West Sussex CC helps deliver solar rooftop revolution

We welcome the expansion of West Sussex County Council’s solar project.

The County Council plans to install new renewable energy systems at 60 further sites. More schools, libraries and other buildings across West Sussex will soon be able to generate and use their own renewable energy. See: www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/more-west-sussex-schools-and-other-buildings-to-benefit-from-solar-power/

The project provides a good illustration of CPRE’s solar rooftop revolution. Our rooftop revolution campaign flows from research which found that over half the solar panels needed to hit national net zero targets could be fitted on rooftops and in car parks.

Rooftop solar offers lots of ‘wins’. It cuts carbon emissions and helps tackle the climate emergency. It protects the countryside, sparing more land for farming and nature. It increases the efficiency of our energy system by generating power close to where it’s needed and it reduces high electricity bills.

Modelling by the University of Southampton has revealed the huge potential for rooftop solar in Sussex. The project mapped and analysed every rooftop across Sussex to assess its potential for PV solar installation. The solar mapping tool allows local authorities, building owners, community groups and the solar industry to identify potential solar “hotspots” within a specific area.

We urge other local authorities across Sussex to take steps to respond to climate change by following West Sussex County Council’s example.