Bolton Council has appointed Forrest to install solar panels across four community buildings, including three care homes, in a move to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
The photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed by the Bolton-based contractor at Winifred Kettle Community Care Centre in Westhoughton, Wilfred Geere House in Farnworth, Laburnum Lodge Care Home and Leverhulme Sports Centre. The buildings, all energy intensive facilities with high levels of electricity consumption, were selected following an energy review of Bolton Council corporate properties by Forrest.
The panels aim to deliver nearly £200,000 in savings on energy spend over the next 20 years across the sites. By providing 2,150,000 KWh of energy generation, the systems will also cut CO2 emissions by 950,000 kg over the same period.
As part of the works Forrest will also monitor the panels for free in the first year, allowing Bolton Council to closely review consumption on a daily basis.
Councillor Morris, Leader of Bolton Council said: “We are pleased to be working with Forrest to make use of solar energy. The solar panels will not only save the council money on the running costs of these facilities, but will also contribute to meeting the Greater Manchester Climate Change Strategy target of reducing carbon emissions by 48% by 2020.”
Paul McCarren, Energy Services Director at Forrest, said: “We see a long term renewables partnership between Forrest and Bolton Council and are already currently working together to identify the next batch of suitable properties in order to assist the Authority in reducing energy expenditure and lowing carbon emissions”.
