As world leaders gather in Paris to negotiate an international climate deal, Greater Manchester Community Renewables and Salford City Council signed an agreement on the 4th December to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by installing solar panels on a number of schools across Salford. [1]
Greater Manchester Community Renewables (GMCR) was formed by a group of volunteers in January 2015. [2] With the support of a government grant [3], the group has been developing an exciting and innovative project to install solar panels on schools and community buildings across Greater Manchester.
GMCR aims to raise up to £250,000 from a community share offer to fund the installation of solar panels. The schools will get electricity generated by the panels at a discounted rate; members of the public who invest will receive annual interest payments; and any surplus profits will go into a community fund to support local carbon reduction and environmental education projects.
The co-operation agreement, which was signed by City Mayor Ian Stewart, means GMCR and Salford City Council will work together to identify suitable sites, consult with local communities, and give people who live or work in Salford the opportunity to invest in the project.
Kate Eldridge, DIrector of GMCR, said:
“We are really pleased to be working together with Salford City Council to bring solar panels to Salford’s schools Not only will this help schools save money on their electricity bills, it will also help children learn more about energy and climate change.”
GMCR will soon be launching a share offer to raise funds for the project. Members of the public are being encouraged to register their interest at www.gmcr.org.uk if they would like to receive a copy of the share offer when it is ready.