A multi-storey car park roof in Glasgow will become a solar farm to generate power for car chargers – and potentially high rise flats.
Solar panels covering 130 car parking spaces will be installed on Duke Street roof top this year. The renewable energy project had been delayed but the site is to be prepared in the next few weeks for work to start.
It is hoped extra power created could supply three high rise tower blocks in Drygate.
A 500 kilowatt battery on the council owned car park site would allow energy from the solar panels to be stored and shared.
The car park is already home to seven electric vehicle charging stations, which will get energy from the panels.
A spokeswoman from Glasgow City Council said: “Glasgow is a Lighthouse city in the EU Horizon 2020 Ruggedised project.
“This innovative scheme delivers smart solutions to support our journey towards a low carbon city. This particular project will see the construction of a bespoke solar car port on the roof of the multi-storey car park at Duke Street and includes battery storage to support seven electric vehicle charging stations, on site.
“The installation will be in place by mid-2022.”
Money for the scheme has come from a a £940,000 European Commission fund. The Duke Street car park has 1170 spaces.
By local democracy reporter Sarah Hilley
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