A rooftop installation of solar panels has commenced on Waverley Court, the City of Edinburgh Council headquarters.
Waverley Court is the sixth public building to be fitted with community-owned solar panels as part of the second phase of one of the largest community-owned renewable energy projects in the UK.
Delivered by Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, the first public share offer in 2015 enabled the project to install solar PV panels on 24 council and Edinburgh Leisure buildings across the city.
Last year the amount of renewable energy generated from the scheme was 866,405.78 kWh; enough to power 282 homes for a year1. Following a successful second public share offer in September 2020, a further six installations have now been added to the portfolio with Waverley Court being the largest.
The 160.46 kW installation on Waverley Court is anticipated to generate approximately 128,005 kWh per year; enough to power 41 homes for a year1. The project is due to be completed by 5th March 2021.
Surplus profits made by the project will be reinvested locally through a Community Benefit Fund.
Council Leader, Councillor Adam McVey, said: “We’re really pleased to be working in partnership with the Solar Co-operative on the installation and running of solar panels on council buildings.
“This is funded by community share offers and is a fantastic way we’ve been able to connect with residents who want to help tackle climate change.
“As well as supplying clean electricity to the council buildings the panels have helped reduce the council’s carbon emissions, supporting our target of net zero emissions by 2030.
“Additionally, the panels generate revenue which is put to good use through the community benefit fund by supporting new sustainable energy projects across the city.”
Lesley Hinds, Chair of ECSC added “Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative are delighted to once again work in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council to have achieved Solar Panel installations on 30 buildings in Edinburgh.
“The support from the Edinburgh community and beyond by investing in our Share Offer, shows their commitment to reduce the carbon footprint in Edinburgh. Waverley Court is the first building to be installed in the City Centre and will be a visible beacon for renewable energy in Edinburgh.”
ECSC have the possibility of adding more buildings to their portfolio later in the year which could result in a further share offer.
ECSC is supported and assisted by Energy4All Limited, the leading social enterprise in the UK for delivering community owned renewable energy schemes.
Energy4All projects have raised over £82 million to build and operate community renewable energy generation all over the UK.
For more information please visit www.energy4all.co.uk