BUSINESSES on Lee Mill Industrial Estate and nearby are being offered the chance to save money on their electricity bills, reduce carbon emissions and help make some money for local community initiatives.

The Lee Mill Solar Roof Project is aiming to help businesses install solar photovoltaic panels on suitable roofs, giving them cheaper electricity.

Under the project he installation costs will be covered by a community share offer, so local people will be able to invest in the project. South Dartmoor Community Energy, the group running the project, say the shares could deliver a four to six per cent return.

SDCE says there is no big developer or energy company involved as it is a not for profit community benefit society. All profits will be reinvested into a Community Fund and made available to benefit other local sustainability initiatives.

SDCE has been awarded a grant from the Rural Community Energy Fund to carry out a feasibility study to make sure they the best locations are found for the panels, to generate the most income for the community.

For more information on RCEF, visit www.wrap.org.uk/renewables

One of SDCE’s directors Sophie Phillips said: ’This is a really exciting project. There are loads of similar successful schemes across the UK, everyone benefits from it, and there is no reason not to get involved.’

SDCE is inviting everyone who would like to find out more about the project for drinks and nibbles at the Westward Inn, Lee Mill on Wednesday, January 18. Drop in between 4 and 7pm, with talks from the project team at 5.30pm.

For more information please visit www.southdartmoorcommunityenergy.org, or call Sophie on 07709 0220250.