Record amount of clean energy generated by solar panels in Portsmouth this spring

During spring this year the council's stock of around 26,000 solar panels harnessed enough electricity to power 350 homes for a whole year - an increase of 14 per cent compared to the same time in 2019.

The success of the panels, which are installed on schools, offices, community centres and housing sites, came as the Met Office confirmed March and May were the sunniest since records began in 1929.

Councillor Darren Sanders, Portsmouth City Council's housing boss, said: 'This record is a real statement as to the success of our ongoing solar campaign; which helps to reduce the council's energy overheads whilst tackling climate change and providing much needed employment in the low-carbon sector.

'Our commitment to this technology remains strong, with a new multi-million pound procurement framework close to being established to help to deliver solar and storage in the coming years.'

As previously reported the authority has plans to expand its intake of green energy by building a solar farm as well as installing panels on the Lakeside North Harbour business park in the future. However, the council's energy service manager confirmed this work had been 'slightly delayed' due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The council's cabinet member for environment, Councillor Dave Ashmore, added: 'Whilst it is undoubtedly good news to see such a huge amount of solar generated; we shouldn't lose sight that the phenomena driving this, such as record low rainfall and high temperature, may themselves be down to human-made climate change.

'We should prioritise a green recovery as we come out of the Covid crisis to ensure our planet is fit for future generations.'

Extinction Rebellion Portsmouth co-ordinator, Selma Heimedinger, welcomed the news but believed it should be mandatory for new homes in the city to be built with solar panels. She said: 'We know things need to be done urgently. The council is always saying they are going to do all these things. We just want to see the action now.

'If we have laws and rules then it holds people accountable.'

Last year the council's solar panels generated around £850,000 in income and savings and offset around 1,600 tonnes of CO2.

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