Leicester City Council is set to install a series of solar panels the size of 18 tennis courts at a council-run sport and leisure centre.
Leicester City Council is investing around £1.1m on the installation of more than 800 new photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the leisure centre as part of a programme to improve the energy efficiency of council buildings.
It is estimated the new PVs, which cover a 3,600m2 area, will allow the centre to generate an estimated 270 megawatt hours of clean energy in a normal year
The solar panels will also help achieve annual carbon savings equivalent to around 60 tonnes per year.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on transport, clean air and climate emergency, said: ‘This new investment in major energy efficiency improvements at Aylestone Leisure Centre represents another step forward in our citywide response to the climate emergency. With over 800 panels, it will be the largest array of PV panels we have installed on any of buildings so far.’
The work is supported by up to £500,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as part of the council’s successful bid for over £4m of match-funding to support a range of projects that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, who will be undertaking the work, said: ‘Working with local partners throughout the project, such as Leicestershire Cares, LEBC and Leicester Environmental Volunteers, will enable us to deliver on our commitment to social value.
‘We prioritise leaving a lasting legacy in the communities where our projects take place, not only on the quality of works but also our impact on supporting the next generation to thrive, making the environment better and improving local economies by providing valuable work opportunities.’
