A MOTION backing calls for solar car parks has been narrowly passed at Lichfield District Council.
It was moved by Cllr Hugh Ashton, Liberal Democrat representative for Stowe ward, and seconded by Russ Bragger, Labour member for the same ward.
The motion had suggested an investigation into the potential installation of solar panels above bays at council-owned car parks as part of “bolder initiatives” to tackle climate change.
Cllr Ashton said:
“The council owns several car parks, which are prime sites for solar power generation.
“Roofing open car parks with solar panels is common in Europe. Not only do these solar panels provide electricity, they shield vehicles from extremes of weather.”
Cllr Bragger added:
“I understand that this is challenging, but just because it is challenging doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do it.
“These solar panels would be an investment that would produce revenue for the benefit of the residents of Lichfield district.”
The motion – which also called for an investigation into external funding for such schemes – eventually passed by 20 votes to 19 following support from Labour and the Lib Dems.
Cllr Ashton said:
“Although I am delighted by the fact that the motion passed, I am deeply disappointed that the Conservatives were so opposed.
“I am not convinced that every councillor who voted to defeat the motion did so with a clear conscience.”
The cost “dear boy” the cost this should be the only reason for such an expensive project.
Never mind how much it may save in the long term, think about those that are having to pay for many of these “jam tomorrow” schemes.
Narrowly passed! Why on earth would anyone vote against such a commonsense proposal.
I’d like to point out that the motion was requesting Cabinet to commission a report on a study to determine costs, and also to determine potential sources of external funding for fitting solar panels over car parks. It was not a motion to implement the fitting of solar panels over car parks. It may be that it does not prove to be economically viable, but if we never ask, we’ll never know the answer.
Why don’t the council insist that ALL new buildings have to include solar panels to get through planning ? A lot more cost effective to tax payers ?
@Mark Webster. When you look at the statistical it isn’t as commonsense as it might seem. It is expensive to install. It has a lifespan of about 25 years with performance tailing off during that time. It needs maintenance and repair. Large installations would probably need full time engineers. It is weather dependent. Any income generated from the power suppliers are taxable. It generates a lot of unusable waste. For most institutions, with luck, you might just about balance income and any power savings with outlay. There are some fringe benefits like security of supply but it is not a win, win situation.
During lockdown the UK’s young people made sacrifices to protect those older than themselves. Now they need us to safeguard their future. Simply leaving climate change to continue on its current trajectory or worse is a lose-lose situation, the likes of which humanity has never faced before.
Far from investing in renewables being wasteful, continuing to burn fossil fuels will waste the dwindling chance we have of getting on top of spiraling global temperatures. Our government and councils need to be bold and properly consider all of the options for embracing renewables as part of an urgently needed solution. Commonsense is to act while there’s still time to make a difference. And for the sake of our own children and grandchildren, we can’t afford to wait any longer.
Not sure why the council nearly rejected a feasibility to see whether it should be a good idea, as it comes across as being shortsighted. Some energy companies won’t charge the client for feasibility reports in preparation of grant submission. Government energy grants for public sector can come out quickly and from little advance notice so a council who has checked its a good idea and have plans ready are more likely to be awarded funding. Public sector organisations who haven’t looked into this and then apply are the reactive ones and very often loose out. Solar panels might not be viable but you won’t know unless you check.