Reading council urged to install solar panels

Solar panels can generate electricity and a guaranteed payment for the energy they produce

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."