Pool and gym heated by 430 solar panels
Sunderland City CouncilHundreds of solar panels are being used to help power a council-run pool and gym.
Approximately 430 panels at Hetton Pool and Wellness Centre in Sunderland and are being used to heat the pool and provide power for gym equipment and lighting.
Sunderland City Council said the installation is expected save about £35,000 in operating costs and 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
The council's cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero, Lindsey Leonard, described the solar switch-on as "great news for centre users and residents across our city".
"As a council we've already installed solar panels in car parks and depots," she said.
"We have LED lights in buildings, more energy-efficient street lighting, and we have an ongoing programme of identifying and installing more energy efficiency measures as we invest - to save, wherever possible, to help lower our carbon footprint, and save on our energy bills."
Latest technology
The solar panels were installed at the wellness centre during the winter and have been fully switched on following a period of testing.
The latest technology allows them to operate on overcast days by capturing diffused light; in direct sunlight, the panels operate at 100%.
Sport England provided the money for the equipment through a £226,000 grant from the Swimming Pool Support Fund.
Sport England's executive director for place, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, said the investment would "help improve energy efficiency and enable the centre to be more environmentally and financially sustainable, so it remains available for future generations to enjoy".