Southport looks to Harness the power of the sun

Photo: Dunes Splashworld, solar photovoltaic (PV) being installed

Sefton Council Looks to Harness the Power of the Sun

Sefton Council has recently installed solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at nine council owned sites across the borough as part of a commitment to energy efficiency.

The panels generate electricity using energy from the sun but do not require direct sunlight, only daylight, meaning they also work on the more cloudy days commonly experienced in the north west.  Each of the nine sites will be supported by the electricity generated by the panels, meaning a reduction in the council’s energy bills.

Cllr. Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: “Sefton Council is facing further budget cuts and it is therefore vitally important programmes which can provide savings and generate income are explored.

“The installation of Solar Panels will have a significant impact on our carbon footprint through the use of clean energy while contributing towards a greener borough.”

The panels will be installed at:
Bootle Library
Bootle Leisure Centre
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre
St Peters House (Bootle)
Litherland Sports Park
Netherton Activity Centre
Sefton Meadows (Maghull)
Southport Eco Centre,
Dunes Splashworld (Southport)

The panels were installed ahead of the changes to the Government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme on January, 15, meaning the council will also receive a guaranteed income for every kilowatt hour (kWh) the panels generate over the next 20 years.