Expanding Solar Power Across West Sussex
West Sussex County Council is set to expand its solar boost initiative, bringing renewable energy to more schools, libraries, fire stations, and other public buildings across the county. The council’s Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage programme is growing rapidly, with plans for new, fully-funded commercial solar panel systems at 60 additional sites.
Currently, solar PV systems are generating clean electricity at 74 schools, and solar panels are installed on nine council buildings. The council also operates two large-scale solar farms in Tangmere and Westhampnett. These combined efforts produce around 17,000 megawatt-hours of electricity each year—enough to power approximately 6,300 homes without any carbon emissions.
This expansion will bring renewable energy to a variety of public buildings, from schools and libraries to fire stations. Each site will be equipped with solar panels and battery storage systems, allowing them to generate, store, and use their own clean energy. Depending on each location’s needs, any excess energy will be stored for later use or exported to the national grid.
Key Benefits of the Solar Boost Programme
This major investment in renewable energy offers several key advantages for the community, the environment, and the council’s budget.
One of the main benefits of the solar boost programme is the reduction of carbon emissions from public buildings. By generating clean electricity on-site, schools and other facilities can significantly lower their environmental impact. This shift to renewable energy will also help the council meet its climate goals, particularly its target of becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030.
The initiative also brings significant financial advantages by reducing energy costs. Generating their own electricity makes schools and public buildings less dependent on the national grid and less vulnerable to fluctuating energy prices. This financial stability is especially important given the recent volatility in energy markets. Cheaper, cleaner electricity will allow these organisations to allocate more resources to core public services.
Energy resilience across the county is another key benefit. With battery storage systems in place, public buildings will have a reliable backup power supply, allowing them to operate smoothly during outages or periods of high demand on the national grid. This increased energy independence is particularly valuable for critical services like fire stations and emergency response facilities.
Beyond the environmental and financial benefits, the solar programme offers valuable educational opportunities. Schools involved can incorporate renewable energy into their curriculum, giving students first-hand experience with solar and battery technology. This helps them understand the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship from a young age.
Council Leadership on Climate Action
Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “This programme demonstrates our dedication to creating a more sustainable West Sussex,” she said. “By embracing solar power and the use of zero-carbon electricity, we are reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and providing real learning opportunities for future generations.”
A Sussex-based contractor will handle the solar boost installations, supporting local businesses and reducing the environmental impact of transportation and logistics. The county council will fully fund the installations and maintain the systems throughout their lifetime, ensuring a smooth transition to renewable energy for all participating buildings.
“By investing in renewable energy and supporting the ‘buildings and energy’ pathway of our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, we are taking steps that will make a real difference in protecting our environment and building a brighter future for everyone,” Urquhart noted.
West Sussex County Council’s solar boost represents a major step forward in the county’s commitment to sustainability. By installing solar PV and battery storage systems at 60 new sites, the council is reducing carbon emissions, cutting energy costs, and increasing resilience. This initiative is a cornerstone of its plan to become carbon neutral by 2030, building a greener future for West Sussex.