Plans to expand Exeter’s solar power capacity to reduce the city’s carbon emissions have been backed by councillors.
Six city council buildings will be fitted with large arrays of solar panels next year in a move which will save the council around £100,000 a year, as well as cutting emissions.
Members of Council voted in favour of installing solar panels at six sites owned by the council - Exeter Arena, St Sidwell's Point, Wonford Leisure Centre, the Guildhall car park, Exeter bus station and the Senate offices.
Cllr Matt Vizard, Lead Councillor for Climate, Ecological Change and Communities, said: “Labour-run Exeter City Council continues to show leadership and ambitious commitment towards achieving net zero.
“This investment marks the next stage of solar PV delivery to support the council’s decarbonisation plans, and another milestone towards securing a sustainable future for our public buildings.
“I’d like to thank the council officers for presenting a sound business case, and our partners at the South West Net Zero Hub who funded the feasibility work.”
A report from officers said the business case was robust and provided long-term savings for at least 25 years.
There will be a net saving for all six sites of £1,652,821. The buildings will avoid 106,072kg of CO2 emissions per year, with an annual saving of £99,132.
It is expected that the six sites will be built and become operational in 2026. Council approved a budget of £1,029,500 for the installation of the new solar PV arrays.
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