New solar panels are up and running on a number of public buildings across East Cleveland, helping to cut energy bills, reduce emissions and save money for local taxpayers.

Backed by more than £1 million from the Labour Government’s Great British Energy body, the funding is supporting practical projects that bring down the cost of running public services while investing in clean, homegrown power.

Sites now generating electricity include Guisborough Forest Walkway Visitor Centre, Duncan Place Library and Community Centre in Loftus, Jervaulx Care Home in New Skelton, and Skelton Youth Centre and Community Hub.

By generating their own electricity, these buildings will be able to reinvest savings back into frontline services, while also contributing to energy security for the UK. Record wind and solar generation last month meant the UK avoided the need for £1bn of expensive gas imports, according to analysis by Carbon Brief.

Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said:

“It’s great to see these solar panels installed and generating cleaner, greener electricity on local authority buildings – saving money for the public purse.

“We want to see more public buildings fitted with solar panels where appropriate to ensure less money is spent on heating and powering facilities and more is spent on front-line services.”

Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said:

“This is exactly the kind of practical investment we need: cutting bills for local services while building a stronger, more secure energy system here at home. We’re seeing real benefits from clean power in our communities, with savings that can go back into the services people rely on every day.”