Perth College gets grant for solar panels

Jan 5 2010 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTH College UHI has secured funding to install solar thermal panels on its new student flats.

The grant was given by the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (Cares), run by Community Energy Scotland.

The solar panels are expected to save approximately £1000 per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 7.5 tonnes, compared to using a gas-fired system.

The college’s director of resources

Duncan White said: “We aspire to reduce CO2 emissions and the Cares funding is an important step towards achieving our target.

“Using this renewable technology on our 72-bed student residences is the most cost-effective solution for this type of building. We also aim to use the project within construction curriculum teaching as a realistic example of how sustainable solutions can be embedded into a new-build developments.”

Students' association president Nathan Shields said: “The enthusiasm and motivation for a greener and more sustainable existence is becoming a major theme across the student body, reflected in the number of students now involved in biodiversity, recycling, and energy reduction projects.

“The solar panels will reduce our impact on the environment and represent an increase in the eco-friendliness of our campus.”