Solar panels have been installed on Durlston Castle

Durlston Castle had the new panels installed as part of Dorset Council’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions across its estates. 

The green energy generated by the panels (an expected 24,500-kilowatt hours a year) will help power the visitor centre, café, shop and gallery at Durlston. 

Any unused electricity produced will feed directly into the national grid to be used elsewhere around the country. 

It is expected to save around six tonnes of CO2e each year. 

The project is part of a £19 million programme of work by the council in a bid to reduce the carbon footprint of its building. 

The panels will save an estimated around six tonnes of CO2e a year

In 2010, solar panels were installed on the roof of the park’s learning centre which, over the past 12 years, have saved 58 tonnes of CO2e.  

Katie Black, senior ranger at Durlston Country Park, said: “The Durlston National Nature Reserve is one of the country’s most important places for wildlife and plays a key role in Dorset Council’s response to the ecological crisis we are facing. 

“These new solar panels will help us contribute to the council’s response to the climate and ecological Emergency and make sure Durlston’s positive impact on the environment is greater than ever.” 

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “The installation of solar panels at such an exemplar site is an excellent demonstration of Dorset Council’s efforts to deliver on its Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and shows how low carbon technologies can be integrated into our listed buildings whilst still preserving their historic integrity.   

“Moving forward the new panels will not only reduce the carbon footprint of our beloved castle, but also help secure its energy prices.”