Have your say on plans to install solar canopies at council-owned car parks
Learn about the positive benefits solar canopies will have for our environment at three pop-up events and presentations in October and November.
Three Rivers District Council and its partner Grand Union Community Energy (GUCE), a local community energy group, have released detailed designs of what the solar canopies could look like if installed at three council-owned car parks.
A solar canopy is a structure with a roof made of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. It generates renewable energy while providing shade and protection from the elements and is typically installed over car parks.
Using grant money from the Greater South Net Zero Hub, the council and GUCE have been exploring the viability and feasibility of the installations to help the council make an informed decision.
Following the feasibility stage, the council-owned car parks where solar canopies have the greatest potential are at William Penn and South Oxhey Leisure Centres and the car park by the Rose Garden in Rickmansworth.
Residents will be able to examine the designs of the solar canopies as well as give their feedback and learn more about the benefits they will bring at the pop-up and presentation events:
- Wednesday 15 October - Three Rivers House (12-1.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm)
- Saturday 18 October - William Penn Leisure Centre (10am–12pm)
- Tuesday 21 October - South Oxhey Leisure Centre (11am–1pm)
- Friday 7 November - South Oxhey Library 9.45am-11.15am
- Tuesday 11 November - Waterways Trust Education Centre, Rickmansworth 7pm-8.30pm
- Wednesday 12 November - Online 7pm-8pm. Sign up to the event by clicking here
- Before the Public Environmental Forum on Tuesday 18 November 5.30-7.30pm at Watford Rural Parish Council Offices
Cllr Jon Tankard, Lead Member for Climate Change and Sustainability, said: “The council has an ambitious target to decarbonise its assets by 2030, meaning our buildings need to use more renewable energy. Solar power provides an excellent source of clean and green energy that can power up our buildings whilst also protecting your vehicle from the weather.
“With energy prices still high, having the canopies are an excellent addition in producing local electricity that also helps clean our local environment. I would urge anyone to have a look at the designs and come by to the pop-up events to learn more and have their say on the proposals.”
PHOTO CAPTION 1: CGI of what the solar canopies could look at the South Oxhey Leisure Centre Car Park
PHOTO CAPTION 2: CGI of what the solar canopies could look at the William Penn Leisure Centre Car Park
PHOTO CAPTION 3: CGI of what the solar canopies could look at the Rose Garden Car Park in Rickmansworth