Horsham District Council announces a collaboration with resident-led group Community Energy Horsham to install energy-efficient photovoltaic (PV) panels on council-owned buildings.
The Bridge Leisure Centre, at Broadbridge Heath, will be the first property to install solar panels under this scheme. When it proves successful, they will continue on to other suitable council-owned properties.
Community Energy Horsham comprises a group of Horsham District residents who have linked up with Energise South and Energy4All which have the technical and financial expertise to deliver locally generated renewable energy solutions. Their projects are financed by local investors, who usually earn 4% returns on their investment.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs Cllr James Wright said: “This approach has the potential to contribute significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions from council-owned buildings in line with our overall carbon footprint reduction targets. The Council will also help to promote this concept to other organisations and businesses across the District that have suitable roofs.
“Increasing the take up of renewable technology is a cost-effective way of reducing carbon emissions and saving on electricity bills, and encouraging residents to invest in this process also increases general awareness of the advantages of installing renewable energy.”