Ashfield District Council: Council's Solar Switch-on

Council's Solar Switch-on

Date: 18th December 2009

While the world's most powerful countries debated some of the biggest challenges facing the planet at the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, Ashfield was also doing its bit to save money, energy and reduce CO2 with the switch on of the District Council's new solar panels.

The solar switch-on took place on Thursday 10 December at the Council's headquarters, when Chairman of the Council, Cllr May Barsby, and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr John Wilmott, had the honour of unveiling a digital thermometer which shows how the solar panels are performing.

The solar panels are on the roof of the main office in Kirkby and it is envisaged they will provide 50% of the Council's hot water. Visitors to the Council offices will now be able to see the solar panel thermometer, which records the current heat from the panels, the temperature of the water it is heating and the total kWh the panels have generated.

solar panel switch on

As well as leading by example the Council is also encouraging local residents and businesses to do their bit to help reduce CO2 through a booklet – "Your Guide to a Sustainable Future" which has been delivered to every household and business in the district. The booklet is packed with interesting facts and practical guidance.

Commenting on the Solar Panel Switch-On, Head of Health and Housing, Paul Shackley, said: "Ashfield District Council is aiming to become one of the leading low carbon authorities. We have produced our own Climate Change Strategy, which focuses on a number of priority areas where action can be taken to reduce emissions and adapt to the risks of more extreme climatic conditions. The solar panels are another important initiative in this strategy and, we hope, will serve as a useful reminder, about saving CO2, for visitors to our offices."

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