Leighton solar panels to aid council savings

LEIGHTON Recreation Centre in Westbury will have solar panels installed as part of Wiltshire Council’s bid to save over £1million and reduce the council’s carbon footprint. 

The leisure centre was one of 13 Wiltshire Council buildings selected to have solar panels installed earlier this year. Wiltshire Council say that Leighton’s solar panels will contribute to a scheme intended to save £1,001,112 of taxpayers’ money over the next 20 years and remove an anticipated 1,500 tonnes of CO2 from the council’s carbon footprint.

Some of the electricity generated by the panels will be used in the recreation centre, reducing the council’s electricity bills.

Toby Sturgis, cabinet member for waste said, “These figures speak for themselves. These panels represent a secure and effective investment for the council – one of many ways in which we are using innovative solutions to the economic challenges we face.

“Beyond the financial incentive, of course, these solar panels will also play an important role in reducing the council’s carbon footprint. As a council we are committed to finding sustainable energy solutions as well as cutting costs wherever we can so more money can be spent on our frontline services.”

The panels have been installed on 13 council-owned buildings across Wiltshire, including on County Hall in Trowbridge. Installation cost £282,000, but Wiltshire Council says it will benefit from almost £720,000 income when the costs have been paid off.

“The scheme offers a long term secure income for the council that will increase in value every year for the next 20 years.

“The systems also provide clean, carbon free energy that provides some protection from the volatility of the energy markets.”

Wiltshire Council will also receive a government subsidy for every unit of electricity generated, making an estimated £546,780 during the 20-year scheme. Additional subsidy for deemed export of electricity will make an estimated £109,318 during the 20-year scheme.