HERE’S a ray of sunshine. Politicians from both sides of the council chamber have praised the success of a scheme to boost solar power in Reading.
Earlier this year, Reading Borough Council teamed up with Solar Together to launch a bulk buying scheme for households wanting to install power-generating panels on their roofs.
The scheme, which is also being run by other local authorities, sees interested residents register. With that information, the council held an auction for installers to bid for the work.
The winning firm contacts residents with a reduced-price quotation. If they go ahead, a deposit is paid for the final measurements ahead of an installation.
The prices include an option of a battery.
More than 1,000 sought more information, and just under a quarter of those are going ahead with the installation.
Reading Green Party said that last year two of its councillors – Doug Cresswell (Katesgrove) and Dave McElroy (Redlands) – called on the council to run such an initiative, and were delighted with the response.
Cllr McElroy said: “With the cost-of-living crisis solar panels are one way for people to save on their electricity bills. They also reduce carbon emissions and help tackle the climate crisis. Having campaigned for such a scheme last year I am glad to see the council has got involved.
“Greens will keep campaigning for a fairer, greener and cleaner town.”
While the Lib Dems on Reading Borough Council welcomed the scheme, they wanted it to be tweaked ahead of any future initiatives to encourage a larger take-up.
Cllr Anne Thompson (Tilehurst), said: “Reading Lib Dems are very disappointed at the low take-up of the Solar Together scheme.
“We think the scheme should have been publicised much more widely with clear deadlines for expressions of interest from residents.
“We would like to see analysis of the reasons behind the difference in expressions of interest and actual take-up.
“The high upfront costs, despite the savings offered by the scheme, are likely to be a major factor, but we need research in order to be sure.
“The Lib Dems are keen to see wider use of solar energy as we push towards net zero. We would like the Solar Together scheme to continue but taking on board the lessons learnt so far.”
Reading Borough Council, which is run by Labour councillors, confirmed the numbers taking part: there were 1,029 registrations and, of those, 239 residents have accepted and paid deposits for the scheme.
A spokesperson said: “We are delighted with the response, which is beyond our initial expectations.
“Solar Together is a one-year trial in Reading, and when installations are complete we will evaluate the success of the scheme, including resident feedback, to determine future plans.”
Reading Conservatives were invited to comment.
