Surrey County Council is a local government authority located in the south-east of England, responsible for providing a range of services to the residents of Surrey. The council is committed to promoting sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions in the county. As part of this commitment, the council has been actively involved in developing renewable energy projects in various sectors, including solar.

Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. The council recognizes the importance of solar energy in achieving its sustainability goals and has been working on various solar projects in the county.

One of the major solar projects undertaken by the council is the installation of solar panels on the roofs of council-owned buildings. The council has identified several buildings, including schools, libraries, and leisure centers, that are suitable for solar panel installation. The panels generate electricity that is used to power the buildings, reducing their reliance on grid electricity and lowering their carbon footprint.

Another solar project undertaken by the council is the installation of solar farms. The council has identified several sites in the county that are suitable for solar farm development. These sites are typically large areas of land that are not suitable for other uses, such as agriculture or housing. The solar farms generate electricity that is fed into the grid, contributing to the overall renewable energy generation in the county.

The council has also been working with local communities to develop community solar projects. These projects involve the installation of solar panels on community buildings, such as village halls or community centers. The electricity generated by the panels is used to power the building, and any excess electricity is sold back to the grid. The profits from the sale of electricity are then reinvested in the community, providing a sustainable source of income.

One example of a community solar project developed by the council is the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Tillingbourne Junior School in Guildford. The project was funded by the council and the local community and involved the installation of 56 solar panels on the roof of the school. The panels generate around 14,000 kWh of electricity per year, reducing the school's carbon footprint and saving money on electricity bills.

The council has also been working on innovative solar projects, such as the installation of solar carports. These carports are designed to provide shelter for cars while also generating electricity from the sun. The carports are typically installed in car parks, providing a dual benefit of generating renewable energy and providing shade for parked cars.

One example of a solar carport project developed by the council is the installation of a solar carport at the council's headquarters in Kingston. The carport provides shelter for 12 cars and generates around 15,000 kWh of electricity per year, reducing the council's reliance on grid electricity and lowering its carbon footprint.

In addition to developing solar projects, the council has also been working on promoting solar energy to residents and businesses in the county. The council has launched several initiatives to encourage the installation of solar panels on homes and businesses, including offering grants and providing advice on the installation process.

One example of a solar promotion initiative developed by the council is the Solar Together scheme. The scheme is a group-buying scheme that enables residents and businesses to purchase solar panels at a discounted price. The scheme is run in partnership with other local councils and has been successful in increasing the uptake of solar panels in the county.

Overall, Surrey County Council is committed to promoting sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions in the county. The council recognizes the importance of solar energy in achieving these goals and has been actively involved in developing various solar projects in the county. The council's efforts have not only contributed to the overall renewable energy generation in the county but have also provided a range of benefits to local communities, including reduced energy bills and a sustainable source of income.