Solar energy will pay for itself says council

The energy-saving panels at Bradford Council’s Industrial Museum have cost £39,000 to install and, according to a council spokesman, will produce enough power to pay for themselves in about eight years.

A total of 100 panels have been installed on the roof creating a 25Kw system to provide electricity to help power the museum in Moorside Road, Eccleshill.

“The panels are expected to meet 10 per cent of the museum’s electricity needs each year as well as generating an income of £3,050 per year from the Government’s feed-in tariff payments,” said the spokesman.

The panels have been installed as part of Bradford Council’s drive to reduce costs and cut the district’s carbons emissions.

The council is working towards providing 20 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy sources by 2020.

It is hoped the panels will also be used in a new exhibition showcasing energy use through the ages.

Councillor Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, said: “It is appropriate that this state of the art, energy-saving technology has been installed in a building which celebrates the history of technological innovation and development in Bradford.

“As a responsible local authority, we have to take every opportunity available to reduce our operational costs and maximise our energy efficiency. This was an ideal opportunity to achieve those goals.”

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