Cornwall’s largest solar canopy powers council HQ with clean energy

Cornwall Council is set to complete its largest solar canopy project, installed over the visitor and council vehicle carparks at New County Hall in Truro.

Comprising 543 solar panels, this renewable energy initiative will generate around 200,000 kWh of electricity annually—enough to power 74 homes. The canopy will meet a third of the council headquarters’ energy demands, providing a more self-sufficient energy source while significantly reducing annual energy bills.

The 230-kilowatt power system is expected to lower the council offices’ greenhouse gas emissions by 50 tonnes of carbon per year. This solar canopy marks the latest milestone in Cornwall Council’s ambitious renewable energy agenda. With a goal to increase renewable capacity across its buildings from the current 8 MW to an additional 10 MW by 2030, Cornwall aims to achieve one of the highest levels of local authority-generated renewable energy in the UK.

This project follows previous installations at New County Hall, where rooftop solar panels already supply a quarter of the building’s energy. Cornwall Council’s approach to sustainable energy exemplifies a commitment to both reducing operational costs and supporting the UK’s net-zero objectives. By cutting down reliance on traditional energy sources, the council’s efforts are directly contributing to the region’s decarbonisation.

The new solar canopy also supports Cornwall’s goal to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with additional EV charging bays set to be added for council vehicles. This aligns with the council’s strategy to reduce emissions from its pool car fleet, furthering Cornwall’s climate goals.

Cllr Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, highlighted the solar canopy as a “flagship scheme” in the council’s broader renewable energy programme. “This is Cornwall’s largest solar canopy and a flagship scheme in our ambitious programme to increase renewable energy and decarbonise our council buildings,” he stated. Alvey hopes this project will serve as a model for other councils considering similar initiatives.

The initiative also feeds into the development of Cornwall’s Local Area Energy Plan, an interactive effort inviting residents to contribute to discussions on energy generation for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

With Cornwall’s largest solar canopy nearing activation, the council continues to pave the way for localised, renewable energy solutions that prioritise sustainability and community engagement. As the council’s renewable capacity grows, projects like this solar canopy are expected to inspire similar efforts throughout the UK, driving local energy independence and climate action.