More than 100 solar panels set to go live on latest council buildings
More civic buildings in Newcastle-under-Lyme are set to start producing their own renewable energy by the end of December.
New 445-watt solar panels, supplied by Garland UK, are currently being installed at Bradwell Crematorium's chapel and offices, Keele Cemetery and Kidsgrove Town Hall offices which together are projected to generate approximately 46,500 kWh of green energy – saving more than 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions – each year.
Switching to sustainable energy sources, like solar power, is a key element of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and estates – by 2030 at the latest – as part of its Sustainable Environment Strategy which sets out various actions for preserving and protecting the local environment for present and future generations.
Solar technologies collect and convert natural sunlight – regardless of the weather – into clean electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels. A total of 105 panels are being installed on the roofs of four council-owned buildings by NRA Roofing and Flooring Services Limited and the intention is to use the electricity generated to power the public facilities, with any remaining units to be sold to the National Grid.
Solar panels are already installed at Knutton Lane depot, with further ones planned, as well as Jubilee2. There are also plans to introduce them on shelters at Newcastle bus station, as part of the Newcastle Town Deal, and on land at Keele Cemetery.
Surveys suggest that using solar energy can reduce the carbon footprint of a home or business by up to 80 per cent in one year.
Cllr. David Hutchison, Cabinet member for Sustainable Environment, said:
Having declared a climate emergency in 2019, the borough council is committed to environmental sustainability and achieving net zero through its own actions first, followed by supporting the wider borough to do so by 2050. Our Sustainable Environment Strategy outlines various actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote a greener and more resilient future for us all.
Solar panels are playing a crucial role in our transition towards the use of renewable energy sources, as we look to make council operations more sustainable, so it’s fantastic that they are being fitted to three more council buildings. They contribute to a cleaner future by reducing carbon emissions, demonstrating environmental leadership and complementing other energy-saving measures.
By investing in this technology, the council can heavily reduce or even completely remove its reliance on grid electricity which is often produced from fossil fuels, a finite resource and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. An added benefit is significant savings on day-to-day running costs, currently estimated to be in the region of £15,000 each year for the three sites.”
The council’s Sustainable Environment Strategy also promotes energy efficiency, explores geothermal energy recovery and encourages sustainable building practices.