Solar energy to give Essex a brighter future

This week, the Essex Climate Action Commission called for solar panels to be installed on every appropriate available roof in Essex by 2050.

The recommendation included all domestic, industrial and commercial properties in the county.

Using solar energy to help Essex reach its goal of becoming net zero by 2050 was supported by 100% of all commissioners who voted at the meeting.

The recommendation was just one of many which came from commissioners during their meeting to discuss how changes to the way we think about energy and waste can help the county reduce its carbon footprint.

During the meeting, commissioners talked about how advances in technology and a fast-growing industry have meant that solar panels are now being created to replicate and blend in with regular roof tiles.

Commissioners revealed their ambition for Essex to be able to produce enough renewable energy, such as wind and solar, to meet its own needs by 2040.

Cllr Simon Walsh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change Action said: “Essex residents can switch to 100% renewable electricity now by taking part in the Essex Energy Switch which launched this week. It’s so quick and easy to do and previous participants saved an average of £230 per household on their energy bills.”

The Commission also recommended Essex accelerated the shift to low carbon heating measures such as heat pumps and solar thermal panels.

Lord Randall, Chair of the Commission said: “There are clearly lots of things the county council and central government can do to tackle climate change but there’s also a multitude of things we as individuals can do too.

“Taking advantage of the Green Homes Grant is a fantastic opportunity for residents to tap into government funding to reduce energy bills and make Essex greener.”

All 29 recommendations relating to energy and waste proposed by the Commission were approved by commissioners.

Residents can find out more about the Green Homes Grant which can be used to install solar thermal panels to heat water, energy efficiency measures and heat pumps at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-schemeRegistering for the Essex Energy Switch can be done online at www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch or by calling Big Community Switch registration line on 0800 048 8439 to register and receive correspondence by post. Lines are open Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 5:30pm. Please have a recent energy bill to hand.