Solar panels on tourist centre won’t cost Welshpool a penny

In a masterstroke by Welshpool Town Council, the solar panels planned for the Tourist Information Centre roof won’t cost the tax payer a penny, and it could even bring in revenue for years to come.

In a project led by Cllr Dr Ben Gwalchmai, solar panels will be located on the building’s roof at a cost of £23,775, with the budget being met by a grant from the Windfall Mid Wales Community Energy Trust.

But last night’s Town Council Operations & Development Committee meeting reported that the grant is only available until October, so they need to get their skates on.

Councillors unanimously approved the project which includes all works and battery storage with the Town Clerk, Richard Williams, explaining that any excess electricity generated will be ploughed back into the National Grid to generate revenue for the town.

The committee’s decision will be forwarded now to full council who are expected to rubber stamp it at the end of the month.