City Council helps Science Centre identify savings with solar energy
Winchester City Council has helped more than forty local businesses become more sustainable and reduce their carbon emissions over the last two years and now Winchester Science Centre stands to benefit, with the installation of solar panels to generate renewable energy and reduce their energy bills.
Solar for Business – a council-led initiative - is designed to support businesses across the district to save money and energy. Winchester City Council has already installed 2,171 solar panels across the district, generating over 500,000kWh of clean solar energy annually. The panels are mostly located on the council’s own buildings as well as BIFFA Winchester depot, Winchester Sport and Leisure Park and Marwell Zoo.
The council has identified the potential to generate 150,298kWh of solar energy per year at Winchester Science Centre – that’s the equivalent to the annual electricity used by 56 homes! Subject to successful surveys, final decisions and planning approval, the new solar panels - combined with their recent switch to air source heat pumps for electric heating (to replace their previous oil heating) - will provide a far more environmentally friendly heating solution, cost savings and a substantial reduction in carbon emissions. Funding for the project will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) as agreed at the council’s cabinet meeting on 12 March.
Ben Ward, CEO of education charity Wonderseekers that operate Winchester Science Centre said: “Wonderseekers is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. Following our air source heat pump installation at Winchester Science Centre, we are excited to be working with Winchester City Council to identify how solar energy can help us reduce our carbon footprint and ongoing costs simultaneously; and are extremely grateful for their generous support towards our future environmental and financial sustainability.”
Councillor Lucille Thompson, Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, said: “The response from Winchester businesses wanting to reduce their carbon emissions has been fantastic. We know that only by working in partnership will we be able to continue to drive down emissions across the whole district - and this is a great example of that. I'd really encourage any Winchester business to speak to our economic development team and find out what savings they can make.”
Local businesses can apply for a limited number of free carbon assessments until the end of March 2026. They are undertaken by Winchester-based environmental consultants Arthian and interested businesses should email ecodev@winchester.gov.uk for more information.