New 315-panel solar carport unveiled in Plymouth

Plymouth Marine Laboratory has extended its solar-powered infrastructure

A new solar carport that could save an estimated 65 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year has been unveiled in Plymouth.

The 315-panel carport has been unveiled at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) in the Millbay area of the city.

It was designed by SunGift Solar which has previously delivered similar projects in Exeter and Dundee.

The project - the first of its kind in Plymouth - was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.

According to SunGift, a solar carport generates energy using solar panels fitted on top of car parking spaces.

The solar panels are fitted to steel structures which provide shelter for the cars

Director of operations for PML Beverly Tremain said: "As an environmental organisation we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and supporting the aims of Plymouth City Council's Declaration on Climate Emergency.

"As such, we are excited to announce that the installation of the new 134kWp solar carport system at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is now complete."

'Sustainability for the future'

Ms Tremain said the carport would support PML's efforts in reaching net zero.

She said: "Across the country many are feeling the pinch of the rise in energy costs and we endeavour to limit these costs wherever possible.

"The solar carport will provide some reduction in these costs, helping to enable our vital work to continue, including understanding the effects of climate change on our ocean and ensuring its sustainability for the future."

Strategy director and founder of SunGift Solar Gabriel Wondrausch said: "We have really enjoyed working with PML on their net zero projects, especially this latest carport.

"Systems like this allow organisations to literally transform their car parks into clean energy assets, unlocking a traditionally under-utilised space into a true statement of sustainability."

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