Solar panels on market roof welcomed

Harborough District Council, with assistance from Leicestershire County Council, have installed the photovoltaic (solar) panels on the south-facing pitched roof of its market building to ensure maximum efficiency.

They have been introduced at a cost of £58,000, with a seven-year payback, and will reduce energy costs, potentially generate revenue via the ‘feed in tariff’ scheme, and reduce the building’s carbon emissions. 

Cllr Phil King, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for finance and commercialisation, said, "This scheme will help reduce the energy costs of Harborough Market, and will contribute to its future success."

Harborough Market operators, Market Place, welcomed the works. Market Place Market Manager, Sairah Butt said, “This is a great example of one of the many ways that the council is working to reduce both running costs and carbon emissions. It’s a win, win situation – great for the environment and good news for the long term financial sustainability of the market.”

Harborough Market traders welcomed the installation. “I think it’s great,” said John Cleaver of Selvey & Co Jewellers. “There aren’t many markets in the country with solar panels on the roof! It’s very forward thinking and fantastic that the council is investing in the market with any eye to its future.”

Harborough Market is open 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 9am to 3pm for the popular antiques market on Sunday.