Renewable Energy Trail
Wyre Forest District Council has teamed up with Bewdley Development
Trust and Transition Bewdley to provide a guided tour of renewable
energy examples in homes and community buildings in Wyre Forest.
Local people who book to go on the renewable
energy trail will have the opportunity to see technologies in
action and ask questions about renewables with local home owners
who have already taken advantage of the new approaches to energy.
Technologies on show will include ground source heating, grey
water, solar water heating and photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Rock resident Brian Smith is one of the
homeowners taking part in the renewable energy trail. He recently
installed both solar water heating and photovoltaic panels at his
property. Mr Smith was able to take advantage of the Feed-in
Tariff, which was introduced in April and makes a payment for
electricity generated from renewable sources. He said
“We installed these technologies as we wanted
to lower our carbon footprint. The Feed in Tariff and ever
increasing rise in fossil fuel prices were also incentives to make
the change. Six months on, we’re really pleased with the savings
we’ve made, particularly from the PV system. It has been much
better than we expected. We monitor our meter readings to ensure
maximum efficiency and have also found ourselves adapting our
lifestyle to best take advantage of the systems, for example by
trying to use some of the electricity during the daytime rather
than the evening. I would have no hesitation in recommending the PV
system. Think of it as a really good investment, which is helping
lower your environmental impact.”
Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council’s
Cabinet Member for Housing & Environmental Services said “This
is a great opportunity to learn about new technologies from local
people who’ve already tried and tested them. Well done to these
home owners for taking the initiative and helping others to explore
new ways of being energy efficient.”
The Renewable Energy Trail is taking place on
Sunday the 21st of November between 11am and 4pm. People
who want to attend can view one or multiple properties. Contact the
Bewdley Development Trust on 01299 405516 or e-mail
matthewrhymer@hotmail.com for additional information
and to book.
Picture Shows: Brian Smith outside his
property with bread made using solar power.
Issued on - 11th November 2010