Published: May 17, 2012
New £23,000 solar energy farm powers Burnham-On-Sea theatre

A £23,000 project to create a huge solar energy farm on top of Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre has been completed.

40 photovoltaic cells have been installed on the roof of the theatre in Princess Street, as pictured here, and they are already generating around £400 of electricity per month.

It is expected the cells will considerably reduce the theatre's energy costs while also generating income for Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, which runs the building.

Princess Theatre Chairman Peter Burridge-Clayton told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The PV cells have been successfully installed and are generating income for the tax payers of Burnham and Highbridge. In the long term, this scheme will benefit both The Princess and the council."

Cllr Phil Harvey, who was one of the project's originators, added: "At the current rate, the panels will be fully paid off within five years. I'm delighted the cells are in place, creating not only income but 'green' energy as well."

Theatre Manager Andy Pullyn added that the solar energy farm maintains the theatre's commitment to reducing costs.

The panels were installed by Ethical Solar and have come in well within the budget of £30,000 agreed by the Town Council.

The Town Council took over the theatre from Sedgemoor District Council last Spring and has brought it back from the brink of closure.

Pictured: Princess Chairman Peter Burridge-Clayton and theatre manager Andy Pullyn with the new solar panels on the theatre roof