Custom-built solar panels to be installed at St Albans museum

The upgrade is part of St Albans City and District Council’s wider sustainability strategy, following the completion last year of a new sustainable IKO Carrera roof.

Councillor Paul de Kort, leader of the council, said: "Tackling climate change, restoring nature and increasing biodiversity are key priorities for this council and it is vital that we continue with this important work at pace."

The IKO Carrera roof not only improves energy efficiency but also converts some gases which contribute to the greenhouse effect into harmless compounds and features a reflective finish which reduces the surface temperature to allow the solar panels to work more efficiently.

The solar installation is planned for later this year.

St Albans City and District Council declared a climate emergency seven years ago, setting a target to reach net zero emissions by 2030.

In the past year, the council has finalised plans for low-carbon heating at the museum and civic centre, hired two sustainability-focused managers, and secured a £1.5 million grant from the Government’s Warm Homes fund to make energy-efficient improvements to more than 80 privately-owned properties owned by low-income households.

It has also distributed 12,000 trees, planted 4,550 more at a former golf course, and reseeded 5,800 square metres of land to create wild meadows at locations in Harpenden, Redbourn and St Albans.