Community solar project switches on

FROME’S latest green initiative saw the bright light of day for the first time last week, as the medical centre’s new solar installation was unveiled.

Frome Renewable Energy Co-op (FRECO) launched its first project on 19th August – an installation of 560 solar panels on the roof of Frome Medical Practice. The panels are expected to save the practice around £60,000 on its energy bills. The project was funded by community investors and the scheme reached its £300,000 target in just five days earlier this year.

Peter Macfadyen, local councillor and FRECO director said, “This is a rare win win win win; a win for the environment with the energy produced from the sun; a win for the medical practice which will save around £60,000  enabling them to continue a range of special initiatives in the community; a win for energy projects in Frome which will be funded with over £200,000; and  a win for the Frome investors who receive an excellent return!”

FRECO is now working to complete a new stand at the Community Football Ground, and is seeking additional roof spaces in and around Frome.

Group chair Anna Francis said, “We have a long list of potential investors who missed out first time around when we raised over £300,000 in a week.

“We can move fast to benefit the community in so many ways if we can find roof space.  FRECO covers all the costs of investigating potential sites as well as installation – ideally we are looking for over 300 square metres to enable us to bring these very significant benefits to Frome”.

Frome Renewable Energy Co-op is a not-for-profit community benefit organisation. To find out more or get involved, visit its website – www.freco.org – or call Anna Francis at Frome Town Council on 01373 475574.