Agenda item

The Panel is to receive an update on the One Leisure Solar Panels Installations.

Executive Councillor: Cllr D Mickelburgh

By means of a report and presentation from the Head of Properties, Facilities and Health and Safety (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), the update on the One Leisure Solar Installations was presented to the Panel.

The Panel heard that the original specification had been based on 12 months of half hourly site data and optimising the install with sufficient to be able to run the site rather than excess. It was noted that if excess were generated the payback from the grid was approximately 30% of it’s worth. Whilst batteries were also considered they were not felt to offer value for money at the time of the installation. It was noted that the payback period of under 10 years was achievable with the installation, however had the panels been increased, this would have been extended into a longer payback period. It was further observed by officers that the project offered good value for money as the return on investment is maximised at each site along with the generation capacity. Data would be sought from other Councils to give some comparison on the efficiencies and cost effectiveness.

It was clarified that the project at One Leisure St Ives had included a grant from Sports England towards the total cost of the project which allowed for additional improvements to be added to the project and an alternative with the carpark canopy panels. This meant a longer payback period however this was considered to be acceptable within the detail of the project.

It was advised that due to emerging technologies the payback period of the One Leisure St Ives Outdoor site had changed since the initial plan, however this was still felt to represent good value for money and well within good practice, it also allowed for other opportunities to be explored such as utilising excess energy at other Council sites.

It was agreed that an update on changes to energy contracts and the impact on costs would be sought and communicated back to the Panel. It was noted that the projected figures were very conservative and that it was anticipated this would shorten the projected payback periods as a result.

It was observed that the previous expected payback period for solar panels had been 25 years so that the projected 7 years for the project was much improved. It was also encouraged that options for battery storage be developed in order to maximise efficiencies. It was noted that the One Leisure St Ives Outdoor site generated more electricity than it used during the day, therefore batteries had been investigated in order to store the generated energy to be utilised in the evening when energy would not be generated.

The Panel heard that lessons had been taken away from the project and were useful in informing best practice and maximising opportunities for future projects. It was noted that the opportunity to install panels at Pathfinder House was currently underway along with identifying additional sites to maximise opportunities.

It was noted that the costs predicted did not include disposal of the units once they had reached the end of their lifespan, however it was noted that all components were recyclable. It was also noted that no issues with the panels had been reported during the extreme summer temperatures experienced and that it had not been too sunny or hot for operations to continue.

It was requested that future calculations include the carbon footprint of the panels at point of purchase as it was noted that they were imported from overseas as well as ethical considerations of the country of origin. It was noted that even if a panel is manufactured within the UK, the components may still have the same country of origin as the complete panels.