Solar PV companies invited to ‘meet the buyer’ events

As part of its ongoing commitment to cut carbon emissions, Shropshire Council is hoping to install solar photovoltaic panels on its suitable buildings, including council houses where reasonably practicable. 

The council will be hosting a series of events for potential local supply chain firms/subcontractors as part of the tendering process to help deliver Shropshire’s solar photovoltaic programme. 

The ‘meet the buyer’ events supported by metnet will take place this evening (Thursday 1 December 2011) at Shrewsbury Town Football Club from 5pm to 7pm, and on Monday 5 December 2011 at 5pm to 7pm at Ludlow Racecourse. 

The council’s procurement process for the Solar PV contractor Framework saw 112 expressions of interest from suppliers, which resulted in 34 submitted applications.  Out of these, eight have been successful in going forward to the next tender process. 

Rising fuel costs are a major drain on resources, both for the council as a whole and tenants living in council houses.  Shropshire Council has a target of reducing its carbon emissions, including the council’s 4,217 homes, by 35% by March 2014.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for carbon reduction and sustainability, said:

“The installation of Solar PVs will improve the efficiency of many of our buildings, saving the council money and also saving money for our council house tenants as well.  The ‘meet the buyer’ events provide a great opportunity for potential contractors to present their organisations and make beneficial links with other interested organisations within The Marches and surrounding area.”  

The Marches area includes Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. 

Metnet is a partnership between Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council and Worcestershire County Council, administered by Shropshire Council.