Glasgow Expands Solar Power Scheme to Cut Energy Bills and Carbon Footprint
Glasgow City Council has launched a major new phase in its drive for renewable energy, with the installation of over 1,700 solar panels across key council-owned buildings. The project aims to significantly reduce energy bills and the city's carbon footprint, with projected savings of £183,000 per year on electricity costs.
The initiative will see solar panels installed at two day care centres, five primary schools, and the iconic Kelvin Hall, which will house the largest rooftop solar array in Glasgow, and one of the biggest in Scotland. This push for sustainable energy is part of the council's wider commitment to tackling climate change and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
The new installations are expected to generate more than 700,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power several large buildings and cover up to 96% of the electricity needs of some of the facilities involved.
By using the electricity generated directly on-site, the council can avoid purchasing as much electricity from the grid. With energy prices at record highs, this shift makes economic sense. The council estimates that the solar panels will pay for themselves in 6 to 7 years, after which the electricity generated will be essentially free for the remainder of the panels' 25+ year lifespan.
This approach is not new for Glasgow City Council. Over the past few years, the council has been steadily increasing its use of photovoltaic (PV) panels, with 33 solar arrays already in operation, producing 600,000 kWh annually. This latest expansion marks a significant step up, adding another 700,000 kWh to the city's renewable energy capacity.
Among the eight sites selected for the latest phase of installations, Kelvin Hall stands out. The site will soon be home to Glasgow's largest rooftop solar array, with 1,000 panels covering its roof. This installation is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in Scotland.
The choice of Kelvin Hall for this development reflects the council's broader strategy of utilising existing space for renewable energy. As Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Climate, put it:
“Vacant land is increasingly at a premium within Glasgow, so it makes sense to utilise the available space on roofs across our built estate.”
This approach allows buildings to directly benefit from the energy they generate, improving financial returns on the investment. By turning unused roof space into productive energy hubs, the council is demonstrating a creative solution to the land constraints of urban renewable energy projects.
The solar installation project is being funded through a £522,000 Scotland Recycling Fund loan, with match funding from Glasgow City Council. The Scotland Recycling Fund, delivered by Salix on behalf of the Scottish Government, supports energy efficiency and sustainability projects.
Repayment of the loan will be made using the energy savings generated by the new solar panels. This approach ensures that the council isn't taking on unnecessary financial risk, as the system will effectively pay for itself.
Zoe Hurst, Programme Coordinator at Salix, praised the project, highlighting its environmental and educational benefits:
“The solar scheme will not only help to reduce the council's energy bills but is being used as a way to educate the children and adults that use these facilities on the climate crisis and the benefits of solar.”
The current phase is just one part of a larger plan. A feasibility study is already underway to explore the potential for solar installations at 37 more council buildings. If successful, these future installations could generate an additional 3.2 GWh of electricity annually, a significant contribution to Glasgow's renewable energy production.
Councillor Millar hinted at the potential for even greater expansion, stating:
“Wherever possible, we will install solar panels on our estate, and we are currently looking at multiple locations throughout the city where solar can be introduced.”
This forward-looking approach suggests that the council sees rooftop solar as a crucial part of Glasgow’s net-zero ambitions.
While the project is ambitious and promising, it’s not without potential drawbacks. Here are a few points to consider:
Upfront Costs and Payback Period
The payback period of 6 to 7 years is reasonable given the lifespan of the panels (25+ years), but the initial outlay remains substantial. Although loans and match funding reduce the burden on public finances, there is always a risk that unforeseen maintenance costs or energy price fluctuations could affect the project’s long-term returns.
Reliability and Maintenance
Solar panels are low maintenance, but they aren’t entirely maintenance-free. Repairs, cleaning, and monitoring can add ongoing costs, especially for large-scale rooftop systems. If issues arise with the panels at multiple sites, the council may face additional repair costs.
Weather Dependency
Scotland isn’t known for its abundance of sunshine, and although solar panels work on cloudy days, the efficiency of energy production decreases during prolonged periods of low light. However, modern PV panels are much better at capturing diffuse sunlight, so this is less of a concern than it might have been a decade ago.
Over-Reliance on Roof Space
While rooftop solar arrays are a clever way to use existing infrastructure, they have their limits. Space is finite, and future expansion may be limited unless additional flat-roofed buildings are acquired or new facilities are built with solar in mind.
With the cost of energy soaring, many councils across the UK are facing significant pressure to reduce energy bills while meeting their net-zero commitments. Glasgow's plan is a prime example of proactive climate action that delivers both environmental and financial benefits.
The idea of energy independence is also becoming more appealing as global energy markets remain volatile. If Glasgow City Council can power most of its own buildings using rooftop solar, it will be less exposed to future price shocks in the energy market.
Additionally, the educational benefits of this project should not be overlooked. By integrating solar arrays into primary schools and daycare centres, the project gives children a first-hand look at renewable energy in action. This visibility could inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and environmentalists.
Glasgow City Council’s commitment to renewable energy through its solar expansion strategy is a model for other urban areas. By turning rooftops into mini power stations, the council is showing how cities can tackle both climate change and rising energy costs in one move.
While there are some risks and limitations, the potential long-term benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The use of existing building space, combined with efficient new solar technology, means Glasgow can produce low-cost, green electricity for decades to come.
With an eye on future installations across 37 additional sites, Glasgow’s ambition to become a cleaner, greener city appears well within reach. If all goes to plan, the city will soon be generating enough solar power to fuel a substantial portion of its operations, cutting its reliance on external energy suppliers and saving millions over the coming years.
