Bury council make use of solar panels

Posted by Robert Shields

A council in Greater Manchester is looking to make substantial savings on its electricity bills in the future by investing in solar PV panels to generate its own electricity, therefore dropping what it spends on energy, as well as cutting its carbon footprint in the long run.

Over the next two years, the council in Bury is looking to reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 35 per cent (when compared to the figures from 2008/2009).

As part of these plans, panels were installed at the Villa, and it is hoped that this will mean the council can save approximately 1.8 tonnes per year on its carbon output.

The panels are expected to pay for themselves within seven years, through bringing in an annual £1,600.

Councillor Tony Isherwood, executive member for environment and economy, told the Preston and Whitefield Guide: "It's not often you have a win-win situation, but this is certainly one. The project is good for the environment, and good for local taxpayers."

Southampton Council has recently announced that it will soon install 130 panels atop a civic centre to save on electricity bills.