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Barratt To Build Solar Into New Flats

Posted: 03/02/2006

A housebuilder is working with a council to equip some new homes on a housing estate with solar panels which will reduce the output of greenhouse gases. It is the first time builder Barratt has incorporated solar panels in any of its new homes and the project has been agreed with Chesterfield Council.

The firm is building an estate of almost 300 homes on a site at Derby Road in the town and 10 per cent of them, all flats, will be fitted with solar panels. They will reduce energy bills for the occupants but because no greenhouse gases are generated from solar power, will also contribute to reducing pollution. The site is near the town centre, on the former Chesterfield Cylinders factory site, and the flats involved will be clearly visible from the highway.

Coun Ray Russell, council leader, said: "This is a revolutionary move, for a major house builder to fit solar panels as standard on some of their new homes. "We are delighted Barratt felt able to go along with our suggestions for these renewable energy installations. Here in Chesterfield we feel very strongly about the need to safeguard the environment for future generations.

"The council already has many green initiatives in place which play a part in reducing the greenhouse effect and depletion of the Earth's resources. They include commercial buildings with geothermal heating and cooling systems, which use the Earth as an energy store, instead of relying on energy created by burning fossil fuels; a sports centre and coach station with photovoltaic panels which convert sunpower into electricity; and community heating schemes which generate electricity whilst delivering heat at maximum efficiency to council tenants and private households."

Paul Whitehouse / Yorkshire Post  
 

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