FIRE stations across Lincolnshire are now benefitting from the blazing sun by harnessing it to generate their own power.
The fire station in Billingborough is the latest station to convert to solar energy as an installation of 40 new solar panels is completed.
The station is the 16th to be fitted with solar by Stow-based green energy company Freewatt as the service delivers on its promise to reduce energy consumption by 20% by the end of the year.
In total the 16 stations are now saving more than £60,000 a year of tax payers’ money in reduced energy bills.
The project at Billingborough employs the latest technology and uses special panels that, instead of sitting on top of existing tiles, replace them entirely with a roof made of energy producing panes.
The building is in a conservation area and the 9.6KW system required special planning permission. It will save 5,000kg of CO2 a year.
The £500,000 project is part of an on-going program of solar energy installations carried out at the county’s fire stations by Freewatt.
So far stations in Bardney, Billingborough, Bourne, Brant Broughton, Caistor, Crowland, Horncastle, Long Sutton, Louth, Mablethorpe, Metheringham, North Hykeham, Saxilby, Stamford, Wainfleet and Woodhall Spa have been converted by Freewatt.
In total the stations are now generating 150,000 kW per year - and saving CO2 emissions of 80 tonnes.
The largest array is at Bradney, where a 69kW scheme was fitted in 2011.
“The fire stations project has been challenging because each station has required a different approach to make sure it was as efficient, cost effective and sympathetic to its surroundings as possible,” said Julian Patrick, managing director of Freewatt UK.
“But it’s rewarding to know that these buildings are not only protecting our homes and families but protecting the future of the planet too.”
“Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is totally committed to green technology. We have embarked on an ambitious programme of making our station’s impact on the environment as low as possible and solar energy has been a cornerstone of that project,” said  Group Manager Andy Whitfield.
“The project doesn’t just make sense for the planet, it makes sense financially too. It’s about protecting the county’s environment and protecting the tax payers hard-earned cash at the same time. We are delighted with the work that has been done and the solar panels are already performing above our expectations.”
For more information on Freewatt go to www.freewatt.co.uk.