Solar panel project achieves carbon reductions

Two major installations of solar panels have been completed by the County Council as part of its continued commitment to sustainability, and to protect and enhance the environment. The first and most significant has been completed at the County Council’s second largest office facility of Wildwood, situated near County Hall, with an array of 679 panels. The second, smaller installation, has been completed at Kidderminster Library.

The solar panel project, which was funded by the Government’s Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, will result in estimated savings of up to £70,000 per annum, with a reduction of some 73 tonnes of carbon being produced. 

Councillor Adam Kent, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Communication, said: “It’s one of our main priorities to protect the environment for future generations, promoting both environmental and commercial sustainability.

“It’s fantastic to see innovation like this on two of our buildings and they are having such a positive effect. We hope to see more development of this type in the coming years, with Solar Canopies being an area we’re exploring closely.”

In December 2020, Worcestershire County Council successfully bid for £885,687 grant funding from the Government’s Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to fully fund several energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across its estate.

Funding was secured for 34 discreet energy projects across 25 council sites. Projects included insulation, lighting, glazing and energy management system upgrades, and the installation of solar panel systems.

The Council is currently exploring other opportunities in this area, including the possibility of further solar panel installations, and the introduction of solar canopies (simple steel shelters typically constructed over carparks that carry solar panels) to generate electricity where roof installations aren’t appropriate.

The Council operates from just under 100 buildings around the county, including offices, libraries, depots, care homes and Country Park visitor centres.  Approximately 5% of the County Council’s absolute carbon emissions are from electricity and gas consumption in Council buildings, and it is committed to reducing this year on year.