Harlow residents will see their electricity bills drastically reduced thanks to a new solar panel scheme introduced by Kier Harlow. Savings of up to £190 a year per household are expected once it is completed in March 2012.

Funded by Kier's project investment arm and with the design and materials for the scheme supplied by Kier's energy solutions team, Kier Harlow will install and then maintain the equipment for 25 years. The Council will be paid 'roof rent' by Kier, which will then be recouped through a system called the Feed in Tariff (FIT). This Government scheme makes payments for every kilowatt of electricity generated through a renewable source.

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One of the first tasks will be to fit out a pilot property and this will take place in Harlow this month. Information packs are also being sent to Harlow residents explaining the benefits of the scheme, along with a request to book appointments for detailed surveys to be undertaken. Each property will be assessed to ensure it is suitable for installation as not all the council housing stock will be able to accommodate solar powered roof panels - in some cases roof condition, overhang by neighbouring buildings, shade from trees or the lack of a south-facing roof mean the panels would not be appropriate.

Kier Harlow Operations Director, John Phillips, said: "This is a really exciting project and it is the first fully funded scheme Kier has worked on. This is just the first phase of the scheme and we have plans to install solar PV panels to further council properties once this is complete, potentially including council corporate buildings too.

"We plan to give each tenant a full briefing on the benefits of the solar panels and explain how they can maximise their efficiency."

(CD)