Reading council urged to install solar panels
Councillors in Reading are being urged to look at installing solar panels on council buildings and schools.
Labour councillors on the Conservative-Liberal Democrat run council are behind the proposals. They say it is time the council took advantage of a new scheme, where you can be paid for generating your own electricity. Rachel Eden, Labour councillor for Whitley, said installing solar panels would be a good investment. Ms Eden said it would bring both financial and environmental benefits to the town. She is planning to propose a motion at a council meeting later. The new "feed-in tariffs" enable anyone to install a qualifying renewable energy source and receive a guaranteed payment for every unit of electricity they produce - regardless of whether it is exported or used on the premises. Ms Eden said: "Going for this scheme is 'win-win' for the council, as it will generate a regular income stream and provide energy security as well as reducing the council's impact on the environment. "In the borough's schools it will also provide a real educational benefit as students learn about the engineering involved, the weather and the environment."