Solar boost for key Neath Port Talbot council hub
Rooftop panels and battery system to cut carbon and power services in Wales
Rooftop solar panels are set to help power two of Neath Port Talbot Council’s most important buildings after more than £426,000 in combined investment - boosting clean energy generation, improving energy efficiency and supporting efforts to tackle climate change.
The council will install new solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on its Service Response Centre (SRC) and the neighbouring Salt Barn, which are electrically connected via a single meter.
The solar PV element of the scheme is being funded through a £230,762.84 award from Salix via the Wales Funding Programme, backed by Great British Energy.
A further £165,898.13 capital grant from Ynni Cymru will fund the battery and Smart Energy Monitoring System (SEMS) forming part of the council’s Smart Local Energy System programme. The council is also contributing £30,000 in internal support costs.
The total estimated project cost is £426,660.97.
The council’s Decarbonisation, Energy and Climate Change (DECC) Team has been leading the work, meeting deadlines and ensuring works are on track.
Two rooftop arrays will be fitted - a 110.93kWh system on the Service Response Centre and a 60kWh system on the Salt Barn - alongside the Battery and Smart Local Energy System to store and intelligently manage power on site.
The wider Smart Local Energy System initiative aims to combine local energy generation, storage and demand management to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on the grid.
The Service Response Centre, opened in 2008, operates around the clock delivering emergency and general council services, including out-of-hours support for flooding and social services.
The Salt Barn requires 24/7 access as it supplied sale for the road infrastructure in Neath Port Talbot.
This project is a brilliant example of the potential of clean energy to be transformative for communities across Wales. It will help Neath Port Talbot Council power some of its most important buildings and services more sustainably while cutting costs and carbon at the same time. The funding from Great British Energy, delivered by Welsh Government, is a testament to the shared priority of the UK and Welsh governments to tackle climate change and maximise the benefits for people. I am also pleased to see our Ynni Cymru funding further contributing to Wales' clean energy transition.”
Ethan Parry from the council’s Decarbonisation, Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said: “These buildings are absolutely central to our local infrastructure.
“It’s essential that they operate as efficiently and reliably as possible. By generating our own renewable electricity and pairing it with battery storage, we can manage our power more intelligently, reduce costs and cut carbon at the same time.
“This project is about future-proofing critical services while playing our part in tackling climate change.”
Gbenga Adenaike, Wales programme manager for Salix, added: “This is an inspiring example of how targeted funding can unlock meaningful change.
“By investing in solar PV and smart energy systems, we’re helping the council reduce emissions while strengthening vital frontline services.
“We’re proud to support a scheme that not only delivers immediate carbon savings but also lays the groundwork for further low-carbon projects in the area.”
The scheme supports the council’s wider ambition to transition to a net-zero energy system by 2050 through locally generated, smart-managed renewable power - contributing to wider efforts to build a cleaner planet and respond to the climate emergency.
