SOLAR panels have been installed across Salisbury Plain Training Area as part of the Army's commitment to sustainability.
More than 1,200 Photovoltaic (PV) panels have been roof-mounted to garrison buildings in the latest round of construction.
The energy these panels generate will be used to run buildings in Larkhill, Tidworth and Perham Down, with any surplus being sent for reuse elsewhere on the garrisons.
Read more: Salisbury Arms and Anchor and Hope still open despite reports
The works have been completed under the Army’s Project Prometheus, which is delivering around 80 ground-mounted solar farms and roof-mounted solar panels across the Army estate over the next decade.
The official switch-on of the PV panels took place on Monday, March 20, at Perham Down.
At the switch-on Major General Richard Clements CBE, director of basing & infrastructure and the Army’s sustainability champion, said: “Every solar installation that we complete contributes towards our target of achieving Net Zero by 2050.
"By increasing green energy supply, we are building a more resilient, cost-effective Army estate that protects both our future capability and the environments in which soldiers live, work and train.”
Since 2017, more than 4,800 PV panels have been installed on vehicle garaging, offices, stores and training assets at Salisbury Plain Training Area garrisons.
To date, this has saved upwards of 620,000kg of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting over 37,000 trees.
All the construction has been carried out by Aspire Defence Services Ltd, contracting to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) under Project Allenby/Connaught.
See more: Salisbury Police: Four sites being considered for new station
DIO regional delivery lead Barry Ray said: “DIO is proud to be playing its role in working towards achieving the Government Net Zero Carbon target by 2050.
"The installation of solar PV panels undertaken with the Army and Aspire Defence is the product of great collaboration and good progress in achieving that goal.”
Capital projects director Richard Tindal, at Aspire Defence Services Ltd, said: “These recently completed PV panel installations represent the culmination of several years of investment in solar energy provision for Army garrisons on Salisbury Plain Training Area.
"We are very proud to be working with the DIO to modernise the Army estate and support sustainability targets for UK Defence.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here