The free solar panel program reaches the milestone of one million kWh of clean energy

A groundbreaking solar panel project has reached an impressive clean energy milestone. The project generated one million kilowatt hours of energy, a remarkable achievement in terms of clean energy ambitions.

This milestone was achieved through the free installation of solar panels on local schools and community buildings by UK-based North Lincolnshire Community Energy.

The energy produced is enough to power 370 typical homes for an entire year.

Many local schools and buildings saved thousands of pounds on energy bills

In line with the Council’s commitment to reach net zero, this means 207 tonnes of CO2 have been saved so far – the same amount created by 83 average cars driving 10,000 miles a year.

According to North Lincolnshire Community Energy, the figure will rise even further when new installations, including The Baths Hall and the Attis Arena, home of Scunthorpe United FC, are taken into account.

Twelve local schools, John Leggott College, North Lincolnshire Museum, Ashby Hub and Normanby Gateway have all installed panels since the project started three years ago.

“This successful program continues to grow from strength to strength. Many local schools and buildings have now saved thousands of pounds in energy costs, money that can be put to good use elsewhere,” said Cllr David Rose, Cabinet Member for Environment.

“We are also significantly reducing our CO2 emissions, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and remaining true to our Green Future strategy.”

NLCE is committed to combating climate change

The work is being carried out by charity North Lincolnshire Community Energy (NLCE), which was set up with the help of a grant from the Towns Fund.

A share offering in 2023, giving local people the chance to take a stake in the company, raised £576,000 last year – helping to fund the next phase of the project, NLCE said.

NLCE claims that it is committed to bringing together local people and organizations to combat climate change and reduce the use of non-renewable energy sources.

A new share offer is planned in the next few weeks, which will enable the scheme to be rolled out to even more education and community buildings in North Lincolnshire, NLCE said in a statement.

NCLE aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy

NCLE was founded to break down the barriers and accelerate the uptake of renewable energy in the UK region. Its aim is to lead the region forward in our challenge to be a net-zero carbon region by 2030. NCLE brings together local people and organizations to help combat climate change.

By combining central government grants and community shares, NCLE aims to install a large number of solar panels across as many educational and community facilities in Scunthorpe as possible.

“We are locally run and benefit the North Lincolnshire community and are the driving force for a greener future,” emphasizes NCLE.