In July 2011 we began a programme of installing solar panels on as many of our properties as possible.
Why we need to start the work now
The cost of the installation and on-going maintenance for the solar PV will be met by the Government’s ‘Clean Energy Cashback Scheme’, also known as the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT).
Through the FiT, Peabody will be paid for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity produced by the system and for every kilowatt-hour that is exported to the National Grid. This payment is made by an energy supplier (e.g. EDF Energy) for the life of the solar PV system, which is 25 years.
The Government originally offered the Feed-in-Tariff until April 2012. However it has now decided to drastically reduce the tariff from 12 December 2011.
We are asking the Government to reconsider, however, at the moment the decision means we have very limited time to complete the work.
What it means for you
Scaffolding may be appearing around the external areas of your property, very soon.
We have produced a document, showing when work will begin on your property.
We are committed to minimising disruption to you. However it may be necessary for work to be carried out on Saturdays to allow us to complete the programme.
We should not need to carry out any works inside your home if you live in a block.
If you live in a house it will be necessary to carry out works inside your home.
We may need to turn off your electricity supply for a few hours and we will contact in you advance if this is the case.
Where scaffolding is erected outside properties it may affect satellite TV reception unless you are using the communal block TV system.
The introduction of solar electricity will bring a number of benefits, including:
- Fuel cost savings. Residents living in houses may benefit from savings on their electricity bill of about £70 per year, based on current electricity prices (as at July 2011).
- A reduced carbon footprint. A typical system can save around one tonne of CO2 per year – that’s around 25 tonnes over its lifetime.
- Reinvestment in existing homes. Income from generating solar electricity will be reinvested in our homes and services.
What you need to do
Ensure all members of your family, particularly children, take care around scaffolding.
Only authorised contractors are allowed on the scaffolding. If you see anyone trespassing, please call the police.
Please make sure you lock all windows and doors before you go out.
If you have home contents insurance, you should inform your insurance company that scaffolding will be placed around the building.
If you have any questions
You can contact Peabody Direct on 020 7021 4000 or visit our website for regular updates.
Read our Chief Executive Steve Howlett's statement regarding the Government's proposed changes.
Also in the news:
Peabody solar programme in doubt as government proposes cuts to solar energy paymentsThe latest on our proposed Clapham estate redevelopment 
