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Plans to install 292 of solar panels at Swale council’s headquarters in Sittingbourne unanimously approved

Hundreds of solar panels are to be installed on a council’s headquarters following a unanimous approval of the plans.

With an estimated cost of £81,000, once complete it will provide electricity for half of Swale House’s annual power needs.

More than 250 solar panels are set to be installed on Swale House in Sittingbourne. Picture: Swale Council
More than 250 solar panels are set to be installed on Swale House in Sittingbourne. Picture: Swale Council

In June 2019, Swale council declared a climate and ecological emergency.

It set a target to be carbon neutral by 2025 and achieve net zero borough-wide by 2030.

Since then, the authority says it has been taking steps to reduce both its costs and carbon footprint.

Last week, the policy and resources committee approved plans for the addition of solar panels on its HQ in Sittingbourne.

It follows previous work to improve the energy efficiency of Swale House by installing insulation and replacing ageing windows.

The plans were unanimously approved during a committee meeting. Picture: iStock
The plans were unanimously approved during a committee meeting. Picture: iStock

During the £1.9 million revamp in October 2022, the building was forced to close after asbestos was found around the frames.

Staff returned to the offices after two months of work to remove the toxic material.

Around 292 solar panels will be installed on the roof of the 1970s building in East Street, Sittingbourne.

During peak sunlight hours, the extra energy generated will be sold back to the grid.

Using the daytime tariff rate, it is expected to save £30,553 annually.

Cllr Rich Lehmann says it will cut their costs “significantly in the long run”
Cllr Rich Lehmann says it will cut their costs “significantly in the long run”

The overall cost of the project could be in the region of £81,000.

Cllr Rich Lehmann, chairman of the council’s environment and climate change committee, said: “The work to improve the energy efficiency of our offices from a C to a B rating, by replacing windows, adding insulation and other energy saving measures, has already helped reduce our costs.

“Installing these solar panels is the next phase and will cut our costs significantly in the long run, whilst helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

“We will now need to go out to tender for the project, but I am looking forward to taking this important next step towards our climate emergency goals.”

The authority is also considering the potential of installing solar panels on other buildings it owns.

The building has been previously been expensive to operate, says Cllr Dolley Wooster. Picture: Swale council
The building has been previously been expensive to operate, says Cllr Dolley Wooster. Picture: Swale council

Vice chairman Cllr Dolley Wooster added: “Swale House has been an expensive building to operate, but we’ve spent time and effort to make sure it’s becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly.

“This project is an excellent way to help save us money in the long run, whilst reducing our carbon emissions and allowing us to work in an environmentally friendly way.”

The council will now find a contractor to carry out the work.

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