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– This is one fool solution. But we have fool rules, so it had to be like that, says the Scotsman on TV 2.
Most people probably thought that the latest chapter in the saga of Fergus Tait’s bitter solar cell match against the municipality of Stavanger was written on July 28 last year.
Then a group of installers came to his house and removed the panels.
PRODUCTION AGAIN: Through an application, the 53-year-old man follows the production. Photo: Magnus H. Wathne / TV 2
But the energetic Brit refuses to give up the dream of producing his own climate-friendly electricity.
Now it has cleaned the dust of what are perhaps the most talked about solar panels in the country.
With spring on its way, the panels now occupy just over 30 square meters of lawn in front of the house.
– We Scots never understand when we have lost, he tells Stavanger Aftenblad, who was the first to mention the case.
SACRIFICE THE GARDEN: To the disappointment of the children, there will be no trampoline in the garden until the summer. Photo: Magnus H. Wathne / TV 2
He fought for more than three years
The background to the dispute with the municipality is, in short, that his house is located in the so-called Trehusbyen in Eiganes, outside the center of Stavanger.
There are strict rules for the protection of Trehusbyen and, according to the municipality, the solar cells did not fit the character of the residential area.
He was first asked to request permission to have them on the roof. The request was sent, but rejected. He appealed the decision, but was again denied.
OWN-PRODUCED: On a good day, you expect to be able to produce up to a third of what you made before the panels had to fall. Photo: Magnus H. Wathne / TV 2
In the end, it all ended with the municipality’s threat with heavy daily fines if it did not eliminate them.
– It’s sad. I knew this day would come, but I can’t believe it, he told TV 2 when editors lifted panel after panel last summer.
– What then does the municipality say about the new solution?
– They accept this because it is a mobile solution. I dared not do anything but consult with them, he says.
NOT SATISFIED: The 53-year-old describes the new solution as “silly.” Photo: Magnus H. Wathne / TV 2
Produces less
Now the famous solar panels are placed on pallets on the lawn, surrounded by a green fence.
Through cables on the terrace and inside the house, the panels are connected to the network.
However, you are not sure if it will be a permanent solution.
When the solar cells were on the roof, they could produce around 20 kWh a day.
Now that the panels are exposed to more shade, production is drastically decreasing.
DECREASE: Tall trees prevent maximum utilization of the small solar power system. Photo: Magnus H. Wathne / TV 2
Until around 12 o’clock, electricity is produced well on a normal day, he explains.
But throughout the afternoon, the tall birch trees ensure that the panels don’t work like they used to.
– We get about a third of what we had before. It’s a shame, but at least it’s something. We leave the panels like this for the rest of the year, then we’ll see if we feel it’s worth it, he says.
– I love those trees. It’s inappropriate to shoot them down, he says.
FENCING: The Scotsman hopes that the fences will protect the panels from being damaged. Photo: Magnus H. Wathne / TV 2
Dissatisfied hedgehogs
Tait further explains that not all are the same happy with the garden now being used as a local power station.
– There will be no springboard for the kids this summer, but they somehow understand what I’m trying to do here. I also don’t think hedgehogs can be overly excited about this, he says.
– How do you think it looks?
– It looks a lot worse than when they were on the roof, I think. And now it is a garden in ruins. That said, a stupid solution.
– But do you have to produce your own electricity for life or death?
– No, but someone must help force a change. If I can’t have the panels on the ceiling, then it probably will, he says.
