Cornish hospitals get funding for solar panels

The trust said the upgrades could save hundreds of thousands of pounds per year

Plans are under way to install thousands of solar panels at hospitals across Cornwall.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said it had received a national funding grant of nearly £2.2m to install 2,725 solar panels across 11 sites.

The trust said it was one of 78 to be awarded funding, adding it expected to save £6.5m over the lifetime of the panels.

Alan Bean, sustainability programme manager for the trust, said reducing reliance on the grid by about 30% could save hundreds of thousands of pounds per year.

The funding is part of a £100m Great British Energy scheme to help the NHS drive down energy costs through solar power and battery storage.

Mr Bean said the projects would lead to a "significant reduction" in the trust's carbon footprint and operating costs.

"The electricity generated by the solar systems will be roughly the same amount used in 518 homes," he said.

"The cost savings could be used to improve patient care or fund other carbon reduction projects."

Which sites will be upgraded?

The sites earmarked for upgrades include:

• Bodmin Community Hospital

• Liskeard Community Hospital

• Longreach House at Redruth

• Camborne Health Office

• Bellair Health Office at Penzance

• Camborne Redruth Community Hospital

• Falmouth Community Hospital

• Helston Community Hospital

• Launceston Community Hospital

• St Barnabas Community Hospital at Saltash

• Stratton Community Hospital