A MAJOR project to install solar technology to a series of public buildings and homes is set to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint of Barrow’s borough.

Barrow’s iconic Dock Museum has had photovoltaic panels installed along with around 90 council-owned homes in the Roosegate and Yew Tree areas as part of the Low Carbon Barrow programme.

Work to install the technology began in 2022 and is now complete. It is predicted that the panels now operational on the roof of The Dock Museum alone will save 9,091kg – or over nine tonnes – of carbon every year.

Nine tonnes of carbon is equivalent to the emissions produced by driving 33,500 miles in a diesel car – the equivalent of driving from Land’s End to John o’Groats over 40 times.

Councillor Therese Assouad, Barrow Borough Council’s Lead Member for Climate Emergency, said: “In the past year, several Low Carbon Barrow initiatives have been completed which is excellent news.

“It’s vital that we take climate change seriously and that we all do everything we can to fight it.

“The installation of this solar technology will help to provide energy to the museum and to around 90 homes for years to come, reducing carbon and also helping to bring energy bills down.”

Low Carbon Barrow is a scheme launched by Barrow Borough Council in 2021 thanks to funding secured from the European Regional Development Fund and Cumbria LEP.

It includes a series of innovative projects which aim to reduce carbon emissions across the area while supporting its economic growth.

In addition to installing the photovoltaic panels, the scheme has included the installation of LED lighting at Barrow Park Leisure Centre, as well as The Forum to the stage, public and conference areas of the building.

A total of 18 electric vehicle charging points have been installed in car parks operated by Barrow Borough Council to improve the infrastructure network for those already using electric vehicles and to make it easier for drivers considering the change.

And a special grant scheme was launched to help businesses in the borough identify ways of embracing lower carbon technologies to save both energy and costs.

Councillor Assouad added: “Low Carbon Barrow has resulted in a number of initiatives that are having a positive impact upon our carbon footprint in the borough. Enabling buildings and homes to harness solar energy is another excellent example of this.

“We all need to think differently about energy use and to consider the actions we can take to make a difference to climate change.”