Solar technology improves Harborough Innovation Centre’s carbon footprint

Harborough District Council invested in 222 solar panels fitted on the south, east and west-facing roofs of the building.

Since the switch-on at the beginning of May, the solar technology has generated 8 MWh of electricity, enough to run the average home for over three years, and it has saved over eight tonnes of CO2.

The solar panels also feed into the electric vehicle car chargers on-site meaning that any solar energy not used by the building in the daytime can be used to power electric vehicles parked at the centre.

The Solar PV System is expected to save the council more than £500k over the next 20 years, based on current energy pricing.

Cllr Darren Woodiwiss, Cabinet lead for Environmental and Climate Change, said: “In such a short period of time these solar panels have already had a positive impact at the centre both environmentally and financially. Generating renewable energy this way is sustainable and efficient.

“I hope this investment encourages many more environmentally friendly businesses to come to the Harborough Innovation Centre. We are committed to becoming a net zero council by 2030 as far as is possible within financial constraints and this is a demonstration of that.”

Harborough Innovation Centre is a business hub situated north of Market Harborough with 52 individual office spaces, virtual services, meeting rooms and day offices, onsite café, and reception services. Established in 2011 and funded by Harborough District Council, European Regional Development Fund and East Midlands Development Agency, Harborough Innovation Centre has supported more than 250 businesses since opening.

The building already has strong eco credentials, with biomass heating, rain-water recycling, LED lighting throughout, plus electric vehicles chargers and a large cycle-shelter.

For more information about meeting rooms and workspaces at Harborough Innovation Centre call 01858 414200, email hic@harborough.gov.uk or visit www.harborough-ic.co.uk