SOLAR PROJECT - Gladestry Village Hall committee decided to install a 4 kw solar power generating system just weeks before the August 1 deadline when the feed-in-tariff would be reduced. It had to get planning permission, achieve an energy performance certificate at level D or above, arrange finance, decide on the product and installer and get the application and documentation in by the deadline. “We had done a good deal of research”, said treasurer Michael Johnson, “and knew what was required. We had been in contact with local energy advisers Severn and Wye Energy of Builth Wells and it was crucial that everything came into place. It was important that the best product was selected because being relatively high up we get a fair amount of cloudy weather. We decided on the REC solar panels because they are the leading performer in those conditions, and Solar Kinetics of Fownhope are the approved installer for the area. I have worked with them before; they installed on time and did a tremendous job”. With the solar system installed the hall achieved an A – the highest level – in the energy performance rating. With reduced electricity bills and the feed-in-tariff the system should pay for itself in eight to nine years.