry out the installation work. HFC could therefore benefit from cheaper solar panels and support the establishment of a new co-op that could support local jobs/reskilling. The project team is led by Nick Dodd (URBED/HFC member), with support from Sarah Mander (URBED/HFC member), Jonathan Akin (UHC) and Josh Steiner (AfSL). If successful the team intend to work with solar power specialists Solar Century (who are working on the CIS tower project) and the Co-operative Bank to explore the feasibility of establishing the co-op. The team would like to request the written support of Homes for Change in taking forward the funding bid for this exciting project. We have also requested the support of Redbricks TARA, Hulme Alliance, City Council and Renewables North West. More Information Hulme Solar Neighbourhood presentation (PDF format, 1.2MB) Contact Josh Steiner in AfSL's Hulme office Links |
Action for Sustainable Living, St Wilfrid's Enterprise Centre, Royce Road, Hulme, , M15 5BJ.Email: [email protected] Tel: 0845 634 4510 Fax: 0870 167 4655. |