Plymouth's biggest ever solar roof now complete

Plymouth Life Centre’s new community-owned solar roof – the biggest ever in the city – is now complete.

The roof has been funded with community shares purchased by the public and means the popular leisure centre will benefit from greener energy and lower bills.

Members of PEC Renewables, Plymouth Energy Community, Plymouth City Council, Everyone Active and Clean Earth stood proudly next to the now complete solar roof crowning Plymouth Life Centre.

As part of Plymouth City Council’s ambition to become a greener and sustainable city, the Council is working with Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), a local Community Benefit Society, to help increase the amount of renewable energy generated in the City.

PEC is owned and run by residents and aims to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions in Plymouth. Last year they set up PEC Renewables, another Community Benefit Society, to fund and install locally-owned renewable energy installations. To date, PEC

Renewables have helped 28 schools and community buildings get free community-owned solar.

Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We are very pleased to see this ambitious project completed. It’s a fantastic opportunity to address the City’s energy challenges and we have been delighted to work with PEC to make it happen. Due to its use, Plymouth Life Centre consumes a huge amount of energy; these solar panels will save a significant amount on its energy bill as well as provide an example of community-owned renewable energy in action.”

Dave Garland, Chair of PEC Renewables, and local resident, said: "The sense of pride I feel standing next to these panels is huge; this is the City’s biggest solar roof and reconfirms Plymouth as a hub for community renewable energy investment. Our schemes have continued to attract local and national investors who share our vision for a sustainable energy future. The community benefit generated gives longevity to our grass-roots services addressing fuel poverty in the city. We have boosted income in the city by offsetting what would otherwise be spent on energy by schools, businesses, households and Plymouth City Council.

"Unfortunately, government have not taken into account the detrimental impact that cuts to renewables subsidies will have on the ability for groups like us to continue to build community enterprises like this. We are calling on government to rethink its proposed changes to Feed in Tariffs to reflect the wider benefits delivered by social businesses like ours."

PEC Renewables next venture is a community-owned solar array in Ernesettle, in partnership with Four Greens Community Trust – don’t miss out on the next community share offer, find out more and register your interest at www.plymouthenergycommunity.com