Stratford District Council offices to be powered by solar panels

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is installing solar panels on the roof of the council offices in Stratford-upon-Avon to help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

The solar photovoltaic system is being supplied by Energi Installations PLC and will cost around £40,000 with a payback period of about 10 years. It will save the District Council about 7690kg a year of carbon emissions with around 192,250kg over 25 years.

The system will generate around 14,000 kWh each year, with any surplus electricity generated being sold to the National Grid.

The solar panels are being installed on the rear of the flat roof on Elizabeth House and have a life expectancy of 25 years.

It is estimated that the total profit at the end of 25 years (from utility savings and Feed-In Tariff and exporting electricity to the National Grid), is anticipated to be in the region of £127,000 after the initial capital investment is paid off. 

Councillor Mike Gittus, Planning & Environment Portfolio says: “This has been a long-term aim of the District Council and a win win solution for local residents, the District Council and the local environment.  We use less energy, save money and reduce our carbon emissions all in one action – and we get paid for doing it!  The District Council has been reducing its energy use over the last few years and these solar panels are part of the District Council's wider aim to continually reduce energy consumption."