Cotswold District Council has taken a significant stride toward its ambitious goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 with a solar PV installation at the Trinity Road offices in Cirencester.
This innovative project not only advances the council’s sustainability objectives but also underscores a commitment to supporting local businesses and generating long-term savings for taxpayers.
Project Highlights
- System Capacity: 157.06 kWp
- Components:
- 311 high-efficiency 505W monocrystalline panels
- 129.6 kWh battery storage system
- Three 50 kW inverters for optimal energy conversion
- Annual Energy Generation: 141,000 kWh
- CO₂ Reduction: 32 tonnes per year, equivalent to 125,000 kilometers driven in a diesel car.
Sustainability Benefits
This installation will generate more energy than the building consumes during the summer months, enabling the council to sell excess power back to the grid. This will reduce reliance on external energy sources and offset any grid usage during the winter, with projected annual savings of £40,000. The system is expected to pay for itself in less than five years, delivering decades of cost-efficient energy use.
Locally Sourced Solutions
To minimise environmental impact and support the local economy, the project partnered with Gloucester-based Ecovision to handle the design and installation, who in-turn linked up with Bourton-on-the-Water’s Sun-Fixings to supply integrated in-roof panels, strengthening sections where structural surveys identified the need for reinforcement. These partnerships reflect the dedication of everyone involved in the project to using local resources wherever possible.
Innovative Design for a Unique Site
The Trinity Road building presented challenges due to its distinct roof shapes and structural limitations. A bespoke design utilised both bracket-and-rail-mounted panels and integrated in-roof panels, seamlessly blending energy efficiency with aesthetic and structural requirements. The system also incorporates smart battery storage, allowing energy to be used efficiently during peak demand periods.
Long-Term Impact
In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the council has been making strides in energy efficiency across its properties. Recent initiatives include low-carbon heating systems at a local museum and LED lighting upgrades at other council facilities. These efforts align with the council’s vision to lead by example and encourage residents and businesses to embrace green technologies.
Key Outcomes
- Energy Independence: 84.5% of generated power is consumed on-site, reducing dependency on the grid.
- Significant Savings: Annual financial savings of £40,000 with a return on investment within 5 years.
- Environmental Leadership: Demonstrates the council’s commitment to tackling climate change and inspiring the community to adopt renewable energy.
This project exemplifies how smart, sustainable design paired with local partnerships can drive meaningful change, creating a greener and more cost-efficient future for public operations.
“Harnessing green technology for our Trinity Road site not only makes our operations more sustainable but also brings significant savings. By working with local businesses, we’ve minimized the project’s environmental impact and invested in the local economy. This installation is a crucial step toward achieving our carbon-neutral goals.”
