Manchester City Council says it is “on track” to install nearly 10,000 solar panels by the end of the year.
By the end of 2023, the council aims to have installed a total of 9,859 solar panels on buildings across the city, as part of its drive to become zero-carbon by 2038.
Reducing carbon emissions from council buildings by using renewable energy and energy-efficiency measures is a key part of the council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2020-25.
Since 2022, a total of 6,897 panels have been installed across council-run sites, including Hough End Leisure Centre, the Wythenshawe Forum, and Moss Side Leisure Centre.
An additional 2,962 panels have been commissioned or are in the pipeline to be delivered this year at locations including Didsbury Library and the Manchester Aquatic Centre.
As part of this project, the council says work has taken place at the National Cycling Centre “in a bid to turn pedal power into solar power”.
The council – working in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult and the European Regional Development Fund – recently completed a £2.9m project to install solar car ports at the site, as part of the Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester project.
These car ports will provide shelter for vehicles, whilst generating power from solar panels installed on top, the council says.
The building is one of the most energy-dependent buildings within the council’s estate, so working to reduce the building’s overall consumption is essential to the council’s overall carbon-reduction plan.
It is estimated that the 1,005 m2 site – equivalent to around the size of four tennis courts – will generate roughly 172MWh of electricity annually.
In the eight weeks since the solar panels at the Velodrome went live, they have generated more than 47MWh of electricity, saving an estimated nine tonnes of carbon.
‘Tangible progress’
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, executive member for Environment and Transport, said: “This work shows that tangible progress is being made as the council works to become a zero-carbon organisation.
“Renewables such as solar power, even in rainy Manchester, provide a viable and unlimited source of energy for buildings across the city.
“Looking at the National Cycling Centre, we have shown that we are able to seamlessly incorporate the use of renewable energy into the existing infrastructure, setting a clear example of how this approach can be replicated across the city.”
Image: Solar panels at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester
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