A district council has invested in a solar carport as part of continued efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Installation of one of the UK’s largest local authority-owned carports is underway in Bicester, as part of ongoing efforts by Cherwell District Council to reduce its carbon footprint.

Solar carports are starting to gain popularity in the UK as organisations which have already used all their existing roof space for solar panels look to increase on-site green energy generation.

The carport is being delivered by renewable energy specialist, Solarsense, as part of a wider project to decarbonise Bicester Leisure Centre.

Main contractor Inside Out Group is installing air source heat pumps on the site to heat the swimming pool as well as upgrading the existing lighting to LEDs throughout the building.

In the context of rising energy costs and economic uncertainty, the measures will help to ensure the long-term viability of the leisure centre for the benefit of local people.

Read more: Popular shopping centre to get an upgrade

Tackling the climate emergency is a high priority for Cherwell District Council, which has committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

Managing Director of Solarsense Stephen Barrett said: “This project represents the launch of a brand-new carport product for Solarsense and we are really excited to see it take shape.

Our vision is to change forever the way that UK organisations are powered and this kind of innovation in solar panel design and installation is key to making that happen.

“With rising fuel prices and rocketing inflation, maximising on-site green energy generation makes a lot of sense for councils – and it’s better for the environment too.”

Covering around 60 parking spaces, the steel structure in Bicester has been mounted with a series of solar panels which are expected to generate around 150,000 kWh of green electricity per year, providing around 18% of the total energy demand of the site.

Using solar power will avoid around 34,500kg of CO2 emissions annually – equivalent to driving more than 85,000 miles.

The system is predicted to pay for itself within approximately 10 years.

Solarsense is an experienced installer of solar panels for carports but has previously used a third-party supplier to provide the structure itself.

The project for Cherwell District Council is the first time the company will supply a full carport system for a large-scale project.

Installation of the carport structure is now complete, and the system is undergoing final electrical checks ready to be activated in mid-August.

Bicester Leisure Centre is fit with a gym, swimming pool and offers classes.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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