Council to expand solar project to 60 more sites

More schools and other buildings in West Sussex will soon be able to generate and use their own renewable energy as the county council expands its solar project.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) says it is growing its Solar Photovoltaic (PV) & Battery Storage programme and is planning to install new renewable energy systems at a 60 further sites across the county, including libraries, fire stations, and schools.

Excess energy will be stored in batteries for later use, or exported to the national grid, depending on the set up and needs of each site.

WSCC says its systems are already generating energy at 74 schools, and solar panels are installed on nine council buildings.

In total, WSCC says it is generating about 17,000 MWh of clean electricity each year, which is enough electricity to power approximately 6,300 homes.

West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for environment and climate change, Deborah Urquhart, said: "This programme demonstrates our dedication to creating a more sustainable West Sussex.

"By embracing solar power and the use of zero-carbon electricity, we are reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions, and providing real learning opportunities for future generations."

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