New solar panels are set to make a Norfolk district council £1m over the next 25 years.

Breckland Council has announced its approval for the installation of solar panels on the roof of Dereham Leisure Centre.

It has agreed to release £120,000 from a Growth and Investment Reserve to add to the £160,000 from the previously released Breckland 2035 funds.

The council’s projected income from this initiative, after maintenance costs, is around £1m over 25 years.

Eastern Daily Press: Dereham Leisure CentreDereham Leisure Centre (Image: IAN BURT)

It is also expected to result in a Co2 equivalent reduction of almost 47,000 kg per year.

Helen Crane, executive member for waste, environmental health, licensing and sustainability said: “This is a great step forward in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and move towards a more sustainable future.

“Not only will this initiative help to generate income for the council, but it will also provide a clean source of energy for our community.”

Eastern Daily Press: Cllr Helen Crane, executive member for waste, environmental health, licensing and sustainabilityCllr Helen Crane, executive member for waste, environmental health, licensing and sustainability (Image: Breckland Council)

Any remaining energy will be exported to the UK Power Network, which has agreed to purchase it from the council.

The solar panel project will complement the destratification works that were approved for Dereham and Thetford Leisure Centres in July of this year.