Solar farm installed at Leicestershire Police's HQ

Zoe Mcgrady
BBC News, Leicester
Better Times Solar panels on a gravel path. Better Times
The panels have been installed at the force's Enderby headquarters

Bosses say a new solar farm at Leicestershire Police's Enderby headquarters is forecast to generate the equivalent of £2.1m worth of energy over the next 25 years.

The force is believed to be one of the first in the country to invest in the installation of a small solar farm.

Police chiefs say they expect to save £63,525 in energy costs in its first year of operation based on current energy prices, with the £350,000 installation costs "likely" to be recouped within five years.

Leicestershire police and crime commissioner Rupert Matthews said the force had a duty to work towards Net Zero carbon emissions.

He hailed the installation a "wonderful milestone" with solar panels also in place on force buildings in Oakham, Loughborough and Hinckley Road.

"As a large organisation at the centre of community life, it's critical Leicestershire Police leads by example.

"I'm excited by the changes underway and the opportunities for changing the way we work to protect our scarce resources and create a cleaner world for future generations," said Matthews.

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