Plans to install solar panels on the roof of Worcester City Council’s St Martin’s Gate car park may be delayed due to a significant budget increase. The project, initially estimated at £463,250, is now projected to cost £604,365—an extra £140,000.
The council had intended for the panels to supply electricity for lifts, lights, and electric vehicle charging points at the car park on City Walls Road. They hoped the project would lower energy bills by up to £58,000 annually and boost energy production by nearly 450%.
However, a recent report indicates that the return on investment is now just 0.5%, down from the 2.5% originally anticipated. The council had approved the initial business case in October 2023 based on this higher return rate.
Due to the cost overruns, the council is considering pausing the project. A meeting is scheduled for 3 September to discuss the potential delay.
One option being explored is closing the top floor of the car park to reduce installation costs, which would also mean losing 38 of the car park’s 700 spaces.