Cherwell District Council has invested in a solar carport for Bicester Leisure Centre as part of continued efforts 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. 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 the local community.

The clean energy installation is one of the UK’s largest local authority-owned solar carports. Covering around 60 parking spaces, the steel carport structure 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 Bicester Leisure Centre.

Using solar power will avoid around 34,500kg of CO2 emissions annually – the equivalent to driving more than 85,000 miles. The system is predicted to pay for itself within approximately 10 years.

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.

Stephen Barrett, Managing Director – Solarsense