New solar farm powers Leicestershire Police's environmental ambitions

The force is believed to be one of the first in the country to invest in the installation of a small solar farm, which is powering operations at its headquarters in Enderby, Leicester, and pushing the force closer to its net zero ambitions.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland police and crime commissioner Rupert Matthews said the new facility went operational on April 30 and in a single day had already generated 931.7kw hours of energy – enough to power all the homes in a small village.

Over the next 25 years, the solar farm is expected to generate the equivalent of £2.1 million worth of energy with the £350,000 cost of installation likely to be recouped within just five years.

All the electricity generated by the facility is being used by the force with the server rooms and canteen consuming the lion’s share of the power. It is expected to save £63,525 in the first year based on current energy prices.

The solar farm is also expected to save 89.769kg annually in carbon emissions.

Solar panels are already in place on the force’s newest buildings at Oakham and Loughborough and also on Hinckley Road, installed as part of a long-held commitment to embrace more renewable sources of energy.

Mr Matthews said: “This is a wonderful milestone to celebrate, and proof that we are investing to save to contribute to a greener future – as all police forces should.

“As commissioner, I have a duty to ensure the force plays its part in addressing climate change by reducing our carbon footprint and working towards net zero carbon emissions.

“The investment in a small solar farm is part of an ambitious estates strategy focused on delivering a highly flexible, low-cost, efficient estate, with good quality, modern accommodation that is both low carbon and high-tech, and ultimately saves taxpayers’ money.”

He added: “Over the course of the next decade, the force will look to build further on its environmental goals, expanding the use of solar power across buildings, continuing the electrification of its fleet with suitable, affordable and effective charging facilities and infrastructure and pressing ahead with plans to replace gas heating with heat pump technology, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

“As a large organisation at the centre of community life, it’s critical Leicestershire Police leads by example. I’m excited by the changes underway and the opportunities for changing the way we work to protect our scarce resources and create a cleaner world for future generations.”

The force’s Business Continuity and Sustainability Officer, Evie Fletcher, said: “We are very excited about the installation of our new solar panels which are a key step in our commitment to renewable energy and a sustainable future.  This complements our wider efforts to be as environmentally friendly as possible, including fleet electrification, biodiversity enhancement, and improved recycling.”