PLANS for a £1.35 million solar panel project have been revealed by Rushcliffe Borough Council.

Cabinet members will discuss proposals which could initially see solar panels installed at six council-owned buildings.

If approved, the panels could be installed on buildings including West Park cricket pavilion, Gresham sports pavilion and the education centre at Rushcliffe Country Park.

Charlotte McGraw, head of community shaping at the council, said the scheme would help the council be more environmentally-friendly.

She said: "This is part of the council's plan to drive down carbon emissions, while also saving money on energy bills – as sustainability is a key priority. In September 2010 the council resolved to review all of the options available to produce renewable energy.

"Since then the council has developed and approved a carbon management plan which sets out the council's intentions to reduce carbon emissions from its own estate by 30 per cent by 2020."

It is hoped the panels will help reduce the authority's carbon footprint, cut energy bills as well as possibly creating money for the council – as unused energy can be sold back to the national grid.

This follows a decision by Government in 2010 to allow local authorities to sell renewable energy back into the national grid to encourage the expansion of projects like these.

Mrs McGraw said the initial plans for solar panels will cost around £350,000.

She added: "In the longer term the council will consider the potential to install panels on its leisure centres, at a potential cost of around £1 million, but this is subject to the outcome of the Leisure Facilities Strategy Review that is being carried out."

The solar panels have the potential to save more than 230 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually – which is equivalent to a 4.1 per cent annual reduction if fitted at all council-run buildings, except Alford Road pavilion which could be redeveloped in the future.

It is estimated that Rushcliffe could make up to £138,100 a year by supplying the national grid with electricity, meaning the council would recoup the money spent on installing the panels in 10 to 11 years. The plans will be discussed at a meeting tomorrow.