Decision details

The purpose of this report is to seek agreement to the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to the Daedalus Innovation Centre, with a view to maximising the return on the investment in this facility, saving electricity costs and reducing the Council's carbon footprint.

In 2011, the Executive approved funds to be used for installing solar panels on Council buildings.  This report identifies an opportunity to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to the roof of the Daedalus Innovation Centre. If this opportunity is pursued, the electricity generated from the PV panels would be free, the Council would benefit from Feed In Tariff (FITs) payments, and there would also be a payment for unused electricity exported back to the National Grid.  This would also contribute to a reduction in the Council's carbon emissions that would otherwise arise.

The recommended solution would require an initial investment of approximately £60,000, and give rise to an effective Return on Investment of 13%, and the cost of installation would be repaid within 7 years.

RESOLVED that the Executive;

(a)          Agrees to install PV panels on the roof of the Daedalus Innovation Centre;

(b)          Agrees that the total cost of this is met from the Council’s Capital Fund Reserves, and;

(c)          Approves the procurement of PV panels from an approved installer through the Design and Build contract for the construction of the Innovation Centre.