Worcester Community Trust is proud to announce the successful installation of two new solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the roofs of Horizon Hub and Ronkswood Hub, marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy costs, and supporting a more sustainable future for the local community.
The new solar panel systems, consisting of 37 panels with a total capacity of 18.5 kWp, are expected to generate a substantial proportion of the hubs’ annual electricity needs by converting sunlight directly into usable electricity. The project will help reduce reliance on grid electricity while delivering long-term financial savings that can be reinvested into community programmes and services.
Helen Davis, CEO at Worcester Community Trust said:
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to environmental responsibility and community leadership. By generating clean, renewable energy on-site, we are reducing our carbon footprint while helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of the services we provide to local residents.”
The solar installations form part of the Trust’s wider commitment to sustainability and reducing it’s environmental impact. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the project will serve as an educational example for residents, schools, and community groups interested in renewable energy and climate action.
The project was made possible through the Worcester Town Investment Plan – an investment of £19.6m from the government made four years ago, to be used to revamp the city. Worcester City Council were able to reallocate some unspent contingency funds from this fund, which were originally budgeted for the construction of the Building Block Two training centre in Dines Green, following it’s completion in 2025.
The solar panels at Horizon Hub and Ronkswood Hub are expected to generate approximately 16,505 kWh of renewable electricity each year. Since being installed in February this year, the panels at Horizon Hub have already resulted in the following environmental benefits:
- Equivalent Trees Planted 2.34
- CO₂ Reduction 846.3kg
- Standard Coal Saved 1.69t
And at Ronkswood:
- Equivalent Trees Planted 1.65
- CO₂ Reduction 595.88kg
- Standard Coal Saved 1.19t
Similar panels were installed on The Green Hub and the adjacent Building Block Two last year.
