Tameside Arts Group Gets in the Groove with Solar Power

THE new solar calculator launched by Green Economy (GE) provides residents and businesses with an impartial view of the how much money and carbon solar power could save them.

It’s free to use and can be found on the GE website: www.greeneconomy.co.uk/tools/solar-calculator

One Tameside concern already enjoying the benefits of solar power is Mossley carnival arts association Global Grooves.

Their journey started after Green Economy (GE) helped them secure a £5,000 grant for an LED lighting upgrade at their home at The Vale, Micklehurst Road.

Not only did it generate impressive annual savings of £11,117.83 and 20 tonnes of carbon , it also identified that Global Grooves had a large roof which was ideal for solar panels.

“We started working with Global Grooves by undergoing a site survey to help them understand where they were in their sustainability journey, and where they could be headed,” explained Green Economy consultant Priya Sirpal.

“By helping them compile a solar PV calculation we gave them an idea of their potential carbon and cost savings from an installation.”

GE took three suppliers to speak to Global Grooves’ general manager Amelia Bayliss who said: “I was able to ask all the relevant questions such as what the warranty is, how long the solar panels last, where they come from, and how daily activity might be affected during installation.”

Green Energy advisers also put Global Grooves in touch with a local expert and potential funding streams.

“Our initial solar generation is already seeing real gains in our energy reduction,” Amelia added.

“We’re now looking to install further solar panels and we’re exploring roof wind turbines and sustainably focused programming as we progress towards becoming net zero by 2030.”

Amy House, director of Green Economy, commented: “Buyers want assurances that they’re buying the best products, at the right price, from the best provider and our solar calculator arms them with impartial knowledge to do that.

“I hope the calculator can accelerate that opportunity, by providing businesses and home-owners with the knowledge to seize the power of the sun for the good of the planet and their wallet.”

Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, said: “Solar power is one of the simplest ways of reducing energy bills. If we made the most of all the roof space we have in Greater Manchester, we could generate nearly five million MWh of electricity every year.

“Solar power offers an incredible amount of potential. Green Energy’s free calculator offers a quick and easy way of tapping that potential to the advantage of our pockets and our planet.”

The solar calculator, developed by Eturnity, simulates direction, shape and location to map the potential for solar power on roof space. It has been designed to simplify and provide a picture of costs benchmarked by local suppliers.