The installation of a 106kW rooftop solar PV system has commenced at Waverley Court, the City of Edinburgh Council’s headquarters.
Waverley Court is the latest 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.
The installation is being 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 by the scheme was 866,405.78 kWh, enough to power 282 homes for a year.
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 project is due to be completed by 5 March 2021 with any surplus profits made by the project to 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.”
ECSC has the possibility of adding more buildings to its portfolio later in the year which could result in a further share offer.
ECSC is supported and assisted by Energy4All Limited, a social enterprise in the UK for delivering community owned renewable energy schemes.
Energy4All projects have raised over £82m to build and operate community renewable energy generation all over the UK.