Solar panels installed on Swale Borough Council’s office in Kent have cut the building’s energy bill by 55% in their first three months of operation.
More than 200 panels have generated enough electricity to save the council £7,262 between March and June 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier.
The system has also exported 13,850 kWh of surplus electricity to the grid, generating a further £1,864 in income. This means that the project is on track to repay its investment faster than initially expected.
Cllr Dolley Wooster, chair of the Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee, said: “The results are better than we expected. If we continued at this rate the panels will pay for themselves much quicker than projected, making this an effective investment that also heavily reduces our carbon footprint.
“This investment to save shows we can make Swale House much cheaper to run, providing best value for local people, while operating in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.”
The installation has reduced carbon emissions by around 13 tonnes, supporting the council’s climate targets.
The installation follows earlier upgrades to Swale House including improved insulation and replacement of single-glazed windows.
The council is now considering similar solar projects at its Sheerness and Faversham buildings.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN