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Major Expansion: West Sussex Solar Boost to Power 60 More Schools, Public Sites
West Sussex County Council is significantly accelerating its commitment to renewable energy by extending its Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage programme to an additional 60 public sites. This new phase will equip more schools, libraries, and fire stations across the county with fully-funded solar PV systems, enabling them to generate and store their own clean electricity.
The expansion builds upon an already impressive foundation. Currently, 74 schools and nine council-owned buildings are benefiting from solar installations. These facilities, along with two large-scale solar farms in Tangmere and Westhampnett, collectively generate approximately 17,000 megawatt-hours of carbon-free electricity annually—enough to power around 6,300 homes. The new installations will feature both solar panels and integrated battery storage, allowing sites to maximize their use of generated power or export surplus energy to the national grid.
Driving Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future with West Sussex Solar Boost to Power 60 More Schools, Public Sites
This initiative is a cornerstone of the council’s strategy to become a carbon-neutral organization by 2030. By empowering public buildings to produce their own renewable energy, the program directly reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the county’s overall carbon footprint. Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the project’s strategic importance. “This programme demonstrates our dedication to creating a more sustainable West Sussex,” she stated. “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.”
Beyond the environmental benefits, the project delivers significant economic advantages. On-site power generation insulates public services from the volatility of energy markets, leading to substantial cost savings that can be redirected to core services. Furthermore, the inclusion of battery storage in the solar PV systems enhances energy resilience, ensuring that critical facilities like fire stations can maintain operations during grid outages.
Local Investment and Educational Impact of West Sussex Solar Boost to Power 60 More Schools, Public Sites
The council has committed to fully funding the installation and ongoing maintenance of the systems, removing any financial barrier for the participating sites. A Sussex-based contractor will manage the installations, ensuring the investment supports local businesses and minimizes transportation-related emissions. The programme also creates a unique educational platform, allowing schools to integrate lessons on sustainability and green technology directly into their curriculum, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
“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 added. This expansion marks a decisive step in building a greener, more resilient West Sussex.
Sources
- Your Environment & climate change newsletter
- West Sussex Economic Strategy 2025-2035
- Solar Panels for Schools
- Sustainable Economy Strategy and Action Plan 2025 – 2028
- Boost your eco strategy
- West Sussex County Council finishes first decarbonisation …
- The Rise of Solar Panel Installation in West Sussex Schools
- Climate Change Strategy Progress Report
- West Sussex Economic Strategy – Action Plan – 2025-2026
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