Waverley Court solar installation. Image: ECSC.
The Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) has almost completed its 30th installation, with solar panels being fitted on Waverley Court, the City of Edinburgh Council headquarters.
Waverley Court is the sixth public building to have solar panels installed as part of funds secured during ECSC’s ‘Phase 2’ 2020 public share offer. Waverley is the biggest of the installations, and at 160.46kW, the installation is anticipated to generate approximately 128,005kWh per year.
It is being developed in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, with Councillor Adam McVey saying the installation “is funded by community share offers and is a fantastic way we’ve been able to connect with residents who want to help tackle climate change".
“As well as supplying clean electricity to the council buildings the panels have helped reduce the council’s carbon emissions, supporting our target of net zero emissions by 2030.
“Additionally, the panels generate revenue which is put to good use through the community benefit fund by supporting new sustainable energy projects across the city.”
The ECSC was set up in 2015 and has since installed solar panels on 24 council and Edinburgh Leisure buildings across the city. In 2020, these installations generated 866,405.78kWh.
Lesley Hinds, chair of ECSC, said that “the support from the Edinburgh community and beyond by investing in our share offer, shows their commitment to reduce the carbon footprint in Edinburgh. Waverley Court is the first building to be installed in the City Centre and will be a visible beacon for renewable energy in Edinburgh”.
ECSC is looking at expanding its portfolio in 2021, and potentially issuing a further share offering.