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.
