Tuesday 19 April 2011

Community-owned solar plant up for auction

The UK's first community-owned solar power station could become a reality tonight, as the shares in a solar plant go under auction tonight in Lewes, Sussex.

Ovesco Ltd has been granted planning permission to build a solar panel system on the roof of the Harveys brewery.

Coming through the Transition Town process, the energy group have committed around £158,000 to the project, but are aiming to collect another £149,00 in an auction taking place tonight. Investments between £250 and £20,000 will be accepted.

Due to the Government's recent decision to reduce the top rate feed-in tariff from 100kW to 50kW by 1st August 2011, the group aim to raise the money by early May in order to beat the deadline.

Shadow Energy Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies and MP for Lewes, Norman Baker will be showing their support for the project.