Solar panels have now been installed on the roof of Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge, marking an important step in South Hams District Council’s work to reduce carbon emissions and support the long-term future of its leisure centres.

The new rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system has been delivered as part of the Council’s wider decarbonisation programme to help reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and support the long-term sustainability of the facility.

The 310 solar panels are expected to generate around 186 megawatt hours of clean electricity each year.

That is enough to cover about half of the leisure centre’s yearly electricity use. It will also save around 36.1 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, the same as planting more than 1,658 trees each year.

By generating clean electricity on site, the panels will help reduce the centre’s reliance on electricity from the national grid, lower running costs and lessen the impact of rising energy prices. This supports the Council’s aim to protect leisure services for local communities now and into the future.

Quayside Leisure Centre is one of the South Hams leisure centres identified as a priority for carbon reduction, with leisure centres among the Council’s biggest energy users.

The Kingsbridge installation is part of a wider programme to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and Leisure, said: “It is fantastic to see the solar panels now in place at Quayside Leisure Centre.

This is an important investment in a much-valued community facility.

“Leisure centres have been under real pressure from rising energy costs, so generating electricity on site will make a meaningful difference.

It will help reduce running costs, support the centre’s long-term future and help keep facilities available for the people who rely on them.”

Cllr Nadine Dommett, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Decarbonisation of Council Operations, said: “The installation of solar panels at Quayside Leisure Centre is a clear example of the Council taking action to reduce its carbon footprint.

“Our leisure centres are important community assets, but they also use a significant amount of energy. By investing in renewable energy, we can reduce emissions, make better use of our buildings and support a cleaner, greener South Hams.

“This project will generate renewable electricity for the centre for years to come, saving carbon and helping to make the centre more sustainable. It is another positive step in our wider work to tackle climate change and improve energy efficiency across Council-owned sites.”

The solar panels were installed by EX2 Group’s specialist Eco-Tech division.

The work was planned to minimise disruption, with Quayside Leisure Centre remaining open throughout the project.

Sam Charters, Eco-Tech Divisional Manager: "We are pleased to be supporting South Hams District Council with a practical renewable energy project that delivers both environmental and financial benefits.

By generating clean electricity on-site, the new solar PV system will help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions while contributing to the Council's longer-term sustainability objectives.

"Through our Eco-Tech division, we work with public and private sector organisations to deliver renewable energy solutions that support long-term sustainability goals, and we look forward to successfully delivering this project for Quayside Leisure Centre and its users."