Solar panel schemes at Sunderland council buildings approved in bid to cut city's energy bills

Sunderland City Council's push for greener energy has scored a win, with councillors giving the thumbs up to solar panel installations aimed at slashing energy bills at council-run sites. The Planning and Highways Committee, convening this week, nodded through two applications from the local authority.

The first scheme is set to eco-boost Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre with a new "solar PV array" boasting a "capacity of approximately 189.64 kW". Plans reveal that the system will incorporate over 430 'solar modules', each protected by a "strengthened glass front cover with anti-reflective coating".

This initiative comes hot on the heels of a £410,000 grant from Sport England, designed to alleviate the financial strain on councils and leisure operators caused by soaring energy and operational costs. Sunderland City Council has previously highlighted that the solar panels would not only reduce the centre's carbon footprint but also trim energy expenses.

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Additional funding is also allocated for other energy-efficient measures, including a project to heat the swimming pool water more economically.

The second green light was for a solar PV array with a capacity of around 221 kW(p) at the Leechmere Independent Living Centre located in the Leechmere Industrial Estate. According to council reports, the installation of 288 solar panels on the building's roof will enhance energy efficiency and make a "minor contribution to carbon neutrality objectives".

A council committee report has noted: "It is considered that the solar panels are unlikely to create glare or noise that would adversely impact local amenity or occupiers of neighbouring land."

Both planning applications were endorsed by council planning officers and received unanimous backing from councillors during a session at City Hall on Monday. Councillor Iain Scott, representing Hetton ward, expressed his support for the solar panel initiative at Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre, remarking, "Great choice of location, the sun always shines in the glorious ward of Hetton," and added, "Jokes aside, it’s great to see that we’re actually investing in solar PV and taking further actions to strive towards the low carbon action plan."

He also stated, "I’m delighted to see this come forward and I’m happy to give it my approval."

Meanwhile, Councillor Andrew Wood sought additional details regarding the 'energy savings' promised by the two projects, prompting council planning officers to agree to provide further information post-meeting.

For residents and businesses in Sunderland inspired by these initiatives, solar panels could be a practical step toward reducing energy costs and lowering carbon footprints.

Investing in renewable energy like solar not only helps cut electricity bills but also contributes to the broader goal of combating climate change.

Homeowners and business owners can explore government grants and schemes to make solar installations more affordable, further enhancing their long-term savings.

James Elston, solar panel expert at Green Central, added: "Sunderland’s solar panel initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of renewable energy, showcasing how the best solar panels can significantly reduce energy costs while contributing to sustainability goals. For individuals and businesses, investing in high-quality solar solutions ensures efficiency and long-term reliability."

The solar panel proposals were given the green light by Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee in a meeting held on October 21, 2024, at City Hall.