Argyll and Bute Council has installed solar panels at a number of its sites and offices as part of its ongoing commitment to tackle climate change and become a net zero organisation, saving £150,000 in electricity costs each year.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s ‘Non-Domestic Energy Efficiency Framework (NDEEF), the council has installed roof-mounted solar panels at Graham Williamson IT Centre in Helensburgh; the Blackhill Roads Depot in Helensburgh; Rothesay Swimming Pool; Kintyre House in Campbeltown; and Lochgilphead Learning Resource Centre. Plans are also underway for roof-mounted solar panels at Cardross Primary School.
However, the largest of the projects to date has been the installation of 100 freestanding solar panels at the council headquarters in Lochgilphead. These panels produce 45,000kWh of electricity per year, saving the council £9,800 alone in electricity costs per year at the current electricity rate.
In addition to those funded through NDEEF, the council has also installed solar roof panels at Rothesay Joint Campus; Hermitage Academy; Tobermory High School; Islay High School; Hermitage Primary; Parklands School; Tarbert Academy; Dunoon Grammar School; Inveraray Primary School; Lochgilphead Joint Campus; Taynuilt Primary; Park Primary; and Oban Joint Campus.
The council’s Policy Lead for Climate Change and Environment Services, Councillor Ross Moreland, said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to reduce carbon emissions in Argyll and Bute.
“Installing solar panels at our premises is not only helping to reduce our carbon footprint, but it is also helping us to achieve energy savings and cut electricity costs.
“We are taking action to create a climate-friendly Argyll and Bute, to develop sustainable ways of working and living, and to become a net zero carbon emissions organisation by 2045.”