A trailblazing £500,000 solar panel carport could provide a “road map” for other projects on Norfolk's journey to net zero, it has been claimed.
The carport - which decks two-thirds of the parking spaces at the Reef leisure centre in Sheringham with solar panels - has just been unveiled.
The installation has more than 600 solar panels spanning 1,000 square metres.
READ MORE: Three north Norfolk businesses receive ZERO-out-of-five food hygiene ratings
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) - which is behind the project - said it would save 57,000kg of carbon each year.
Councillor Adam Varley, NNDC's portfolio holder for climate change and net zero, called it a “momentous step in the right direction”.
“This project has surpassed expectations and is a huge achievement for everyone involved,” he said.
READ MORE: Bank to open 'hub' to replace village's closing branch
“This rather majestic and innovative structure will supply a third of The Reef’s annual electric needs.
“We have strived to ensure this project can be the best it can be. It showcases to other councils what can be achieved.”
Earlier this year, the French government made it a legal requirement for all car parks with more than 80 spaces to install solar canopies over at least half of the area they cover.
Norfolk-based company RenEnergy installed the Reef's carport.
Damian Baker, RenEnergy’s managing director, said it would provide a “road map” for similar projects in the future.
“We have been blessed and been lucky to have such a great team behind us throughout this project,” he said.
“We’re proud to have partnered with the council to make this a reality.”
The carport will contribute to NNDC’s goal of becoming 'net zero' by 2030. This means the council wants to achieve a balance between the carbon it emits into the atmosphere with the carbon removed from it.
A total of 75pc of the energy generated by the solar panels will contribute to the running of the leisure centre – with the remaining 25pc being sent to the National Grid.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here