One million pounds is close to being injected into the community by a Merton man’s unique environmental scheme.
By Clare Buchanan, Georgina Butler, Tom Moore and Nick Skoric
One million pounds is close to being injected into the community by a Merton man’s unique environmental scheme.
The ‘Juice from Your Roof’ project managed by volunteer, Alban Thurston, aims to offer homeowners discounts on solar rooftop panels and has almost reached its 100 member target.
Once 100 people sign up, Mr Thurston will negotiate a cost effective plan benefiting local suppliers and residents with discounts of up to 20% off solar kits which can cost up to £15,000.
Mr Thurston highlighted another benefit to home owners. He said: “We are effectively helping to pluck out the cowboys.
“There are cowboys in the market and by exercising judgement we give people a guaranteed safe route into an unknown market.”
With 90 members registered in the last six months, the venture aims to improve Merton’s energy efficiency and boost local economy, but more support is needed.
The success of the initiative to date is a result of word of mouth and strong local links.
Sustainable Merton, a charity empowering local people to make practical changes to improve their environment, strongly supports ‘Juice from Your Roof’.
Sustainable Merton coordinator, Tom Walsh, said: “People are coming together to increase their buying power and drive the installation costs down.”
Juice from Your Roof is inspired by the successful ‘Transition Town Marlow’s Solar 100’ scheme.
Mr Thurston said: “The scheme prioritises localism and will ultimately help local economic resilience.”
He added: “I am confident we will get our 100 members.”
Similar ventures have been key to the effective use of solar power in Europe.
A Green Party spokesperson said: “We need to ensure that 50% of our energy is obtained from renewable sources by 2020.”
Contact Alban Thurston at [email protected] or 07710 88064 to sign up to the scheme.
