Some of you may have noticed that the Holmfirth public toilets have a new look. Earlier this autumn, Holme Valley Parish Council completed essential roof repairs after the existing roof reached the end of its expected lifespan and began letting in water. The work was needed to keep the building safe, watertight and in good condition for the long term.
As part of the same project, solar panels were installed to improve energy efficiency and reduce ongoing running costs. Completing both pieces of work together meant the scaffolding and roofing teams only needed to be on site once, avoiding additional disruption and future costs.
The new solar system is expected to generate the majority of the electricity the building uses across the year, significantly reducing reliance on the National Grid. At times when generation exceeds on-site use, surplus clean energy will be exported back to the grid. Based on current usage and prices, the installation is expected to cover its costs in around a decade, with the panels designed to continue operating for around 25 years.
Alongside the financial benefits, the system will reduce the building’s carbon emissions by around half a tonne each year. This supports the Council’s 2019 climate emergency declaration and ongoing work to lower carbon emissions in the valley, while helping to keep important community facilities open, resilient and affordable in the long term.
