THE SUNNIEST city in Britain is looking to make Bristol the Solar powered capital of the UK by 2020, says city business leader James Lancaster.

The West Country’s biggest city recently hosted a three-day conference for solar energy suppliers, installers, and where manufacturers held advice stands on how local businesses can install 1GW solar photovoltaic technologies.

The event was organised by the Bristol Solar City initiative and launched by the City Mayor, George Fergusion - as part of the wider Big Green Week festival.
A specially constructed ‘Solar Pavilion’ on College Green was set up with a solar powered stage for talks and music, as well as the Solar Hub Exhibition and workspace where local businesses, city organisations, community groups, and homeowners could learn more about solar energy, efficiency savings, and long-term sustainability.

James Lancaster, chairman of Bristol Solar City, said: “While an ambitious task Bristol is well placed to meet the challenge. Bristol has shown itself to be a leader in sustainability and renewable technologies; we’ve been in the top five of the UK’s Greenest cities for the last six years and are shortlisted to be European Green capital 2015. Bristol is also the sunniest of the UK’s major cities, we have a reputation for making things happen in our communities.”

Kerry Burns, founder of Bristol Solar City, added: “As energy prices continue to rise, generating our own clean green energy would provide energy security and economic stability as a city, as well as helping to reduce the bills for homes and businesses across the region. It would reduce our collective carbon emissions by 460,000 tonnes each year, create local jobs and develop businesses in the region and provide lasting legacy for generations to come.”

A number of city partnerships took part in the event including Bristol City Council, Bristol Energy Network, The National Solar Centre, and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership.

Pvcompare Team