College puts energy into solar plans

JEWEL & Esk College has unveiled plans to create a solar power site at its Midlothian campus.

The one-acre site will be transformed into a large-scale solar energy generator with between 700 and 800 solar panels positioned to maximise the sun’s rays.

The “Solar Meadow” – so-called because it will also be planted with biodiversity grasses and wildflowers – will be the first of its kind in Scotland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The panels will generate around 1076KW of energy each day, enough electricity for the college’s Midlothian campus to be self-sufficient.

Surplus electricity will be made available to local community groups and projects, reducing their energy costs.

The project will cost £300,000 and will save the college around £150,000 per year in electricity bills.

Professor Steve Tinsley, energy expert and director of innovation and enterprise at Jewel & Esk, said: “This is a tremendously exciting project for us. In creating the Solar Meadow, we are providing the first teaching facility of its kind in Scotland.”

Related topics: