Project Summary
Cornwall Council has an ambition to deliver 2MW of renewable energy generation across their portfolio annually. New County Hall (NCH) is Cornwall Council’s HQ. It is a large Grade II listed building constructed in the 1960’s. It has the highest electricity consumption (c.800MWh/ £206k p.a.) of all the Council’s owned and operated estate.
The South West Net Zero Hub supported the Council to install a solar PV canopy in an existing car park. This was a very complex project and required the effort and persistence of many stakeholders within and outside the Council to ensure its successful delivery. The scheme provides additional on-site renewable energy generation to reduce carbon emissions, operational costs, and support local supply chains.
It is understood that this is the largest solar canopy installed in Cornwall to date and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions. The scheme will save c.42tCO2 p.a. and provide renewable energy generation direct to the site to reduce operational costs by c.£50k p.a.
Background
The Hub has recently supported the Council to install 150kW rooftop PV, they then tasked us to identify ways to further expand PV across the site. The Hub identified that the most appropriate solution was to consider a solar PV canopy in an existing car park. Solar car parks provide an opportunity for multi-functionality on brownfield sites, i.e. parking and energy generation. Following considerable engagement with stakeholders across the Council, the area considered most viable was the visitors car park immediately north of NCH.
Our Role
The Hub prepared an indicative PV layout and performance assessment, which included a shading analysis to confirm the extent that shading from the NCH building to the south might impact the array. It also confirmed that most (c.90%) of the energy generated would be consumed on site. This information was used to inform the business case. The Hub secured a grid connection for the scheme, as well as providing elevation drawings in preparation of the planning application. Planning permission was granted in May 2022. SWNZH supported the procurement process by preparing a technical specification and evaluating bids, to provide the Council with the information and confidence required to make an informed decision as to how best to proceed. A 230kW solar PV canopy was installed summer/ autumn 2024. SWNZH provided ad-hoc technical support throughout.
Summary of support provided by the Hub:
- Identifying the scheme
- Engaging with Council and other stakeholders
- Feasibility assessments
- Supporting preparation of the business case
- Securing grid connection
- Supporting preparation of the planning application
- Creating a technical specification
- Evaluating supplier bids
- Providing ad-hoc technical support
Location
In the existing visitors car park at New County Hall, Truro.
Technology
Solar PV – 230kW canopy system installed in the existing visitors car park and connected to New County Hall.
Financing and Ownership
The scheme is funded by Cornwall Council’s £20m Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technology Fund. It is owned and operated by Cornwall Council.
Benefits
The scheme will generate c.210MWh p.a. of renewable energy and save 42tCO2 p.a, equivalent to powering 72 homes. The site will utilise c.90% of the energy generated on site, reducing operational costs by c.£50k p.a.
Key Facts
| Client | Cornwall Council |
| Strategic priority | Renewable Energy Generation |
| Energy generation/saving | c.210MWh p.a. (c.90% utilised on site) |
| Timeline | Project started 2019. Solar canopy installed autumn 2024 |
| Carbon saving | c.42tCO2 p.a |
