Solar power success at Pocklington Arts Centre (From York Press)

Solar power success at Pocklington Arts Centre

11:41am Saturday 4th February 2012 in East Yorkshire news

DESPITE the lack of sun this winter, Pocklington Arts Centre is already reaping the rewards of its new solar panels.

Having had 52 panels fitted during December last year, the centre has already produced 130 kilowatt hours of electricity, which can be sold back to the National Grid for 44p per kilowatt hour, producing £700 extra income a year for the council.

To take advantage of this deal before the Government reduced the tariff to 21p per kilowatt hour after December 12, the council fitted the panels and later submitted a planning application. This application is currently under review, but it is hoped permission will be granted.

Richard Wood, town clerk, said: “We wanted to look at ways to be more green, and solar panels seemed a great idea. We have already produced a lot of electricity, and hope to recoup the money spent on them after seven years.”