Around $90,000 in annual savings will be generated by new solar panels at Matatiki Hornby Centre.

625 panels now adorn the roof of Christchurch City Council’s newest library and pool facility at Kyle Park in Hornby.

“We’re officially connected and generating about quarter of our own power,” says Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox.

The panel installation was paid for through the government’s Better Off funding grant.

“It’s fantastic to be able to put the funding towards something that not only moves us closer to our sustainability goals, but also offers some long-term cost savings,” says Mr Cox.

Local firm Sunshine Solar was engaged to install the panels at Matatiki, which is the first major Council facility to receive the solar treatment.

“The amount of power we generate will vary throughout the year. During winter, we will generate approximately 10% of our total power needs, rising to 36% during the summer months, for an average of 24%.

“The pool facilities use a lot of power, so we will still be reliant on the local grid,” says Mr Cox.

The Council estimates an annual saving of around $90,000 on its power bill for Matatiki Hornby Centre.

“The performance of the solar array at Matatiki will give the Council valuable data and may help inform the future addition of solar at other Council sites,” says Mr Cox.

Matatiki Hornby Centre is located at 25 Smarts Road, in Kyle Park.