SOLAR panels could be installed at a Clydebank high school in a bid to continue West Dunbartonshire Council’s campaign to improve self-sufficient energy use.

St Peter the Apostle High School has been identified as a potential building which could benefit from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at a cost of £130,000 saving £391,190 worth of electricity over 25 years.

The project is currently going through a design feasibility stage with costs being confirmed. Other buildings, including Clydebank Leisure Centre, have also been identified as properties which could benefit from the scheme over the next two financial years.

It comes after SNP councillor Ian Dickson asked for officers to investigate and provide a report on increasing the council’s energy self-sufficiency by using solar power at a full council meeting last year.

A fresh report was brought before the infrastructure, regeneration and economic development committee last Wednesday afternoon.

Councillor Martin Rooney asked for more information on the scheme.

Read more: Dalmuir Knit n Natter group use their talent to donate to good cause

He said: “The report highlights that there is only one Solar PV Project this year. It says there are further projects being considered in 2020/21 and 2021/22. Is this correct?”

Council officer Craig Jardine confirmed that St Peter the Apostle will be funded from an existing solar budget for 2019/20. Clydebank Leisure Centre is included in a future proposal for 2020/21.

Mr Jardine said: “We are encouraging related projects. The council will need to carry out a feasibility study to see if they are viable or not.”

To date, West Dunbartonshire Council has installed solar PV panels in a number of schools and new buildings including St Mary’s Primary School – Duntocher, Dumbarton Academy, St Stephen’s – Gartocharn and St Michael’s Primary School.

Also included is the new Dumbarton office, Balloch Campus, Levenvale Park and Crosslet House.

Officers are currently exploring further potential opportunities having ruled out a number of buildings due to the current condition of roofs, which will need to be renewed.

New energy efficient projects will be brought back before committee in due course.