The London Assembly today urged the Mayor to set aside funding in his £17 billion 2015-16 budget to help London schools install solar PV (Photovoltaic) panels.
The Government estimates that a typical school could accommodate equipment which would generate an income of around £3,435 per year. The payback period would be 10-12 years, with a further 8-10 years of revenue.
A motion agreed unanimously by Assembly Members calls on the Mayor to review his Final Draft Consolidated Budget for 2015/16 and allocate funding which would allow London schools to benefit from solar energy.
Jenny Jones AM, who proposed the motion said:
“If the Mayor could get solar PV panels onto half of the roofs of London schools, it would double the amount of electricity generating capacity the Mayor has managed so far through his entire decentralised energy programme. That's why I'm glad the Assembly is backing my call for the Mayor to give this a really big push.”
Gareth Bacon AM, who seconded the motion said:
“Installing solar panels to help schools save on their energy costs is a sensible proposal. It expands on the Mayor’s successful RE:FIT programme which has already helped improve energy efficiency in over 400 public buildings. I urge the Mayor to investigate this and see if a good business case can be found.”
The full text of the motion is here.
Notes to editors:
The motion was agreed unanimously at a meeting of the full Assembly today.
Watch the full webcast.
Jenny Jones AM who proposed the motion is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.
As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Mary Dolan on 020 7983 4603. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.