£298,000 spent on solar panels for Wath library and new outdoor market
£298,000 spent on solar panels for Wath library and new outdoor market
The cost of installing solar panels at Wath library and the new outdoor market in Rotherham have been revealed.
During question time at a recent council meeting, Conservative Councillor Grey Reynolds questioned the costs.
Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, Councillor John Williams, told councillors that the total cost would be £298,000.
This was hailed "cheap" by Cllr Reynolds for how much power it will supply to the market and library.
Between the two systems installed at the new library and outdoor market, it would “generate 195 kilowatts at peak output,” said Cllr Williams.
The councillor also said he had been advised that the two systems together would generate 12% of the predicted annual energy consumption for both sites.
Although the real solar power usage could vary depending on the day-to-day usage, consumption variants, and generation of energy, depending on the time of year and season.
Cllr Williams said: “I’m also advised that a small amount of spill is expected into the grid during closed hours or daylight or when there is low [power] usage.”
This solar energy plan builds on the council’s targets for reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030 for council operations, and by 2040 across the borough.
The Wath library and market developments have recently faced delays due to unforeseen challenges with asbestos, which have led to increased costs, reported earlier in May this year.
Due to the delays, the projects are anticipated to be completed now by December 2027, instead of the original expected time in Spring 2026.