BOSSES at South Lakeland District Council are watching weather forecasts with enhanced enthusiasm after a new solar panel array on their main offices began producing electricity.

The panels harnessing the sun’s energy on the roof at South Lakeland House are predicted to pay for themselves in nine years and save the authority £122,000 over the 20 year lifespan of the project.

They will also save more than 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Despite the less than sunny weather so far this summer, in the first 23 days of operation after being installed the panels generated nearly 4,000kWh of ‘free’ electricity and offset more than two tonnes of Co2.

A TV screen has been erected in the reception area at South Lakeland House that displays data on the panels’ performance, including current electricity generation, monthly/yearly totals and Co2 savings.

All council-owned buildings were considered for the panels but only the roof of South Lakeland House was large enough to accommodate a 50kW solar panel installation.

By installing the solar panels on its own building, the council hopes this will set an example and inspire other organisations to investigate the idea for their premises.

The council is also encouraging housing associations and developers to consider energy efficiency measures, including solar panels, on homes being built in the district as part of its key commitment to enable delivery of 1,000 affordable homes for rent by 2025.

Examples of this include the recently completed affordable housing development at Windermere Road, Kendal, by Two Castles Housing Association, and the 10 new affordable homes built by South Lakes Housing at Jubilee Close, Kirkby Lonsdale, where all properties have been fitted with solar panels.

Cllr Sue Sanderson, portfolio holder for Environment and People, said: “Installing the solar panels on the roof at South Lakeland House is good news for the environment and will save taxpayers’ money. The hope is that this will set a good example to other organisations in South Lakeland to follow the council’s lead.

“We are also very keen to work with providers of new affordable housing, to offer practical support and advice on how to make these new homes more energy efficient, which can lead to better deals for tenants as well as reducing carbon emissions.’’