Cambridge solar panels to earn council money

Solar panels are to be installed on buildings belonging to Cambridge City Council.

As a result the council said it would receive a guaranteed income of more than £1m over the next 25 years.

Parkside pool and the Corn Exchange are among some of the buildings to receive the panels, which will cost the council £432,000 to install overall.

Sian Reid, leader of the city council, said: "The solar PV panels will be up and running before the 31 March 2012."

The council will take part in the government's clean energy cashback scheme and receive a feed-in tariff to earn money back.

Sheltered accommodation tenants whose properties are selected for the solar panels will receive a reduction in their service charge.

Councillor Catherine Smart, executive councillor for housing, said: "With electricity prices set to rise dramatically, combating fuel poverty is a priority for the council and we look to reduce fuel bills for our tenants wherever possible."